Best Smoked Fish Dip Recipe for an Easy Appetizer
My obsession with smoked fish dips began years ago in Venice Beach, California. At one of my favorite restaurants, I fell in love with a delicious appetizer: smoked whitefish crostini. It was basically smoked whitefish dip on toasted baguette slices, but it made a lasting impression on me.
That experience led to my trying many more smoked fish dips from coast to coast. There was even an exceptional version on the menu at State Bird Provisions, one of the best restaurants in San Francisco.
As a chef, I often try to recreate my favorite dishes. So, I identified the elements I liked best from all the fish dips I’ve had and set out to make the best smoked fish dip recipe ever. I think I did it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s Delicious
If you think a dip made from fish sounds like a weird food you might not want to eat, I can’t blame you.
Before I tasted my first smoked fish dip, I thought it sounded weird too. But if you like seafood, you’re going to love this!
It’s Easy
Fish dip is an easy appetizer you can make in minutes without cooking a thing! It’s even easy the first time you make it!
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can prepare this dip in less than 10 minutes.
It’s Storable
You can prepare your dip as many as five days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
It’s Versatile
Smoked fish dip is the perfect appetizer to get your party started. Or, you can spread it on a bagel or bread for routine-busting breakfast or lunch!
SmokeD Fish Dip Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Fish
You can use any any type of fish you’d like, as long as it’s smoked. I stick to a smoked pink or white fish. Smoked salmon, whitefish, and trout all make excellent choices, but I make smoked trout dip most often.
Mayonnaise
I like to use light mayo whenever possible, but if you prefer the full-fat version, that works just as well. Alternatively, you can use sour cream.
Cream Cheese
I think whipped cream cheese produces the best consistency. It also combines with the other ingredients better than regular cream cheese does.
Mustard
You can really use any kind of mustard you like, but spicy brown mustard gives this dip lots more flavor than plain yellow mustard can. If spicy brown scares you, try Dijon.
Horseradish
If you’re not a fan, you can skip it, but to me this is the best part of the dip—besides the fish, of course.
SMOKED FISH DIP RECIPE
Servings: 8
Ingredients
½ cup light mayonnaise
½ cup whipped cream cheese
¼ cup spicy brown mustard
1½ tablespoons horseradish
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces smoked fish separated in half
Instructions
1. In the bowl of a food processor, add the mayonnaise, cream cheese, mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper, and process until smooth.
2. Break half of the smoked fish filets into small pieces into the bowl and process until well combined and smooth.
3. Add the remaining smoked whitefish and pulse about 5 times. The dip should be slightly chunky.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
Serving Smoked Fish Dip
When to Serve
Smoked fish dip is not just the perfect addition to a dinner party appetizer platter. I’ve served this flavorful dish at brunches and lunches and it’s always a hit, whether cold or at room temperature.
Garnishing
Garnishing your dip is always a good idea, and there are lots of good options. Try chopped green onions or chives, a slice of radish or red onion, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning.
How To Serve
Serve your smoked fish dip as you would hummus, guacamole, or any of your other favorite dips—with crackers, pita chips, bread, bagel chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks.
At State Bird, they served it with housemade potato chips. I had it served with Saltine crackers on a food tour in Charleston, SC. And in Maryland, one of the best whitefish dips comes on a bagel.
Spice It Up
If you’re one of those people who likes everything spicy, try adding some hot sauce like the California original, Tapatio.
Selecting and Purchasing Smoked Fish
You can find some smoked fishes at fish markets and upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods.
Depending on where you live, your local markets will have different types of fish.
In the Pacific Northwest, you’re likely to be making smoked salmon dip. In the Great Lakes area, it will probably be smoked whitefish dip.
I usually purchase my smoked trout online. The Ducktrap brand has a nice smoke to it and rich flavor.
Each fish offers a different flavor profile, but I find they all make a delicious dip.
For additional great ways to kick off a meal, check out these super easy appetizer recipes!
