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Smoked Salmon Spread

American Condiment Spread Dip
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Posted on: 2024-03-10
Updated on: 2024-03-11 08:16:42 by Mike

Mike
Image Of Smoked Salmon Spread Ready To Eat.

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Description

Smoked salmon is not just a delicious treat; it's a powerhouse of nutrition, bursting with omega-3 fatty acids vital for a healthy heart, brain, and overall glow. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, it's the superhero ingredient for anyone keen on feasting in a health-savvy manner. And let me tell you, my absolute favorite way to bring this champion to the breakfast table is perched atop a bagel, slathered in a not-so-ordinary cream cheese spread.

This isn't about just any cream cheese spread. Oh no, we're talking about a spread that's been to finishing school, ready to elevate your smoked salmon, bagel, and cream cheese experience to dizzying new heights. This dynamic trio is a celebration of flavors, textures, and a kaleidoscope of sensory delights that come together in a harmonious symphony in every bite.

The beauty lies in the contrast— the silky, velvety cream cheese against the robust, tender flakes of smoked salmon, all hugged by the chewy embrace of a bagel. This textural dance is nothing short of a Broadway hit. Flavor-wise, the smoky whispers of salmon find a tangy counterpart in the cream cheese, with the bagel laying down the red carpet for this flavor fest. And whether it's breakfast in bed or a brunch worthy of a royal invite, this combo fits the bill, weaving sophistication and satisfaction into any mealtime.

Not to mention, it's a feast for the eyes too. The striking pink of the salmon playing peek-a-boo with creamy white and the golden hues of the bagel is a visual treat that promises and delivers in equal measure.

But let's talk about that cream cheese spread. Plain cream cheese? Please, we're way past that. To an 8-ounce battalion of cream cheese, I unleash a flavor blitz with 1/4 tsp of white pepper, 1 tsp dried dill for that herby punch, the zestiness of juice from one lemon, 1 tbsp each of horseradish and Dijon mustard for that kick, and let's not forget the 1 tbsp of garlic confit—because garlic is love, garlic is life.

Whip up this concoction, and you've got a spread that not only pairs perfectly with any bagel from everything to plain but also stands ready to transform into the life of the party as a chip dip. Just imagine: sturdy tortilla strips diving into this creamy dream, emerging victorious with a coating of this divine spread. It's a sight to behold, and a taste to be savored, until the very last scoop.

Don't hesitate to play around—top your salmon with a sprinkle of red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, or capers. Or, mix the capers right into the cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Remember, the kitchen is your playground, and with this Smoked Salmon Spread in your arsenal, you're ready to create, enjoy, and impress.

So, grab your ingredients, unleash your inner culinary artist, and prepare to take your smoked salmon bagel game to an unforgettable new level. Remember, it's all about having fun and savoring each moment—both in the making and the eating. Here's to delicious adventures with every spread and bite!

smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese spread
Smoked Salmon Bagel With Cream Cheese Spread by Mike Kearns

Smoked Salmon Spread Ingredients

Step-By-Step Instructions

Image of Smoked Salmon Spread ready to use/eat. Smoked Salmon Spread

Prep Time: 5 minutes.

Cook Time: 30 minutes.

Total Time: 35 minutes.

