This smoked salmon spread is everything craveable about lox and bagels but in a luscious, creamy spread. Perfect for brunch or a cocktail party!
I love throwing brunch house parties with my girlfriends and this Smoked Salmon Spread is always the most requested dish. It’s everything I love about lox and bagels but in a luscious, creamy, dippable spread that’s perfect with bagel chips or crackers and raw veggies.
Lox and bagels are one of my brunch favorites but most of the time I just want a few bites so I can save room for other things! This spread solves that dilemma perfectly by transforming it into an irresistible, snackable dip. It also pairs perfectly with champagne!
My mom actually used to make this sometimes as part of our New Years Eve appetizer spread. It’s great for a cocktail party or on a graze board at any time of day. This recipe is a genius way to stretch a pricey pack of smoked salmon for a larger gathering. It’s always the perfect occasion to make this delicious spread.
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What is the difference between Lox and Nova Smoked Salmon?
Really either one will work for this recipe. I always use Nova Smoked Salmon as it has distinct smoky flavor that makes it so incredibly good. Nova Smoked Salmon is cold smoked whereas lox is cured in salt. They look nearly identical, packaged in thin slices in the seafood section of the grocery store.
What do I need to make Smoked Salmon Spread?
Nova Salmon – the cold smoked thin slices of Nova Salmon.
Cream Cheese – use the full fat stuff for this recipe.
Greek Yogurt – this helps loosen the cream cheese a bit and gives this it’s wonderfully spreadable texture. Again, use the full fat stuff.
Creamy Horseradish – There IS a difference between prepared horseradish and creamy horseradish. For this recipe, I recommend using Creamy Horseradish. Prepared horseradish is made with grated horseradish root, vinegar, and salt. Creamy Horseradish is smoother, with a milder taste and creamy texture, and tends to be shelf-stable, not requiring refrigeration until opened.
Capers – these add a wonderfully salty bite to the spread. Extra capers for me please!
Fresh Dill – I highly recommend getting fresh herbs for this recipe. I have not tried it with dried.
Lemon – adds a perfect pop of acid
Everything Bagel Seasoning – this is a totally optional ingredient but I think topping the spread with everything bagel seasoning is such a fun, flavorful garnish. You can really find Everything Bagel Seasoning everywhere now!
Dippers – my favorite vehicles for getting this spread into my mouth are cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, bagel chips or pita chips.
It’s incredibly easy to throw together, elegant and definitely a crowd pleaser!
Smoked Salmon Spread
Ingredients
- 4 oz Nova Smoked Salmon chopped
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp creamy horseradish
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp capers
- ½ lemon juiced
- everything bagel seasoning for garnish
- bagel chips and veggies for serving
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, greek yogurt, horseradish and lemon juice together in a bowl until pretty smooth. It's ok if everything isn't completely smooth, just break up the larger chunks of cream cheese.
- Stir in dill, capers, chopped smoked salmon.
- Garnish with a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning, more capers and dill and serve with bagel chips or crackers and raw veggies.
Jacqueline Serrao
I made this for NYE, and I’ve thought about it every day since. A few simple ingredients, and it’s the best use of smoked salmon EVER . I am drooling thinking about it, and I AM NOT EXAGGERATING!!!
Diane
Made this for Christmas Eve and it was delicious! Absolutely perfect balance of flavors.
Jessica
I’m so happy you enjoyed this. It’s one of my favorites!