Description
This Layered Smoked Salmon Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together classic bagel toppings like smoked salmon, capers, chives, and cream cheese in a beautifully stacked and flavorful dip. Perfect for parties and gatherings, it pairs delightfully with toasted mini bagels or bagel chips for an easy yet elegant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Layers
- ⅓ cup drained capers
- ½ red onion, minced
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2½ tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 1½ tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 12 ounces smoked salmon, diced
- 3 tablespoons minced chives
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Serving
- Toasted mini bagels or bagel chips, for serving
Instructions
- Spread Cream Cheese: On a medium plate, spread the cream cheese into an even layer about ½ inch thick, using the edge of the plate as a circle guide to create a neat shape.
- Add Mustard Layer: Spread the whole-grain mustard evenly and thinly over the cream cheese layer to add a tangy base.
- Apply Horseradish: Dollop the prepared horseradish over the mustard and gently smooth it out into a uniform, thin layer for a spicy kick.
- Layer Capers: Evenly sprinkle the drained capers over the horseradish layer, adding bursts of briny flavor.
- Add Red Onion: Spread the minced red onion over the capers layer evenly, bringing sharpness and crunch.
- Top with Smoked Salmon: Distribute the diced smoked salmon evenly over the onion layer, showcasing the star ingredient.
- Garnish with Chives and Lemon Zest: In a small bowl, combine minced chives with lemon zest and sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the salmon. Finish with a few turns of freshly ground black pepper before serving.
- Serve: Offer the layered dip alongside toasted mini bagels or bagel chips for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before spreading for easier layering and a smoother texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus aroma and flavor impact.
- For a milder dip, reduce horseradish quantity to taste.
- Can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
- Substitute mini bagels with sturdy crackers if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoked salmon dip, layered dip, appetizer, party dip, bagel toppings, easy dip recipe, smoked salmon, creamy dip
