Savory Christmas Log Filled With Smoked Salmon & Prawns

This is a starter that looks like a festive yule log but tastes even better. The Savory Christmas Log pairs smoked salmon with sweet prawns in soft sandwich bread and is cloaked in a herby cream cheese coat. It’s quick to assemble, easy to slice for a crowd, and brings color and a savory note to any Christmas table.

This is great as a canapé for pre-dinner drinks, or as the first course of a celebratory feast. It suits hosts who want something that feels special without stressful cooking.

What is the Savory Christmas Log?

This is a chilled roulade or icebox-style roll with similar recipes and seafood roulades that appear on many European menus as party starters. However, this dish leans into Scandinavian and British flavors with the use of smoked salmon, mayo, and dill-like chives. But it decorates it with pink peppercorns and fennel for a festive look.

Savory icebox cakes and roulades were popular mid-century because they could be made ahead, plated beautifully, and were great for entertaining.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Christmas Log

• Use the freshest smoked salmon you can find, and thinly sliced deli-style is ideal for an even, elegant layer.
• Take the crusts off the bread and roll with a rolling pin gently but thoroughly so the slices fuse into one sheet that won’t split when rolled.
• Spread the mayo in a thin, even layer because if the filling is too much, the roll will become sloppy, or if you put too little, it won’t hold.
• Pat the prawns dry and slice them so they layer flat. Undercooked or pre-cooked peeled prawns both work, just ensure they’re cold.
• Use cling film tightly when refrigerating to preserve shape and prevent drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the roulade in advance?

You can assemble and chill the roll up to 24 hours in advance. Coat with cream cheese and decorate the day you serve for the freshest appearance.

Can I replace prawns or salmon for dietary reasons?

Thinly sliced roast turkey, smoked trout, grilled vegetables, or a hummus layer with roasted peppers make great alternatives for non-seafood eaters.

How thick should I slice the log for serving?

Slice about 1-1.5 cm thick for canapé-style servings. Also, for plated starters, 1.5-2 cm slices look generous without being overwhelming.

How to Store Leftovers

It can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Keep slices separate from moist sauces and serve cold. The flavor holds well, but the texture softens after long storage, so consume within two days.

How to Make the Savory Christmas Log

Step 1

Step 1

Lay the 5 sandwich slices on a cutting board so the long edges overlap slightly to form a rectangle roughly the width you want your log. Use a rolling pin to roll gently but firmly over the stacked slices.

Lay the 5 sandwich slices on a cutting board so the long edges overlap slightly to form a rectangle roughly the width you want your log. Use a rolling pin to roll gently but firmly over the stacked slices.

Step 2

Step 2

Evenly spread mayonnaise, and arrange the smoked salmon in overlapping strips, and lay the prawns.

Evenly spread mayonnaise, and arrange the smoked salmon in overlapping strips, and lay the prawns.

Step 3

Step 3

Roll the bread, wrap it tightly in cling film, pressing to keep its shape. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Roll the bread, wrap it tightly in cling film, pressing to keep its shape. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

Step 4

In a food processor, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and the chopped chives until smooth and spreadable

In a food processor, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and the chopped chives until smooth and spreadable

Step 5

Step 5

Remove the roulade from the fridge, unwrap it, and cut the ends cleanly with a sharp knife.

Remove the roulade from the fridge, unwrap it, and cut the ends cleanly with a sharp knife.

Step 6

Step 6

Place the roll on a serving dish with the two cut edges.

Place the roll on a serving dish with the two cut edges.

Step 7

Step 7

Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the roll to cover it completely, smoothing as you go. For a rustic bark effect, drag the tines of a fork gently along the surface to create grooves that mimic a log’s texture.

Using a spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the roll to cover it completely, smoothing as you go. For a rustic bark effect, drag the tines of a fork gently along the surface to create grooves that mimic a log’s texture.

Step 8

Step 8

Scatter pink peppercorns and fennel fronds or chive sprigs into the frosting for festive color.

Scatter pink peppercorns and fennel fronds or chive sprigs into the frosting for festive color.

Step 9

Step 9

Serve chilled.

Serve chilled.