This Easy Smoked Salmon Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties, brunches, or as a spread on bagels. It combines the rich taste of smoked salmon with cream cheese and fresh herbs for a delightful treat. Here’s how to make it!
Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- Flavorings:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salmon:
- 4 oz smoked salmon, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
- Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Base Ingredients:
- In a food processor, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings:
- Mix in the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce. Pulse until well combined.
- Incorporate the Salmon:
- Add the chopped smoked salmon to the mixture. Pulse a few times to break up the salmon but leave some chunks for texture.
- Mix in Fresh Herbs:
- Gently fold in the chives and dill using a spatula. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill Before Serving:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional chives or dill before serving. Enjoy with crackers, bagels, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Feel free to add capers or horseradish for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair it with sliced baguettes, cucumber rounds, or as a spread on bagels for brunch.
Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
This Easy Smoked Salmon Dip is a delicious and versatile appetizer that combines the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with creamy, tangy ingredients, making it perfect for any gathering or casual snack. To start, gather your ingredients: 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 4 ounces of smoked salmon, 1 tablespoon of capers (drained and chopped), 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1-2 tablespoons of fresh dill or chives for added flavor.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and smoked salmon. Use a fork to blend the two together until well mixed. The smoked salmon should be flaked into small pieces, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dip. Next, add the chopped capers, which add a salty, briny flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
Squeeze in the lemon juice, which brightens the dip and balances the richness of the cream cheese.Easy Smoked Salmon Dip.
Now, it’s time to add the fresh herbs. Dill is a classic pairing with smoked salmon, but chives can also add a mild onion flavor. Stir in your chosen herbs, mixing until everything is well incorporated. For a little kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper, depending on your heat preference.
Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind that the smoked salmon and capers are already quite salty.Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
Once everything is combined, transfer the dip to a serving bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. This chilling time also helps the dip firm up slightly, making it easier to spread. When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish the dip with additional chopped herbs or a few capers on top for an appealing presentation.
This Easy Smoked Salmon Dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers, such as crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks. It’s a fantastic addition to any appetizer platter and is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a tasty snack, this dip is not only easy to prepare but also a sophisticated treat that highlights the delightful flavors of smoked salmon. Enjoy it with friends and family for a truly delightful culinary experience!Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
This smoked salmon dip is not only easy to prepare but also sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors! Enjoy!