Appetizer: United States – Alaska – Smoked Salmon Spread

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 5 min

Additional 3 hrs

Total 3 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) smoked Alaskan salmon, skin removed and flaked
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) mayonnaise (optional, for extra silkiness)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (approx 2 g) lemon zest
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) capers, drained and coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely minced red onion or shallot
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) sea salt, or to taste
- 2 tbsp (40 g) salmonberry jam or cranberry jam (optional, for a local sweet-tart accent)
- Assorted crackers, toasted sourdough slices, or cucumber rounds, for serving
- Extra dill sprigs and a few whole capers for garnish

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, savory spread of locally smoked Alaskan salmon blended with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and bright lemon; optionally finished with a touch of local salmonberry jam for a sweet-tart Alaskan note. Served chilled with crackers or toasted bread as a shareable starter.

Regional Notes:
This Alaskan version centers on locally caught, cold-smoked Alaskan salmon and the optional use of regional berries (salmonberries) for a distinctive sweet-tart contrast. It differs from generic smoked-salmon dips by highlighting Alaska flavors—smoke-forward fish, bright fresh dill, and the occasional local berry jam finish.

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sour cream (and mayonnaise if using) until smooth and spreadable.
2. Fold in the flaked smoked salmon, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, chives, capers, and minced red onion. Mix gently so the salmon stays in small flakes.
3. Season with black pepper and salt, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
4. If using, gently fold in the salmonberry (or cranberry) jam to create streaks of sweet-tart flavor; stop when the balance suits your taste.
5. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, cover, and chill at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to let flavors meld.
6. Before serving, garnish with extra dill sprigs and a few whole capers. Serve chilled with assorted crackers, toasted sourdough slices, or cucumber rounds.