This Cheesy and Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon with a luscious creamy base and a crispy panko topping. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a luxurious snack with a baguette or crackers.
Ingredients:
For the Dip:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 2 large shallots, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated smoked mozzarella or cheddar
- 16 ounces hot smoked salmon, flaked (crab can also be used)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
For Serving:
- 1 baguette, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and shallots, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Dip:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, smoked mozzarella or cheddar, flaked smoked salmon, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, dill, and dried basil. Mix well.
- Fold in the sautéed vegetables until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Transfer the dip mixture to a suitable baking dish. Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dip is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with sliced baguette, crackers, or a selection of fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add capers or chopped pickles to the dip mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dip a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving to save time.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
This smoked salmon dip is not only delicious but also a show-stopper at any table. Enjoy this luxurious treat with your favorite sides!