Name: Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48 small frozen tater tots (shredded potato bites); Olive oil spray; Everything bagel seasoning for sprinkling; 1 box Boursin cheese (5.3 oz / 150 g); 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or ricotta, whipped cottage cheese, or sour cream); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1/2 a lemon (reserve the other half for garnish); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3.5 to 4 oz (100 to 120 g) smoked salmon, sliced into strips; Everything bagel seasoning for finishing; A handful of fresh chives, finely sliced (or fresh dill); Remaining lemon zest from filling; Pickled red onion or capers (optional)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about these bite-sized treats: crispy hash browns hugging a luscious whipped cheese, topped with silky smoked salmon and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. This Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe is one of those little culinary pleasures that feels fancy yet totally doable in your own kitchen.

The image shows a white round plate filled with 20 small, golden-brown crispy cups arranged in a circular pattern. Each cup is filled with a smooth white cream layer and topped with a small rose-shaped swirl of bright pink smoked salmon. There are green chive bits and a mix of black and white sesame seeds sprinkled evenly over the cups, adding texture and color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with parts of a small green cloth and some holiday decorations visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Trust me, once you make these Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizers, you’ll want to add them to every brunch or party menu. What’s not to love? They’re crispy yet creamy, savory with a hint of fresh lemon brightness, and perfectly portable finger foods that impress without stress.

Perfectly Crispy Cups: Using frozen tater tots molded into cups creates a crunchy vessel for delicate smoky salmon and creamy cheese filling.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a box of Boursin cheese for that unmistakable richness.
Elegant and Easy: Looks like an upscale appetizer but comes together in under 30 minutes with very little hands-on time.
Customizable: From fresh herbs to zesty garnishes, you can tailor these to fit your mood, dietary needs, or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is magic in its simplicity. Frozen tater tots create instantly crispy little cups without the mess of making hash browns from scratch. The creamy Boursin triple-cream cheese balances the salty smoked salmon perfectly, with lemon and herbs adding that fresh pop.

Flat lay of a small heap of frozen shredded potato bites, a small white bowl of creamy whipped Boursin cheese mixed with Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of golden lemon juice, half a fresh lemon next to a small pile of lemon zest, a few thin strips of pink smoked salmon elegantly arranged, a small white bowl filled with everything bagel seasoning, a small bunch of finely sliced fresh chives, a few pickled red onion slices on a small white bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen Tater Tots: These are shredded potatoes shaped into little bites—super convenient and crisp up wonderfully to form the cups.
Boursin Cheese: I love the garlic and herb flavor here—it’s creamy and adds an indulgent richness without overpowering.
Greek Yogurt: Adds a tangy lightness that helps whip the Boursin into a fluffier filling.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness, making every bite feel fresh.
Smoked Salmon: The star ingredient with that silky texture and smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: A sprinkle adds crunch, texture, and that classic bagel flavor profile we all crave.
Fresh Chives or Dill: Herbaceous notes that finish the dish and add color.
Pickled Red Onion or Capers (Optional): These bring a vinegary zing that contrasts nicely with the creamy and smoky flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Feel free to swap the Boursin cheese for flavored cream cheese or add fresh dill if that’s your herb of choice. You can also play with the garnishes to match the season or your flavor cravings.

Variation: I tried adding a dollop of sour cream instead of Greek yogurt once, which gave it a richer texture. It was delicious but a bit heavier, so for a lighter feel, I usually stick with Greek yogurt.
Dietary Mods: If you want to make this dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative blended with some lemon and fresh herbs.
Seasonal Tweak: In summer, I like to top with a small sprig of fresh dill and a caper, while in winter, I lean towards chives and pickled red onion for a sharper flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe

A dark metal muffin tray filled with two kinds of small foods in each cup: one side has golden brown tater tots stacked in pairs or threes, while the other side shows scooped mashed potatoes pressed and shaped inside the cups forming small hollowed nests with a soft creamy yellow color and chunky texture. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon gently pressing one of the mashed potato nests, and the whole tray is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Tater Tot Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C fan). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with olive oil spray or rub it down with butter on a piece of parchment (I like this trick to prevent sticking). Arrange two frozen tater tots into each hole. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly shaped at this point—they’ll soften as they bake.

