Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich featuring thinly sliced cured salmon on rye bread topped with a zesty horseradish cream. This mediterranean-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 20 minutes pairs Rye bread slices, thinly sliced Gravlax (cured salmon), Cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1 tbsp prepared horseradish, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Toast 8 slices of rye bread until just crisp to add texture.
  3. Step 3: Spread a generous layer of the horseradish cream onto each rye slice.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 1 oz thinly sliced gravlax on top of each bread slice, overlapping slightly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish each sandwich with 1/2 tbsp capers and a few thin slices of red onion.
  6. Step 6: Finish with freshly cracked black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rye bread slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Open-Faced Rye Sandwich with Gravlax and Horseradish Cream?

Mediterranean sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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