This smoked salmon spread is a delightful and creamy appetizer that combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with the tanginess of lemon juice and the freshness of dill. Perfect for spreading on crackers or bagels, it's a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a simple, yet elegant snack.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few specific items. Smoked salmon is not always a pantry staple, so make sure to check the seafood section. Capers and horseradish might also be less common in some households, so look for them in the condiment aisle. Fresh dill can usually be found in the produce section.

Ingredients For Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Smoked salmon: Finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the spread, providing a rich, smoky flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture, acting as the base of the spread.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Dill: Freshly chopped to add a burst of herbaceous flavor that complements the smoked salmon.
Capers: Drained to add a salty, briny element that enhances the overall taste.
Horseradish: Provides a subtle kick of heat and sharpness to the spread.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, ensuring the flavors are well-balanced and to your liking.
Technique Tip for This Spread
When preparing the smoked salmon spread, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother consistency and make it easier to incorporate the lemon juice and other ingredients. Additionally, finely chop the dill and capers to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the spread. For a more intense flavor, let the spread chill overnight, allowing the ingredients to meld together perfectly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
smoked salmon - Substitute with canned tuna: Canned tuna provides a similar texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
smoked salmon - Substitute with smoked trout: Smoked trout offers a similar smoky flavor and texture, making it a great alternative.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while being lower in fat.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar tangy flavor and acidity, making it a good alternative.
dill - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
dill - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
capers - Substitute with green olives: Green olives provide a similar briny flavor and texture, making them a good alternative.
capers - Substitute with pickled cucumbers: Pickled cucumbers offer a similar tangy and briny flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
horseradish - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi provides a similar spicy kick and pungent flavor, making it a good alternative.
horseradish - Substitute with mustard: Mustard offers a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Spread
How To Store / Freeze This Spread
- To keep your smoked salmon spread fresh, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its flavor and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). This ensures that the cream cheese and smoked salmon stay fresh and safe to eat.
- The spread can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
- If you plan to keep the spread for a longer period, freezing is a viable option. Spoon the smoked salmon spread into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
- Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. The spread can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the spread, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent any risk of bacterial growth.
- After thawing, give the spread a good stir to restore its creamy texture. If it appears a bit watery, you can add a small amount of fresh cream cheese to bring back its original consistency.
- For the best flavor, serve the spread chilled. Pair it with crackers, bagels, or fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer or snack.
How To Reheat Leftovers
For a gentle reheat, place the smoked salmon spread in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Alternatively, you can use a double boiler. Place the spread in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method helps maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.
If you prefer an oven method, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the salmon mixture in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
For a quick stovetop option, place the spread in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Stir continuously until it’s warmed through, being careful not to overheat and separate the cream cheese.
If you want to add a bit of flair, spread the smoked salmon mixture on slices of baguette or crackers and broil for 1-2 minutes until slightly bubbly and warm. This method adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Best Tools for Making This Spread
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix all the ingredients together.
Spatula: A flexible tool to fold in the smoked salmon, dill, capers, and horseradish smoothly.
Measuring spoons: To accurately measure the lemon juice, dill, and horseradish.
Knife: For finely chopping the smoked salmon and dill if not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the smoked salmon and dill.
Plastic wrap: To cover the bowl and chill the spread in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: To chill the spread for at least 1 hour before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Spread
Soften the cream cheese quickly: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Buy smoked salmon that is already finely chopped and pre-chopped dill to save prep time.
Mix efficiently: Use a food processor to combine the cream cheese and lemon juice for a smoother texture in less time.
Chill faster: Spread the mixture thinly in a shallow dish to reduce chilling time to 30 minutes.

Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Smoked Salmon finely chopped
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon Capers drained
- 1 teaspoon Horseradish
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth.
- Fold in the smoked salmon, dill, capers, and horseradish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Spread
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