Driftwood Beach Appetizer (Printable Version)

Smoky white fish with creamy hummus and crisp crackers, styled as a serene driftwood beach.

# What You Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 3.5 oz pale, rustic-style crackers (such as water crackers, matzo, or lavash), broken into driftwood-like pieces

→ Fish

02 - 4.2 oz smoked white fish (such as smoked trout, mackerel, or haddock), flaked into bite-sized pieces

→ Hummus Shore

03 - 8.8 oz classic hummus
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

07 - 1 tbsp fresh dill fronds
08 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
09 - 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
10 - Microgreens (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Spread the hummus in a thick, even layer on a large serving platter, shaping it into a gentle shoreline with a spatula or spoon.
02 - Drizzle the olive oil over the hummus, lightly dust with smoked paprika, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to create a sandy beach effect.
03 - Place the broken crackers artistically along one edge to resemble weathered driftwood washed ashore.
04 - Scatter the flaked smoked fish atop and around the crackers, varying piece placement for a natural appearance.
05 - Decorate with fresh dill, lemon zest, capers, and optional microgreens to enhance freshness and presentation.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to combine fish and hummus with crackers as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like a work of art but comes together in 20 minutes, so you can actually impress people without stress.
  • The contrast of crispy crackers, silky hummus, and flaky smoked fish keeps your palate genuinely interested with every bite.
  • It feels special enough for guests but casual enough to make for yourself on a quiet evening.
02 -
  • Smoked paprika is essential for the visual effect, but a tiny bit goes a long way—too much and it becomes bitter and overpowering.
  • Don't rinse the capers aggressively or they lose their briny character; a quick rinse under cool water is enough.
  • The moment the crackers touch hummus they begin softening, so arrange everything right before serving and tell guests to dive in immediately.
03 -
  • Buy good smoked fish—it's the star of the plate, so don't compromise on quality or flavor depth.
  • If your hummus is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or lemon juice before spreading, and let it come to room temperature so it spreads smoothly.
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