Description
This ultimate smoked fish dip combines flaky hot-smoked fish with a perfectly balanced creamy base. Rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh herbs create an irresistible appetizer that’s sophisticated yet easy to make. Perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz hot-smoked fish (salmon, trout, or whitefish), flaked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small red onion, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Paprika for garnish
- Additional fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Remove any skin or bones from smoked fish and flake into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Make the creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until completely smooth and well combined.
- Add aromatics: Stir in lemon juice, diced red onion, chopped fresh dill, and horseradish. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Season: Add salt and pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Fold in fish: Gently fold the flaked smoked fish into the creamy mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to break up the fish pieces too much.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Transfer to serving bowl, garnish with paprika and additional fresh dill. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Notes
- Fish Selection: Hot-smoked fish works best as it flakes easily. Avoid cold-smoked varieties like lox which can make the dip watery.
- Make Ahead: This dip actually improves when made 1 day in advance. Store covered in refrigerator.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as dairy components will separate.
- Texture Control: For smoother dip, break up fish more thoroughly. For chunkier texture, fold in gently.
- Spice Level: Start with less horseradish and add more to taste. You can substitute with hot sauce if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: No-cook, Mixed
- Cuisine: American, Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: smoked fish dip, easy smoked fish dip, creamy smoked fish dip, salmon dip, appetizer recipe, party dip, no-cook appetizer, gluten-free dip, seafood dip, entertaining recipe