Deviled Cucumbers
This recipe creates elegant deviled cucumber bites, perfect as a quick appetizer. Mini cucumbers are halved and filled with a creamy, savory mixture of room-temperature cream cheese, smoked salmon, sour cream, chopped capers, and fresh chives, seasoned with black pepper. The result is a refreshing and flavorful bite-sized snack.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Paring Knife For precise cutting and hollowing of cucumbers.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl For combining the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 Rubber spatula or spoon For mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- 1 Small Spoon or Melon Baller To carefully scoop out cucumber seeds.
- 1 Pastry bag with star tip (Optional) For a more refined and consistent presentation when filling.
Ingredients
Main
- 12 mini cucumbers each 2 to 3 inches long
- 3 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 ounce smoked salmon coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon drained capers in brine coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Halve each mini cucumber lengthwise, then use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out and discard the seeds, creating small boats.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese with the coarsely chopped smoked salmon, sour cream, freshly ground black pepper, coarsely chopped capers, and chopped fresh chives.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a rubber spatula or spoon until the filling is well combined and smooth.
- Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind the saltiness of the salmon and capers.
- Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into each hollowed cucumber half. For a more professional finish, transfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip and pipe it into the cucumber boats.
- Arrange the filled deviled cucumbers on a serving platter.
- Garnish with additional fresh chives, a small sprig of dill, or a tiny piece of smoked salmon for presentation.
- Serve immediately, or chill lightly if preferred, for a refreshing appetizer.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is truly at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. For a brighter flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the filling. When hollowing the cucumbers, be gentle to avoid breaking the delicate walls; a small melon baller works beautifully. Season the filling judiciously, tasting as you go, as smoked salmon and capers already contribute significant salinity. For an elevated presentation, pipe the mixture into the cucumber boats with a star tip and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a thin slice of radish alongside the chives.