Imagine a creamy, luxurious dip that captures the essence of a classic New York-style bagel with smoked salmon, all packed into one irresistible appetizer. This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms your ordinary gathering into an extraordinary flavor adventure. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, planning a sophisticated appetizer, or simply craving a gourmet treat, this dip promises to elevate your food game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bagel chips for serving
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and use a hand mixer or whisk to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Carefully chop the smoked salmon into small, uniform pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Drain the capers thoroughly and finely chop fresh dill, removing any thick stems.
- Add chopped smoked salmon, capers, fresh dill, and lemon juice to the cream cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- When ready to serve, arrange bagel chips around the dip or alongside it for easy dipping.
- Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or a few capers on top for visual appeal.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature for the smoothest texture. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumpy dip.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality smoked salmon and fresh dill for the most vibrant flavor profile. The better the ingredients, the more exceptional your dip will be.
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: While the recipe suggests 30 minutes of chilling, letting it sit for 1-2 hours can intensify the flavor combinations.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond bagel chips, try serving with cucumber slices, toasted baguette rounds, or even as a spread on everything bagels.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dip can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
