This creamy smoked fish dip recipe is packed with smoky flavor and comes together in just 10 minutes using simple ingredients. It’s one of the best smoked fish dip options you can serve with crackers, veggies, or bagel chips for a quick and easy appetizer.
I’ve been making this smoked fish dip for years, usually with trout, but sometimes with whatever smoked fish I can get from the market or local shop. It started as a quick fix for holiday gatherings when I didn’t have time to fuss over appetizers, but now it’s a staple I rely on for any kind of entertaining.
It’s flavorful, fresh, and the kind of thing people go back to for seconds, especially when served with saltine crackers and lemon wedges. If you’ve never tried a smoked fish dip before, this one is perfect for first-timers—it’s simple, adaptable, and full of rich flavor.
This recipe is part of my appetizer collection, where you can find a variety of other dishes, like this vegetable spread, this creamy garlic dill mushroom spread, or this cranberry cheese cream dip.
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🐟 Why You’ll Love This Fish Dip Recipe
- A great make-ahead appetizer for holidays, potlucks, or weekend snacks
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Packed with savory, smoky flavor
- No cooking required
- Easy to adjust with different herbs or types of fish
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Smoked trout – Mild, flaky, and easy to find. You can also use smoked white fish or salmon for a different flavor profile.
- Green onions – Add a fresh, mild onion flavor
- Celery – Brings a refreshing crunch
- Mayonnaise – Gives the dip its creamy base
- Sour cream – Adds tang and lightens the richness of the mayo
- Lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce (optional) – Brightens and deepens the flavor.
🥣 How To Make This Smoked Fish Dip
- Prepare the fish. Remove any skin and bones from the smoked trout and flake the fillet into small pieces using a fork.
- Chop the vegetables. Finely dice the green onions and celery.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine the flaked fish, chopped veggies, mayo, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Season. Add lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce to taste. Mix again. Taste for salt and pepper.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Pro Tip
For a smoother dip, pulse everything in the bowl of a food processor. For a chunkier texture, just mix by hand.
🍋 Variations & Add-ins
- Swap the trout for smoked whitefish, lake whitefish, or salmon
- Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives
- Stir in Dijon mustard or Old Bay seasoning
- Blend with cream cheese for a thicker spread
- Try liquid smoke if your fish isn’t very smoky
🥄 Serving Suggestions
- With saltine crackers, bagel chips, club crackers, or pita chips
- Topped with chopped herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- As a sandwich filling or spread on toasted baguette slices
- Alongside a brunch board with lemon wedges, veggies, and cheese
🧊 Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Best enjoyed within 3–4 days. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
❓FAQs About Smoked Fish Dip
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Add a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika to compensate.
Smoked trout, salmon, or whitefish are all great choices. Pick whatever’s freshest or most accessible where you live.
It’s not ideal. The mayonnaise mixture may separate after thawing, so it's best made fresh and stored in the fridge.
🔗 More Appetizer Recipes
- 28 Best Dip Appetizer Recipes To Make All Year Round
- Crustless Smoked Salmon Spinach Quiche
- Easy Cheese Crackers Recipe
📖 Recipe
Easy Smoked Fish Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces smoked trout skin and bones removed
- 4 stalks green onions finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: lemon juice Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Remove the skin and bones from the smoked trout and flake it into small pieces.
- Chop the green onions and celery finely.
- In a large bowl, combine the fish, green onions, and celery.
- Add mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir gently to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients like lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Try smoked whitefish or salmon for a different flavor.
- Add chopped dill, parsley, or chives.
- For a richer dip, add a few tablespoons of room-temperature cream cheese.
- Blend in a food processor for a smoother texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3–4 days for best flavor.
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