This recipe is a stunning fusion of silky smoked salmon and velvety cream cheese. It is versatile enough to be served as a quick appetizer on crackers, a robust breakfast on toasted bagels, or an elevated brunch centerpiece accompanied by fresh greens and flavorful garnishes. Delightfully simple yet sophisticated, this combination highlights the balanced richness of cream cheese against the smoky essence of salmon.
Why is this recipe important?
This recipe is important because it provides a nutritious, flavorful balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh accents while requiring minimal prep time. It stands out for its adaptability, making it suitable for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or elegant appetizers that delight a wide range of palates, all while spotlighting the single star ingredient, salmon.
Suggested Equipment
- A small mixing bowl
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Serving platter, plate, or wooden board
- Optional toaster (for bagels or bread)
Variations
- Bagel Sandwich
- Place a generous smear of the cream cheese mixture on a toasted bagel half. Layer with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and a few rings of red onion. Top with the other half of the bagel for a classic lox and cream cheese experience.
- Canapé Bites
- Spoon small dollops of cream cheese onto crackers or toasted baguette slices. Top with curled slices of smoked salmon and garnish with fresh dill or capers. This is a great option for party snacks or hors d’oeuvres.
- Herb-Infused Cream Cheese Spread
- Blend softened cream cheese with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley. Add a hint of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Spread onto your bread or bagel and top with smoked salmon slices.
- Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups
- Spread your cream cheese mixture on a tortilla or lavash bread. Layer smoked salmon slices on top, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and then roll tightly. Slice into pinwheels for a fun, bite-sized treat.
- Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip
- Finely chop or flake smoked salmon and fold it into softened cream cheese along with fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice. Serve it as a dip for crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
- Refrigeration: Keep leftover smoked salmon in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Discard if it develops any off smell or flavor.
- Cream Cheese Mixture: Store any extra cream cheese spread in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir well before reusing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Leftover Combinations: Use leftover smoked salmon and cream cheese in omelets, sushi rolls, or as a topping on baked potatoes for a quick and tasty meal.
Additional Serving Suggestions
- Brunch Board: Create a brunch board with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber slices, tomato wedges, capers, olives, lemon slices, and a mix of breads or bagels. This colorful display is perfect for weekend gatherings.
- Healthful Salads: Toss smoked salmon chunks with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and drizzle with a lemony dressing. Add small dollops of cream cheese or whipped cream cheese for a creamy balance.
- Comfort Food Pasta: Stir bits of smoked salmon into a light cream sauce with a spoonful of cream cheese. Toss in cooked pasta and finish with fresh dill or chives.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose High-Quality Smoked Salmon
- The quality of your salmon dramatically influences the flavor of this recipe. Opt for reputable brands that use ethically sourced, high-quality fish. Look for slices that are bright in color and smell pleasantly smoky without any off or fishy odor.
- Balancing Flavors
- If you want a tangier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or even horseradish to the cream cheese mixture. This adds depth and a subtle, spicy kick.
- For those who love extra creaminess, you can blend a spoonful of sour cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Texture Contrast
- If you are serving this as an appetizer, pair with crunchy elements like crispy cucumber slices, radishes, or crackers for the perfect texture interplay.
- Add a Dash of Sweetness
- A little honey or a fruit-based spread (like a thin layer of fig jam) can lend a slight sweetness to complement the smoky salmon and cream cheese combination.
- Storage Advice
- Smoked salmon typically has a fairly extended shelf life when left unopened, but once opened, it’s best consumed within two days.
- Any leftovers of the cream cheese mixture should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutritional Information
(Assuming 6 servings total, without additional bread, bagels, or toppings.)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: ~15g
- Fat: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Smoked salmon is an excellent source of beneficial omega-3s.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon provides B vitamins and essential minerals like selenium. Cream cheese contributes calcium, although in moderate amounts.
(Note: Exact nutritional values vary based on the specific brands and portions used.)
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Delight
A stunning fusion of silky smoked salmon and velvety cream cheese, perfect for appetizers, breakfasts, or elegant brunches.
Servings 6 servings
Calories 220kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Choose high-quality cream cheese for best results.
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced Opt for bright colored, high-quality salmon.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Adds freshness to the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) For a tangier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- crackers or toasted bagels Base for serving the smoked salmon and cream cheese.
- cucumber slices, tomato wedges, lemon slices Fresh garnishes for presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon juice, and optional Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture generously on your choice of crackers or toasted bagels.
- Top with smoked salmon slices and additional garnishes as desired.
Notes
Store leftover smoked salmon in the refrigerator for up to two days. Unused cream cheese mixture can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. For variations, consider making herb-infused cream cheese or smoked salmon roll-ups.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g
1 Comment
Delicious 😋