Smoked Salmon Recipes: Bagel Dip (Creamy, Easy & Perfect for Brunch!)

This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip is luxurious, creamy, and unbelievably easy to make perfect for brunch spreads, birthdays, holidays, or elegant appetizer boards. Whether you’re searching for how to make smoked salmon dip, the perfect smoked salmon dip for bagels, or a creamy lox dip, this recipe brings restaurant-level flavor using simple ingredients.

Made with cream cheese, fresh herbs, lemon, and smoky salmon, it’s a must-try for food for birthday dinner, brunch ideas for birthday, and delicious appetizers with salmon. It’s savory, silky, tangy, and spreads beautifully on bagels, crackers, crostini, and veggies.

Quick. Elegant. Crowd-pleasing.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 (as dip)

Ingredients List

Base Dip

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tbsp chives (chopped)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Salmon

• 6 oz smoked salmon (flaked) or lox

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tsp capers (chopped)
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra dill for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just simple kitchen basics to keep everything stress-free:

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or spatula
• Knife + cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Serving bowl

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prep the cream base
   Add softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to a mixing bowl.
   Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in herbs
   Add dill and chives.
   Stir gently for flavor balance.
3. Add the smoked salmon
   Flake salmon into small pieces using fingers or a fork.
   Fold into dip — don’t overmix to keep texture.
4. Add optional ingredients
   Capers, lemon zest, Dijon, or red pepper flakes.
5. Chill
   Refrigerate 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
6. Serve
   Serve with bagels, mini bagels, crackers, cucumbers, crostini, or brunch boards.
   PERFECT for birthdays, holidays, and any salmon-lovers.

Pro Tips

1. For extra silky dip:
   Blend part of the mixture in a food processor, then fold in remaining salmon.
2. For stronger smoky flavor:
   Add smoked paprika or more salmon.
3. Hosting a birthday brunch?
   Serve with bagel chips, veggies, and mini toasts.
4. Make ahead:
   Dip lasts 3–4 days in the fridge even better the next day.

Nutrition Table

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimated and may vary depending on brands, preparation methods, and serving size. Always check ingredient labels for allergens or specific dietary needs.

This creamy smoked salmon dip with cream cheese, herbs, and lemon is an elegant yet easy brunch or party appetizer. Perfect with bagel chips or crackers.

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Course: Appetizer, Brunch

Cuisine: American, Jewish

Calories: 170

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 225 g cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 120 g smoked salmon or lox, flaked
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp chives, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• rubber spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• serving dish

Method

 

1. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in chopped dill, chives, and flaked smoked salmon. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
3. Chill dip for at least 30 minutes. Serve with bagel chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 120mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

For extra texture, mix in finely chopped red onion or capers. Use whipped cream cheese for a fluffier dip. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

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Conclusion

This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip is creamy, luxurious, and perfect for everything from casual brunches to elegant birthday dinners. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a must-try appetizer for salmon lovers effortless to make, gorgeous to serve, and always a hit with guests.

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