We love this Smoked Salmon Dip and Spread recipe. It comes together quickly and is just delicious. Not only is it great on crackers and with veggies, but it also makes a terrific spread for toasted bagels. You'll love it!
This smoked salmon dip is the perfect addition to get-togethers, whether they're elegant—like cocktail parties or Sunday brunches—or just for fun, like backyard gatherings and game day parties. Talk about versatile.
Serve it up with crackers and veggies for dipping, or on a brunch table with toasted bagels - you can't go wrong either way, and your guests will love it. And the best part? It’s super easy to make. You can even make it ahead of time by a day or two and check it off your party prep list. And speaking of parties, my super easy and divine Shrimp Dip is another huge party hit!
You can use nova-style salmon or smoked filets. Hubby actually smokes the filets for me for this recipe.
It's always a hit at get-togethers, and honestly, don't be surprised if it's the first thing to go. Everyone's going to want this recipe from you.
It’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion. From an elegant dinner or cocktail party to game day noshing, everyone is going to love this smoked salmon dip!
A ton of seasonings are unnecessary, since you want the flavor of the smoked salmon to shine through. But if you want to experiment, try adding some garlic powder and onion powder, and even a touch of Worcestershire sauce. And I always add hot sauce for a little zing!
Don’t wait for a party, the holidays, or game day to try this smoked salmon dip, because you'll love having it all to yourself!
How to make Smoked Salmon Dip and Spread
You'll be amazed at how fast and easy this recipe comes together.
Ingredients
Very little prep makes assembling the ingredients a snap.
- Smoked salmon - the star of this dip
- Cream cheese - original style, this will bind all the ingredients together and make it smooth and creamy
- Sour cream - to thin out the dip and make it more spreadable
- Lemon juice - for a touch of acidity
- Fresh dill - for flavor, flavor, flavor
- Capers - for even more flavor
- Hot sauce - to give the dip a hint of heat
- Salt and pepper - just to taste
After the rest of the ingredients have been blended and have had time to meld - at least an hour - check the flavor for salt and pepper. This is because the smoked salmon may have its own salt added, so you don't want to add additional salt unless it's necessary.
Instructions
You're gonna love how easy this is!
- Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon, capers, dill and hot sauce together really well.
2. Add the smoked salmon and blend until evenly incorporated.
3. Allow the flavors to meld for at least an hour; add salt and pepper to taste, then serve.
More party hits!
This recipe yields four cups, so feel free to pare it down as needed.
📖 Recipe
Smoked Salmon Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked salmon rough chopped (see Notes)
- 16 ounces cream cheese original style, softened to room temp
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 3 tablespoons capers drained
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce more or more, to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients EXCEPT the salmon to a food processor bowl, then pulse until thoroughly incorporated and macerated. Use a silicon spatula to bring the ingredients back toward the blade, as needed.
- Add the salmon and pulse until it is well-minced and incorporated into the rest of the ingredients.
- Remove the dip to a bowl and allow the ingredients to meld for about an hour.
- Taste for salt and pepper and add as needed. Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
- Garnish as desired and serve.
Mark says
This is the best smoked salmon dip! I make toasted bread pieces for dippping and it's great.