Yield: 20 Servings

Nutrition Information: 192 Calories per 2 TBSP of spread

Ingredients:
  • 8 Oz Cream Cheese
  • 1 Lemon (Juice Only)
  • 1 TBSP Horseradish (The Real Strong Stuff)
  • 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard
  • 1 TBSP Garlic Confit aka Garlic Love
  • 1 TSP Dill Weed Dried
  • 1/4 TSP White Pepper
Instructions:
  • Step 1 - Gather your ingredients. #1 - 1/4 TSP White Pepper, #2 - 1 TSP Dill Weed Dried, #3 - 1 Lemon (Juice Only), #4 - 8 Oz Cream Cheese, #5 - 1 TBSP Horseradish (The Real Strong Stuff), #6 - 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard, #7 - 1 TBSP Garlic Confit aka Garlic Love.
  • Step 2 - Create a double boiler. Add about 4-5 cups of water to a saucepan. Put it on the stovetop and turn it on high.
  • Step 3 - Heat cheese in a mixing bowl. Once you place the cheese in a mixing bowl, place it over the top of the saucepan. As the water heats up, it will steam and cause the cream cheese to melt. You can also place your cream cheese in a coffee cup and microwave it for 2-3 minutes or until spreadable. Be sure your mixing bowl is larger than the saucepan so it can sit on top of the saucepan. I flip the cream cheese block with a rubber spatula after 10 minutes, then after 10 more minutes, 20 minutes total, grab the mixing bowl with a towel or oven mitt and remove it from the steam heat. You can turn off the stovetop now.
  • Step 4 - Mix in all ingredients. Take all the ingredients and pour them in the mixing bowl, then mix with a rubber spatula. I find that using a whisk, removes the small little cream cheese balls, but too much remains on the whisk and I feel like I’m wasting too much, so I use a spatula to mix. It takes a minute or two to get all the ingredients incorporated together.
  • Step 5 - Store for later. Once the cream cheese and ingredients are mixed, use the rubber spatula to scrape the mixture into a reusable container, then plop it in the refrigerator for use later.
  • Step 6 - Toast bagels. Toast your favorite bagel. For this example, I used plain bagels. Be careful if you are cutting a bagel. It’s one of the leading causes of kitchen injury.
  • Step 7 - Spread mixture on toasted bagels. Get out your favorite spreader and use it to spread copious amounts of this cream cheese spread on your toasted bagels.
  • Step 8 - Add smoked salmon. Add layers of smoked salmon then get out your favorite oil and vinegar dressing and lightly splash some on some mixed greens. Toss well. Add a handful over the top of the smoked salmon layer.
  • Step 9 - Marry the parts. Slowly tilt each half together, then after you are about halfway there, quickly close the pieces together and create the final sandwich. Walla.
  • Step 10 - Slice and enjoy. Slice in half and enjoy. The flavors of this salmon spread will wake up your taste buds.
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Smoked Salmon Spread Drink Pairings

Alcoholic
  • Champagne or Sparkling Wine

    The bubbles and acidity of a good Champagne or a dry sparkling wine will cut through the richness of the cream cheese and smoked salmon beautifully, cleansing the palate between bites.

  • Sauvignon Blanc

    A crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc with its citrus notes can complement the lemon and dill in the spread, while standing up to the strong flavors of horseradish and garlic.

  • Dry Riesling

    A dry Riesling, with its balance of acidity and fruitiness, can pair well with the complexity of this dish, highlighting the smoked salmon without overwhelming any of the subtler flavors.

  • Grüner Veltliner

    This Austrian white wine, known for its peppery and citrus notes, can be a fantastic match for the herb and spice elements in the spread.

  • Gin & Tonic

    For a spirit option, a classic gin and tonic, with its botanicals, can complement the herbed and spiced elements of the spread. A squeeze of lemon in the drink can echo the lemon in the dish.

Non-Alcoholic
  • Sparkling Lemonade

    A homemade sparkling lemonade can offer the refreshing acidity needed to balance the richness of the spread, with lemon flavors that mirror the dish’s citrus notes.

  • Cucumber Mint Water

    A subtly flavored cucumber and mint water offers a refreshing and cleansing effect on the palate, providing a nice contrast to the dish’s richness.

  • Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine

    Today, there are excellent non-alcoholic sparkling wines that can offer the festive feel and palate-cleansing effect of Champagne without the alcohol.

  • Iced Green Tea

    A lightly brewed iced green tea, perhaps with a hint of lemon, can provide a refreshing and slightly astringent counterpoint to the creamy and smoky flavors of the spread.

  • Ginger Beer

    A non-alcoholic ginger beer, with its spicy and sweet profile, can stand up to the horseradish and garlic in the spread while offering a refreshing effervescence.