This smoked salmon spread is rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, perfect for bagels, crackers, or veggie platters! This recipe is quick to make and even better than store-bought smoked salmon dip.
When we were living in the UK, I fell hard for the smoked salmon pâté from Marks & Spencer. I'm talking eat-the-whole-jar-in-one-sitting level obsession, piled high on cucumbers, crackers, toast, a cardboard box... You get the picture.
When we moved back to Texas, I had no choice but to start making it at home. And honestly? If I had realized how ridiculously easy it was to whip up, I would have been making it myself all along, even in England!
This homemade smoked salmon spread (or dip, or pâté, whatever you want to call it!) is made with simple, fresh ingredients and comes together in just minutes. It's naturally low carb, rich and creamy, full of bright, herby flavor, and perfect for everything from casual brunches to fancy holiday platters.
Trust me, once you try it, you'll never want to go back to store-bought. It's one of those recipes that looks fancy but secretly takes almost no effort. Plus, it's make-ahead friendly, customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
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Hot Smoked vs Cold Smoked Salmon
While I love smoked salmon in all its variety, it is important that you use hot smoked salmon for this particular recipe.
The primary difference between hot smoked and cold smoked salmon is, as I'm sure you inferred, the smoking temperature. Cold smoked salmon is smoked below 90 degrees, while hot smoked is over 120 degrees.
The result is that hot smoked salmon has a smokier flavor and flakier texture, much like baked salmon. Cold smoked salmon on the other hand is more fresh and silky, but would not blend as well in this smoked salmon spread.
Other snack recipes for you to enjoy.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: I love these Pyrex glass mixing bowls. They're great quality and microwave and dishwasher safe!
- Fork
Ingredients
- Hot Smoked Salmon: Very important that you get hot smoked, rather than cold smoked, for this particular recipe.
- Cream Cheese: I highly recommend using full fat cream cheese for this recipe. You can use low fat but it doesn't have the same flavor or texture.
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Salt & Pepper
Recipe FAQs
Unfortunately no. Cold smoked salmon, while delicious, will not work for this recipe. You need a hot smoked salmon that flakes easily.
Smoked salmon dip will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always keep it chilled and give it a quick check before serving. If it smells off or looks watery, it's time to toss it.
Technically, you can freeze smoked salmon dip, but I don't recommend it. Freezing can change the creamy texture and make it watery once thawed. For the best flavor and consistency, it's best enjoyed fresh!
The recipe itself is both low carb and Keto compatible. Serve with sliced cucumbers, celery or over a salad for a delicious low carb meal or snack.
Absolutely! Smoked salmon dip actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, giving all those flavors time to meld together. Just cover it tightly and keep it chilled until you're ready to serve.
Other Serving Suggestions
If you are not following a low carb or keto diet then I highly recommend trying the Smoked Salmon Spread on a freshly toasted slice of sourdough.
It's also wonderful on crackers, wraps and sandwiches. I especially love serving it as breakfast or a part of brunch!
More salmon recipes you might enjoy.
Seared Salmon with Parsley Sauce
Made this Smoked Salmon Spread recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Smoked Salmon Spread
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz hot smoked salmon
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- ½ lemon, juice of
- pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Remove salmon skin and shred with a fork in a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients to the same bowl and mix well until fully combined. Taste and add additional salt, pepper and/or lemon juice as need. Serve and enjoy!
Audrey
How delicious!!