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The appetizer, Light and fresh

Smoked trout and horseradish rolls

Smoked trout and horseradish rolls are a cold appetizer for 6 people, made of smoked trout wrapped around a horseradish and dill cream cheese. They take 25 minutes of active work and are rolled in the morning for the evening, only the slicing happens right before guests arrive. The recipe is very easy, costs €2.40 per person, and the trick to clean slices is a short stint in the freezer.

Thin slices of smoked trout rolled around a horseradish and dill cream cheese, sliced into pretty pink rounds.

Smoked trout and horseradish rolls
For
6 people
Work
25 min
Total time
2 h 20
Prep
Prepared the same day
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€2.40
Calories per person
140 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

Smoked trout brings a briny flavor and pink color, while the horseradish and dill cream cheese softens and sharpens the bite at the same time. The result is fresh and light, slicing into neat pink rounds that always look good on an appetizer table. It is the kind of bite that disappears fast without weighing down the start of a meal.

These rolls work for a dinner with friends or a family gathering, any time of year since they do not depend on any particular season. They sit nicely before a heartier main course, whether for a holiday spread or a summer cocktail party. Kids who like salmon or smoked trout tend to enjoy them too, perched on a small toast.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day 4 steps, 1 h 24
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step, 10 min
  4. When it's time to serve Nothing to do

Make and roll the trout in the morning, then keep the wrapped roll in the freezer for an hour before moving it to the fridge until evening. Right before guests arrive, slice the rounds and arrange them on bread or blinis. Serve right away to enjoy the contrast between the cream cheese and the trout.

The ingredients

6 people

Fish counter

  • Smoked trout, sliced 300 g

Dairy

  • Cream cheese, such as Saint Môret 200 g

Pantry

  • Prepared horseradish 2 tbsp
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Dill 0.5 bunch
  • Lemon 1

Bakery

  • Rye bread or blinis 12 slices

Allergens Fish, Lactose

The recipe, moment by moment

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Mix the cream cheese with the horseradish, chopped dill, a little lemon juice, and pepper. 8 min

    Add the horseradish gradually, some jars are much stronger than others.

  2. Lay out two layers of plastic wrap and arrange the trout slices overlapping into a rectangle. 8 min

    Overlap the slices by about half a centimeter so they form one solid sheet.

  3. Spread the cream cheese over the trout, then roll tightly using the wrap to help. 8 min

    Roll it into a firm log with no air bubbles.

  4. Keep the wrapped roll in the freezer for an hour, then move it to the fridge. 1 h

    Do not leave it in the freezer longer than overnight, it would get too hard to slice.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Remove the wrap, slice into one centimeter rounds, and place them on bread or blinis. 10 min

    Run the knife under hot water between cuts for a clean edge.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick wide, even slices of smoked trout, they will form a neater rectangle for rolling.
  • If the cream cheese feels too soft to spread, drain it on paper towels for a few minutes before mixing.
  • Prepare the bread or blinis at the very last moment so they stay crisp under the cold rounds.

The variations

  • Swap the smoked trout for smoked salmon, the roll will be a bit richer but just as easy to slice.
  • For a fish free version, use thin slices of grilled, cooled zucchini instead of the trout.
  • For kids, cut the horseradish by half and add a bit of chives, the flavor will be milder.

What to serve it with

  • A glass of chilled dry white wine
  • Plain blinis for a different texture
  • A green salad as a starter

Storage

The wrapped roll keeps up to 24 hours in the fridge before slicing. Do not freeze it beyond an hour, the freezer is only there to firm up the texture for slicing. Once sliced and plated on bread, eat the rolls within two hours.

Questions about this recipe

Can I make the rolls without plastic wrap?

The wrap helps roll the trout into a tight, even log, without it the roll holds together less well. You can use parchment paper instead, twisting the ends tightly like a candy wrapper.

What kind of horseradish should I use?

A basic jarred horseradish from the grocery aisle works perfectly well, no need to hunt for a specialty version. Taste as you mix since the strength varies a lot from jar to jar.

How should I present the rolls for a buffet?

Arrange the rounds on small rye toasts or blinis, slightly overlapping on a flat platter. Add a few sprigs of fresh dill and a thin lemon slice for color.

Can I use something other than rye bread?

Plain blinis, cucumber slices, or neutral crackers all work well instead of rye bread. Pick a base firm enough to hold the roll without breaking.

Can smoked trout and horseradish rolls be made ahead?

Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 25 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 4 steps, before the guests arrive, 1 step.

How long does it take to make smoked trout and horseradish rolls?

Allow 2 h 20 in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 25 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in smoked trout and horseradish rolls?

About 140 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does smoked trout and horseradish rolls cost?

About €2.40 per person, that's €14.40 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish, lactose. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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