This past holiday season I did something I’ve never done before – I pre-ordered a prime rib dinner from one of my favorite local restaurants. It included prime rib au jus with horseradish sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes, mushroom soup (ugh – not into mushrooms), mini cheesecake and a flavorful salmon spread with crackers. I just loved the salmon and decided to try and make it myself.
Smoked Salmon Spread
Recipe by Ina Garten, Adapted
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream (I did use light) – plain Greek yogurt would be good too
- 1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. minced fresh dill or 1/2 tbsp. dried (fresh is much better)
- 1 tsp. drained prepared horseradish
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 4 oz. smoked salmon, finely minced (I used a 6 oz. can of Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon from Vital Choice – not smoked)
- 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke, to taste (I added to give the salmon a smoky taste since I did not use smoked salmon)
- 1 tbsp. drained and finely minced capers (I added to taste)
- fresh dill to garnish
Cream the softened cheese with a hand or stand mixer until smooth. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, dill, horseradish, salt and pepper, liquid smoke and mix well. Add the minced salmon, capers and stir until combined. Season carefully as smoked salmon can vary in saltiness and flavor. Chill for a few hours or overnight as it will thicken.
Serve with plain crackers, like water crackers, pumpernickel party bread or veggies of your choice. You could also pipe the mixture into phyllo shells. Garnish with fresh dill…
Comment: I liked my addition of the extra 2 ounces of salmon and also the tbsp. of capers. For the “smoky” flavor I did add 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke. I rarely change any of Ina’s recipes but I did for this spread. I also used Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon from Vital Choice and not Norwegian salmon she recommended. She said it was drier and less salty than other smoked salmon and I bet it was probably farmed. I was very pleased with my results. It’s a dip that’s hard for me to quit eating and that is a good thing!
Recipe bycookingwithauntjuju.com
Yum, great party recipe
Thanks – it’s a delicious salmon spread with lots of great flavor. It wasn’t quite like the pate I had for dinner but I enjoyed this spread even more 🙂
You have made my mouth water. My mother used to make a very similar version (chives, not dill) and it was always a favorite at holidays. Great memory. As soon as this pandemic is over and we can gather again I am making it! Thank you for the taste and heart memory.
Liz – I am happy my post brought you memories of your mother. It’s excellent the way I have written it but it will depend on the salmon you use, etc. I did not have smoked at the time but used a good quality and added liquid smoke. It needs to be made to your taste – hope you have a chance to make it as it won’t last long 🙂
Looks delicious. Definitely for adding capers to such spreads!
Capers do pair well with salmon and made this spread perfect (for me anyways).
What a pretty presentation. I am allergic to seafood, but I love the wooden/pewter fish tray!
Thanks – I really needed a fresh trout displayed on the board but this spread will have to do 🙂 The tray is beautiful – one of my many nice serving pieces 🙂
i’ve made a similar dip with tinned salmon but i add 50 grams of smoked salmon too. so delish! I have a similar salt pig too. great minds…
A combination of smoked and not smoked salmon would be tasty. I didn’t have any smoked salmon so instead of running to the store I added liquid smoke. I love my kitchen gadgets 🙂
I used to make a similar tuna spread/dip – which reminds me I haven’t made it in a while. I’d never think to make it with smoked salmon though and I love salmon – so thank you for this idea! Saving this and will definitely make it soon.
Thanks Katerina – I love tuna fish and use it in salads, pasta and sandwiches but never in a dip. So thank you for the suggestion 🙂 Hope you enjoy it
Homemade salmon spread? So unique!! I don’t actually eat seafood but my family would love this so much~