The Ultimate Smoked Salmon Dip

The Ultimate Smoked Salmon Dip

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces (115g) smoked salmon, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) capers, drained and chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) black pepper, freshly ground
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Finely chop the smoked salmon. Remove any skin or bones if present.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped capers, minced shallot, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Using a rubber spatula, mix the ingredients until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the chopped smoked salmon, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remember that smoked salmon can be quite salty, so add salt judiciously.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
• Remove from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill and serve with your favorite dippers.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:150-180

Fat:12-15g

Fiber:2-4g

Recipe Info

Category:Appetizer

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Ready for a party in your mouth?

Remember that amazing Smoked Salmon Dip you had at Sarah's fancy do? Well, get ready to recreate that magic. This is The Best Smoked Salmon Dip recipe, hands down.

Honestly, the creamy texture and smoky flavor? It's addictive.

Brief Overview: From Delis to Your Table

This recipe is like a little taste of a New York deli, but fancied up. It's an easy dip recipe , we're talking 45 minutes from start to finish.

This Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe makes enough for a small gathering, about 6-8 people.

Main Benefits: Healthy & Delicious

Salmon is full of omega-3s, so you can tell yourself this Salmon Dip is good for you. Perfect as a Party Dip Appetizer or Holiday Appetizer .

This recipe shines because it's simple, quick, and uses fresh ingredients. You can also make Smoked Salmon Canapés using this recipe.

Making The Best Smoked Salmon Dip

So, why is this the best? Well, for starters, we're using real smoked salmon. None of that fake stuff here. We are going for a Salmon Spread or Smoked Salmon Spread

Ingredients You'll Need .

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces best smoked salmon , finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

And don't even think about using dried dill if you can help it. Fresh is where it's at for this Smoked Salmon Dip ! Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Smoked Salmon Dip

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up the best Smoked Salmon Dip ever. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

Even if you're not a pro chef like yours truly, you'll nail it. We are making it easy.

Main Ingredients

Here’s the lowdown on what you need, measurements and all.

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened. Go for full-fat, trust me, it makes all the difference for that creamy texture.
• 4 ounces (115g) smoked salmon, finely chopped. Lox or nova lox are both cracking choices, it's really the best smoked salmon.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream. Greek yogurt works too if you're watching the waistline, makes a great salmon spread.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh dill, chopped. We'll need some extra for garnish, right?
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) capers, drained and chopped.
• 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons ).
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) black pepper, freshly ground.
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!).
• Salt to taste. But remember, smoked salmon can be salty, so go easy.

For the best smoked salmon dip , the quality of your salmon matters. Look for salmon that's firm, vibrant in color, and smells fresh – not fishy.

You know, the sort that makes your mouth water just looking at it.

Seasoning Notes for a Spectacular Salmon Spread

This easy dip recipe is all about the flavor combos. The dill and lemon brighten everything up, while the capers and shallots add a bit of zing.

It’s a match made in heaven.

• Essential Spice Combinations : Dill and lemon are non-negotiable. That's for sure.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics : Capers and shallots are the secret weapons, but you can also experiment with a tiny bit of horseradish for depth.
• Quick Substitution Options : No fresh dill? A teaspoon of dried dill will do in a pinch. Out of shallots? Use red onion, but less of it!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a ton of fancy gear to make the best smoked salmon dip . This is an easy dip recipe, remember?

• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food Processor (optional, for a smoother texture, a creamy smoked salmon dip recipe demands it)

Honestly, you probably have all this stuff already! No need to go splash out on new gadgets. A fork can stand in for a spatula if you are on a fix, and I often just use a regular dinner plate instead of a cutting board! Now, are you ready to create an unforgettable party dip appetizer ? You can even make it into festive smoked salmon canapés for that perfect holiday appetizer .

Let's get started.

Alright, let's get cracking! As a chef, I've seen my fair share of dodgy dips. But this Smoked Salmon Dip ? This is the real deal.

