Herring and Black Bread Canapés on Skewers
Original, elegant, and perfect for a festive table! Herring and black bread canapés on skewers are a quick and stylish appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get a whole platter of mini sandwiches that will decorate any celebration.
Updated : 04 November, 2025
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
100 grams
Dark bread
150 grams
Herring
1
Apple
1 teaspoon
Mustard
50 grams
Butter
25 grams
Dill
10
Olive
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Herring pairs best with black bread - avoid white. Borodinsky bread is especially tasty. You can use lightly salted herring that needs to be filleted, ready-to-eat fillets, or canned pieces. I used the latter for convenience. Remove the butter from the fridge in advance so it softens.
Step 2
Cut the bread into even squares. It’s easiest with pre-sliced square bread, but any kind will work. Trim off the crusts - the canapés will look neater and softer. You can use leftover pieces for croutons.
Step 3
Spread a thin layer of mustard over the bread squares. Choose mustard to your taste - even whole-grain mustard works nicely for added texture. I used mild sweet mustard.
Step 4
Wash and dry the dill, then finely chop it. Dill pairs perfectly with herring, so it’s the best choice.
Step 5
Mix the chopped dill with the softened butter until smooth. You can also add spices that go well with herring, such as ground coriander.
Step 6
Spread the dill butter evenly over the bread squares.
Step 7
Prepare toppings to accompany the herring. Options include fresh or pickled cucumber, green apple, or kiwi. I chose apple - we love how its sweetness balances the salty fish. Slice the apple (or cucumber) into thin pieces.
Step 8
Place the apple or cucumber slices on top of the bread.
Step 9
Add a piece of herring on each canapé. If using whole fillets, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces first.
Step 10
Insert a small skewer or toothpick into each canapé. Top with a halved olive and garnish with a tiny sprig of dill or parsley.
Step 11
Chill the canapés in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving, then arrange them beautifully on a large plate. Enjoy your meal!