12 Delicious Pairings for Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

A classic combination that’s popular for good reason – smoked salmon and cream cheese always make an easy, elegant appetizer. The salty, smoky salmon is perfectly complemented by the rich tangy cream cheese. But what other ingredients go well with this tasty duo? Let’s look at 12 delicious food pairings that take smoked salmon cream cheese treats to the next level.

Overview of Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon and cream cheese are a beloved pairing for appetizers, snacks, and breakfast Here’s a quick rundown

• Smoked salmon ranges from deeply smoky to milder tastes. Go for thick slices of quality lox, nova-style, or smoked salmon.

• Cream cheese adds a cool, rich creaminess. Regular full-fat or whipped cream cheese both work well.

• Together, they offer complementary flavors and textures – warm smokiness with cool tang and creaminess.

This pairing is commonly enjoyed in three easy ways:

• On bagels: Put cream cheese on a plain or sliced everything bagel and put salmon on top of it.

• With crackers – Top crackers spread with cream cheese with a slice of salmon.

• In dips – Blend cream cheese with salmon to create a tasty dip for veggies or chips.

But what other ingredients pair deliciously with this combo? Let’s look at 12 fantastic mix-ins and accompaniments.

12 Top Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pairings

1. Capers – The briny saltiness of capers balances the rich creaminess. Roughly chop before mixing in.

2. Red Onion – For flavor and crunch, mince some red onion and stir it into the cream cheese mix.

3. Dill – Fresh dill adds aromatic herbal notes. Mix in chopped dill or use sprigs as a garnish.

4. Lemon – Brightens with tart citrus flavor. Zest lemon peel into the cream cheese or use wedges for squeezing over.

5. Bagels – Mini or full-sized bagels make perfect vehicles for scooping up the creamy salmon mix.

6. Cucumbers – For fresher flavor, spread the dip on cucumber slices instead of crackers.

7. Tomatoes – The sweetness balances the salmon’s saltiness. Add diced tomatoes to the cream cheese or serve slices alongside.

8. Avocado – Blend in mashed avocado for a luscious, tangy twist. Or slice avocado and add it as a topping.

9. Scallions – Thinly slice scallions and mix them in for a lighter onion flavor and green flecks.

10. Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add crisp peppery compliments to the creamy dip.

11. Celery – Serve crunchy celery sticks on the side for scooping up the salmon cream cheese mixture.

12. Grapes – Salty-sweet perfection. Skewer grapes with the dip for an easy appetizer.

Get creative mixing and matching ingredients to create your own signature salmon cream cheese combinations.

Building a Smoked Salmon Appetizer Board

For easy entertaining, create a DIY smoked salmon appetizer board. Arrange the salmon cream cheese dip in the center surrounded by various accompaniments.

Include any of the mix-ins mentioned above like capers, dill, lemon slices or wedges, and diced onion or tomatoes.

Then add crackers, cucumber slices, celery sticks, bagel chips or crisps, grape clusters, and other dippers around the edges.

This makes for a visually appealing way to serve the salmon dip that also adds lots of flavorful textures and components.

Savory Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Dips

If you want to change up the flavors, incorporate any of these mix-ins to create savory smoked salmon dips:

• Horseradish – Adds spicy bite, goes well with capers and dill.

• Everything bagel seasoning – For an everything flavor.

• Scallions and garlic – Punch up the flavors.

• Chili powder or chipotle – Spice it up with a touch of heat.

• Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, salty, rich.

• Parmesan – Sharp, salty tang complements smoked salmon.

• Sautéed mushrooms – Earthy flavor.

Experiment with different add-ins to invent your own signature creamy salmon dip.

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Spread Recipes

To simplify preparation, check out these tasty smoked salmon spread recipes:

• 5-Ingredient Salmon Cream Cheese – Salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, scallions, salt and pepper.

• Smoked Salmon Dip – With garlic, dill, mayo, lemon, and Worcestershire sauce.

• Salmon Mousse – Fluffy with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon, and salt.

• Chipotle Salmon Spread – Spiced up with chipotle peppers in adobo.

• Salmon & Goat Cheese – Tangy and herbal.

The creaminess of the cheese blends beautifully with smoked salmon. So get creative and whip up your own easy salmon spread.

Fun Ways to Serve Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese

Along with the classic bagels, crackers, and veggie slices, here are some fun ways to serve smoked salmon cream cheese:

• Stuff in cherry tomatoes or cucumber cups.

• Use as a filling for deviled eggs.

• Put on endive leaves or asparagus spears for easy finger food.

• Use as a topping for bruschetta, crostini, or flatbread.

• Swirl into the cream cheese frosting on everything bagels.

• Fill profiteroles or cream puffs with the mixture.

• Use as a dip for sweet potato or regular French fries.

With so many possibilities, the pairing of smoked salmon and cream cheese will never get boring!

Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese

To ensure your salmon cream cheese creations are top-notch:

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon and cream cheese, not budget versions.

• Mix in any additions gently to avoid breaking up the salmon too much.

• Add lemon juice or zest to brighten flavors.

• Season with cracked black pepper, sea salt, crushed red pepper, or everything bagel seasoning.

• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

• Serve with an assortment of crackers, bagels, and cut veggies for variety.

With premium ingredients and lively seasonings, it’s easy to make your smoked salmon and cream cheese creations something extra special.

The Perfect Partners for Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon with cream cheese will always be a beloved combination. To take the flavors to the next level, incorporate fresh, bright ingredients like lemon, dill, capers, onions, and tomatoes.

Consider making a salmon cream cheese board with an assortment of crackers, crisp veggies, and other accompaniments for easy entertaining. Or get creative with savory salmon dips and other fun serving methods.

With so many complementary flavors and textures, it’s hard to go wrong when pairing ingredients with this classic duo. Smoked salmon and cream cheese are even better together with the right mix-ins and additions.