Name: Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups 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, to taste; 1 box Boursin cheese (5.3 oz / 150 g); 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or ricotta, whipped cottage cheese, sour cream); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1/2 a lemon; Black pepper, to taste; 3.5–4 oz (100–120 g) smoked salmon, sliced into strips; Everything bagel seasoning, for garnish; A handful fresh chives, finely sliced (or fresh dill); Remaining lemon zest from Boursin filling; Pickled red onion or capers, optional

There’s something undeniably fun and delicious about these crispy, bite-sized treats I want to share today — the Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups Recipe. They’re like little pockets of breakfast joy, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself with something special.

A round pink plate is filled with twenty small, golden-yellow crispy cups arranged neatly. Each cup holds a dollop of white creamy filling, topped with a small, rolled piece of bright pink smoked salmon. The salmon is garnished with finely chopped green herbs and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with some sprigs of red berries and green leaves blurred in the background for decoration. 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 Cups Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these cups—I was blown away by how they combined crispy hash browns with this creamy, tangy Boursin filling and silky smoked salmon. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple yet elegant enough to make any occasion feel special.

Party-friendly bites: Perfect for brunch or as appetizers that are easy to eat and sure to impress.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: You don’t need a fancy pantry to whip these up, and that’s what makes them so approachable.
Make ahead and customize: These cups hold up well and let you tailor the toppings and fillings to your taste.
Textural delight: Crispy on the outside, creamy and fresh on the inside — every bite is a little celebration.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role here—from the crispy hash browns that form a sturdy cup to hold the creamy filling, to the smoked salmon adding that signature smoky and salty finish. I like to buy good-quality smoked salmon and fresh herbs to elevate the flavors effortlessly.

Flat lay of a small pile of frozen shredded potato bites (tater tots), a small white bowl of creamy Boursin cheese, a small white bowl of thick Greek yogurt, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, half a fresh lemon with zest, a few twists of black peppercorns beside a white bowl, thin strips of bright orange-pink smoked salmon arranged neatly, a small handful of finely sliced fresh chives, a small white bowl of vibrant pink pickled red onions, and a small white bowl filled with everything bagel seasoning, 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: Using frozen shredded potato bites makes shaping the cups a breeze and keeps them perfectly crispy without any extra hassle.
Olive oil spray: For lightly greasing the pan so nothing sticks and the cups come out flawlessly.
Everything bagel seasoning: Adds that classic bagel-shop flavor with garlic, sesame, and poppy seeds—sprinkle generously!
Boursin cheese: This creamy, herby cheese is the secret to the smooth filling that complements smoked salmon beautifully.
Greek yogurt: Adds a touch of tang and lightness to the cheese mixture, but you can swap in ricotta or sour cream if you prefer.
Lemon juice and zest: Brightens everything up, making the filling fresh and lively—don’t skip this part!
Black pepper: A simple seasoning to balance the richness.
Smoked salmon: The star ingredient that brings a luxurious, silky texture and umami flavor.
Fresh chives or dill: Herbs add freshness and a pop of color—it’s worth using fresh for that punch.
Pickled red onion or capers (optional): Tart and tangy notes that cut through richness beautifully if you want to go that extra mile.

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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

While I love the classic combo of Boursin and smoked salmon, you can absolutely personalize these cups to your liking. That’s what makes this recipe so fun: flexing your creativity and dietary preferences.

Variation: I’ve swapped smoked salmon for cooked shrimp or even crumbled crispy bacon when I wanted something different, and it worked beautifully.
Diet-friendly tweak: Use dairy-free cream cheese and Greek yogurt alternatives to make it vegan friendly—just make sure to pick a smoked salmon substitute or omit it for veggie lovers.

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

A black muffin tray holds 24 small round cups, each with a base layer of pale yellow mashed potatoes pressed and shaped into small cups. On the right side, some cups are filled with two golden-brown tater tots stacked inside each cup. A woman's hand holding a small silver spoon is pressing the mashed potato layer in one cup. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Shape Your Crispy Hash Brown Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C fan). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan—olive oil spray is my go-to because it’s quick and not messy. Pop 2 frozen tater tots in each cup; they don’t need to fit perfectly right now. Bake for about 10 minutes until the tots have softened but aren’t yet crispy. Then, grab the back of a teaspoon and gently press the tots outward against the sides of the muffin well to shape little cups with a base. This step lets you create that perfect vessel for the filling.

Step 2: Crisp & Season

Once formed, sprinkle a pinch of everything bagel seasoning into each cup for that iconic flavor kick. Return the pan to the oven for 15 minutes until the cups are gorgeously golden and crispy around the edges. When they’re done, let them cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing. This resting time helps them hold their shape and keeps the crispy texture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

While the cups bake, mix together the Boursin cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, half the lemon zest, and plenty of black pepper in a bowl until smooth and fluffy. I like to transfer this mixture into a piping bag to make assembly neat and easy, but using a spoon works just as well.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Fill each crispy hash brown cup with a generous dollop of the creamy cheese mixture, then top with a couple of smoked salmon strips. Finish by sprinkling more everything bagel seasoning, fresh chives, and the remaining lemon zest over the top. I usually add a touch of pickled red onion or a few capers for some tartness and that extra splash of color. Serve immediately and watch them disappear fast!

Top Tip

Having made these cups several times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make all the difference between good and wow-worthy bites.

Press gently but firmly: When shaping the hash browns into cups, be sure not to press too hard or you’ll mash the tots flat—just enough to mold the shape.
Don’t skip the seasoning: Everything bagel seasoning isn’t just for topping—it adds a subtle flavor boost inside the cup rim, so use it liberally.
Use fresh lemon zest: It brightens the filling and crowning garnish, adding that fresh zing that balances smoky and creamy.
Cool before filling: Letting the cups rest slightly ensures the filling won’t melt or run off—keeping each cup neat and tasty.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups Recipe

smoked salmon hash browns - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chives and a little more everything bagel seasoning on top—it adds crunch and that familiar flavor we all love. For something special, a tiny sprig of dill or a sliver of pickled red onion adds a delicious touch. Plus, a wedge of lemon serves beautifully for guests to squeeze over the top.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs nicely with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and dill salad. You could also serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a fuller brunch spread that feels balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For my last brunch party, I arranged these cups on a large wooden platter with edible flowers scattered around, adding pops of vibrant color. I also lined each cup inside a small lettuce leaf to add a crisp, fresh bite and make serving even more elegant. Get creative—these little cups are versatile and look stunning on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover hash brown cups (though they usually don’t last long!), store the plain cups separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep them crisp. I prefer to add the filling and salmon just before serving for maximum freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked hash brown cups (without filling) by arranging them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month. When ready, reheat in the oven to crisp them back up before filling.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the texture mushy. Fill and garnish after reheating to enjoy the full flavor and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular shredded potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can use frozen shredded potatoes, but tater tots hold together better and make the cup shaping easier. If you choose shredded potatoes, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture and press firmly when forming the cups.

Is there a substitute for Boursin cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, or try ricotta mixed with some herbs and lemon zest for a lighter option. Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess too.

How far ahead can I prepare these cups?

You can prepare the hash brown cups up to one day in advance, storing them separately without filling. Add the cheese mixture and smoked salmon just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Can these cups be made gluten-free?

Yes! The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your everything bagel seasoning and tater tots package to ensure they have no gluten-containing additives.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely feel the Smoked Salmon Hash Brown Cups Recipe is one of those gems that takes minimal effort but delivers big on wow factor. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, these little bites bring together comfort, elegance, and fun in such a satisfying way. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, just like I do!