Step 2: Bake and Shape

Bake the tots for about 10 minutes until they soften but aren’t crispy yet. Remove the pan carefully, then grab the back of a teaspoon to press the tots gently into little cups. Push the potato up the sides of each muffin well and press down on the base to form a sturdy crust. Sprinkle a pinch of everything bagel seasoning into each cup bottom before popping the pan back in the oven.

Step 3: Crisp and Cool

Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and crisp. When done, take the pan out and let these cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes—this helps them hold their shape when you carefully remove them.

Step 4: Whip the Filling

While the cups bake, mix the Boursin cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, half the lemon zest, and a generous grind of black pepper in a bowl until creamy and fluffy. I like to transfer this mixture into a piping bag to neatly fill the cups, but a spoon works just fine if you prefer.

Step 5: Assemble to Impress

Place the cooled hash brown cups on a serving platter. Pipe or spoon the creamy cheese mixture into each cup, then artfully top with smoked salmon slices. Finally, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, fresh chives, the remaining lemon zest, and optional pickled red onion or capers for that extra zing. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe a dozen times now, and a few little tricks really make a difference between “meh” and “wow.” Here’s what I learned about making your smoked salmon cups perfect every time:

Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting the hash brown cups cool in the pan for a few minutes before removal keeps them crisp and prevents breakage.
Use a Piping Bag: Filling the cups with a piping bag gives you a clean, elegant finish that looks amazing for entertaining.
Be Generous with Seasoning: The everything bagel seasoning is essential—it amps up texture and flavor, so don’t hold back.
Freshness Matters: Adding fresh lemon zest and herbs at the end brightens each bite and keeps the appetizer lively, so don’t skip those final garnishes.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe

smoked salmon hash browns - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are fresh chives and a touch of lemon zest for that pop of brightness. For a little tang, I always add a tiny sliver of pickled red onion or a caper on top. It’s those little bursts of flavor that make these cups feel gourmet and well-rounded.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these bites with a mixed green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or alongside a fresh fruit platter. They also fit perfectly on a brunch buffet next to scrambled eggs, smoked trout, or even avocado toast for a big, beautiful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cups on a large wooden board scattered with lemon slices, fresh dill sprigs, and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve them in mini decorative cupcake liners to make grab-and-go party platters even more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cups and the filling separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the hash browns crisp. When stored properly, the cups hold up well for about 2 days, though I recommend eating them as fresh as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the hash brown cups before (without filling), and they freeze beautifully. Just cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Reheat directly in the oven to crisp before filling and serving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cups in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 7-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Add the filling and salmon fresh after reheating to keep everything perfectly textured.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these without smoked salmon?

Absolutely! You can swap smoked salmon for cooked shrimp, diced cooked bacon, or even roasted veggies. The crispy cups and creamy filling are versatile enough to handle a range of toppings.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?

A mini muffin pan is ideal for shaping the hash browns into cups, but if you don’t have one, try using a regular muffin pan and press more tater tots to line it, though your cups will be larger. You can also try small silicone baking cups, just keep an eye on crisping time.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can bake the cups ahead and store them separately, but it’s best to fill and garnish right before serving so they stay crisp and fresh.

How do I keep the hash brown cups crispy?

Cooling in the pan before removal helps, and storing the cups separately from the filling keeps moisture away. Reheating in the oven before serving also restores crispness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cup Appetizer Recipe is one of those dishes that’s equal parts crowd-pleaser and personal favorite. It’s quick, simple, and always looks like you spent hours impressing guests. Seriously, keep a box of tater tots and some Boursin on hand—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe more than you expected. Give it a try at your next brunch or celebration, and I bet it’ll become your go-to party appetizer too.