This delightful smoked salmon spread is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual brunch or an elegant appetizer. The creamy texture of the cream cheese combined with the rich, smoky flavor of smoked salmon creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. With a hint of lemon juice and the freshness of dill, this spread is both refreshing and indulgent.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, a few might not be staples in every household. Smoked salmon can usually be found in the seafood section of your supermarket, often near the deli. Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy flavor and are typically located near the olives or pickles. Horseradish is a root vegetable that is often sold prepared in jars, usually found in the condiment aisle.
Ingredients For Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Cream cheese: A soft, mild-tasting cheese that provides a creamy base for the spread.
Smoked salmon: Chopped pieces of salmon that have been cured and smoked, adding a rich, smoky flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice that adds a bright, tangy note to the spread.
Dill: Freshly chopped herb that adds a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.
Capers: Small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy, briny flavor.
Horseradish: A root vegetable that adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the spread.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When combining the cream cheese and lemon juice, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This will make it easier to fold in the smoked salmon and other ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the spread.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
smoked salmon - Substitute with canned tuna: Canned tuna offers a similar savory flavor and can be easily mixed into the spread.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
dill - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for dill in a pinch.
capers - Substitute with green olives: Green olives provide a similar briny and salty flavor, adding a comparable depth to the spread.
horseradish - Substitute with wasabi: Wasabi offers a similar sharp and pungent flavor, adding a bit of heat to the spread.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the spread.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, providing a different but complementary flavor profile.
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 prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Store the spread in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
If you plan to enjoy the spread over a longer period, freezing is a great option. Spoon the spread into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of 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 use the frozen spread, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Once thawed, give the spread a thorough mix to restore its creamy consistency. If it seems a bit dry, you can freshen it up with a small amount of lemon juice or a dollop of cream cheese.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few more capers after thawing. This will revive the vibrant taste of your spread.
Always serve the spread chilled, either straight from the fridge or after a brief rest at room temperature to soften slightly. This ensures the best texture and taste for your smoked salmon spread.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Place the smoked salmon spread in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer the smoked salmon spread to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- For a quick stovetop method, place the smoked salmon spread in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you prefer a more gourmet touch, spread the smoked salmon spread on a slice of baguette or sourdough bread. Toast it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the bread is crispy and the spread is warm.
- For a refreshing twist, mix the smoked salmon spread with a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream before reheating. This will add a creamy texture and prevent the spread from drying out. Heat using any of the above methods.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix all the ingredients together.
Spatula: A flexible tool used to fold in the smoked salmon, dill, capers, and horseradish without over-mixing.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the lemon juice, dill, and horseradish accurately.
Knife: Essential for chopping the smoked salmon and dill into small pieces.
Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the smoked salmon and dill.
Hand mixer: Useful for combining the cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth, ensuring a creamy texture.
Small bowl: Used to drain and hold the capers before adding them to the mixture.
Plastic wrap: Handy for covering the spread if you plan to refrigerate it until ready to use.
Serving dish: A dish or platter to present the smoked salmon spread attractively when serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Soften the cream cheese quickly: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it faster.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the smoked salmon, dill, and capers ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use.
Use a food processor: Blend the cream cheese and lemon juice in a food processor for a smoother consistency and quicker mixing.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and store extra spread in the fridge for up to a week, saving time on future snacks or meals.
Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz Smoked salmon, chopped
- 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.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Spread
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