It's perfect for your next gathering, whether it's a sophisticated soirée or a casual get-together with your mates watching the footie.

Here's how to make The Best Smoked Salmon Dip !

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Honestly, the key to any good recipe is having everything ready to go. It's called mise en place , fancy, innit?

Essential mise en place: Get that 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese softening. Finely chop 4 ounces (115g) of smoked salmon , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh dill , 1 tablespoon (15ml) of capers and 1 small shallot .

Juice that lemon.

Time-saving tip: Chop the dill and shallots while the cream cheese softens. This way, when you are ready to prepare this Easy Dip Recipe you won't need to worry!

Step-by-Step: Dip-tastic!

1. Combine: Chuck the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup (60ml) of sour cream , 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice , chopped dill, chopped capers, minced shallot, 1/4 teaspoon (1.5ml) of black pepper , and a pinch of cayenne (if you fancy a kick!) into a mixing bowl.
2. Mix: Give it all a good mix with a rubber spatula until it's smooth. Don't overmix, or it'll get runny.
3. Fold: Gently fold in the chopped Smoked Salmon . Make sure it's evenly distributed.
4. Taste: Have a taste and add salt if needed. But remember, smoked salmon is salty, so go easy!
5. Chill: Cover the bowl and bung it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial for the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Salmon Dip Perfection

• Don't skimp on the salmon! Good quality Best Smoked Salmon makes all the difference. It truly elevates the whole Smoked Salmon Spread .
• Avoid: Overmixing! Trust me, nobody wants a runny Salmon Spread .
• Make-ahead: You can totally make this Salmon Dip a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. It also works as great Holiday Appetizer .

There you have it! This Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe is perfect with crackers or crostini, or even as Smoked Salmon Canapés ! Enjoy.

Recipe Notes for the Best Smoked Salmon Dip

Okay, so you're ready to make The Best Smoked Salmon Dip , right? Awesome! Just a few more things to consider before you dive in.

These little nuggets of wisdom will take your Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe from good to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing! " Think of these as secret weapons, I learned from various trips, like when I forgot to soften cream cheese and had a dip that was chunkier than a gravel path and ruined Smoked Salmon Canapés , you know? Let's not repeat those moments!

Serving Suggestions – Make it Pretty!

Presentation matters, my friend. Honestly, nobody wants a lump of dip plopped on a plate. So, here's the lowdown.

• Plating and presentation? I like to scoop the Salmon Dip into a nice bowl, drizzle it with a tiny bit of olive oil, and sprinkle with extra dill. A few lemon wedges on the side add a touch of class.
• As for sides? Baguette slices are a must! Crispy crackers and veggie sticks, like cucumber and carrots, are fab too. And for drinks? A chilled glass of white wine or even a nice cuppa tea works a treat. It is a great Party Dip Appetizer and also a Holiday Appetizer

Storage Tips – Keep it Fresh!

Nobody wants dodgy dip. I am sure that you don't either!. So, listen up!

• If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store the Salmon Spread in an airtight container in the fridge. It's good for about 2-3 days.
• Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it. The texture can get a bit weird.
• Reheating isn't really a thing for cold dips. Just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let it come to temperature.

Variations – Make it Your Own!

Want to jazz things up a bit? Go for it! Here are a couple of ideas:

• For a dairy-free version, use lactose-free cream cheese and sour cream. It might change the flavor slightly, but it's still yummy.
• Seasonal swaps? In the summer, try adding some chopped fresh chives from the garden. In the winter, a pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth. So that you can get a great Easy Dip Recipe . Maybe even for Smoked Salmon Spread .

Nutrition Basics – Good for You!

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist.

• This Salmon Dip has healthy fats from the salmon and dairy.
• It's also a good source of protein and omega-3s.
• Just be mindful of the sodium content. Best Smoked Salmon can be quite salty.

So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make your Smoked Salmon Dip experience amazing. Now get dipping, my friend! You've got this!