Description
This creamy and flavorful Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip combines smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and savory smoked salmon with fresh herbs and capers. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs wonderfully with bagel chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for an elegant appetizer that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving Suggestions
- Bagel chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a creamy base for the dip.
- Fold in Salmon and Herbs: Gently fold the chopped smoked salmon, capers, fresh dill, and optional chives into the creamy base. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference and stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without breaking up the salmon pieces.
- Chill to Blend Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes. This chilling allows the flavors to meld and develop. For best results and deeper flavor, let it chill for a few hours or overnight.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with extra fresh dill or chives to enhance the presentation. Offer alongside bagel chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable slices such as cucumbers or carrots for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free dip.
- Chilling the dip longer enhances the flavors, so plan ahead if possible.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir before serving again.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor, but dried dill and chives can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity to about 1 teaspoon each).
