Spicy Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Delights
Indulge in these elegant Spicy Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Delights, a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of smoked salmon with a creamy, zesty cheese filling, these rolls are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Customize the spices to fit your palate, introducing a mild dill for a subtle note or adding more heat with a spicy chili mix for those who enjoy a little kick. Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, these delightful bites are sure to impress your guests! Chilling time is 2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Lemon Zest
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
Garlic Clove
1 (smashed)
Onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Spanish Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Lemongrass and Chili Spice Mix
1/4 teaspoon (dried (more if desired))
Parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Smoked Salmon
8-10 ounces (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smashed garlic, finely chopped onion, dried Spanish paprika, lemongrass and chili spice mix, and chopped parsley.
2
Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy texture.
3
Spoon the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, shaping it carefully into a 6-inch log.
4
Lay the thinly sliced smoked salmon over the cheese roll, making sure to cover all sides except the ends.
5
Gently roll the log to firmly press the salmon against the cheese mixture.
6
Wrap the log tightly in a fresh piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop and the roll to firm up.
7
When ready to serve, remove the roll from the fridge, unwrap it, and slice it into 1/4-inch pieces.
8
Serve the slices on crackers or bagel pieces for the perfect bite.
9
For variation, substitute lemongrass and chili with your preferred hot spice if unavailable.
10
Alternative method: For a chunkier texture, use unsliced, home-smoked salmon; pulse small pieces into the cheese mixture after processing. Freeze the log before wrapping in thin slices of smoked salmon when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Delights recipe?
It is an elegant appetizer featuring a creamy, zesty cheese filling wrapped in thinly sliced smoked salmon, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
How long does this recipe need to chill?
The salmon roll needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the log to firm up.
What are the main ingredients for the filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, onion, Spanish paprika, lemongrass and chili spice mix, and fresh parsley.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for this recipe.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can customize the spices by adding more chili mix for heat or using mild dill for a more subtle flavor.
How do I prepare the filling?
Combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, zest, garlic, onion, spices, and parsley in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
How do I shape the cheese mixture?
Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap and carefully shape it into a 6-inch log.
How is the smoked salmon applied?
Thinly sliced smoked salmon is laid over the cheese log to cover all sides except the ends.
What should I serve these delights with?
The slices are best served on crackers or small pieces of bagel for the perfect bite.
How thick should I slice the salmon roll?
When ready to serve, slice the roll into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
What can I use if I do not have lemongrass and chili spice mix?
You can substitute it with any preferred hot spice mix of your choice.
Is there a way to make the texture chunkier?
Yes, use unsliced home-smoked salmon and pulse small pieces into the cheese mixture after it has been processed.
How much smoked salmon is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 ounces of thinly sliced smoked salmon.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon?
Yes, it uses both 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
What kind of paprika is used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dried Spanish paprika.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this appetizer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead dish as it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration and holds its shape well.
Is the garlic cooked or raw?
The recipe uses one smashed garlic clove that is blended raw into the cheese mixture.
How do I ensure the salmon sticks to the cheese?
Gently roll the log after applying the salmon to firmly press the slices against the cheese mixture.
What is the purpose of the plastic wrap?
Plastic wrap is used to help shape the log and to keep it tightly contained while it firms up in the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for snacks?
Yes, it is tagged as a snack and is ideal for elegant, small-bite servings.
Can I add other herbs?
While the recipe calls for parsley, you can introduce other herbs like dill to fit your palate.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion.
What equipment is needed for the filling?
A food processor or blender is recommended to ensure the cheese mixture is smooth and well combined.
Is this a spicy appetizer?
It has a spicy element due to the lemongrass and chili spice mix and Spanish paprika.
How do I prepare the salmon for the alternative method?
For a chunkier texture, pulse small pieces of home-smoked salmon into the cheese and freeze the log before wrapping.
Can I use frozen smoked salmon?
It is best to use fresh or thawed thinly sliced smoked salmon for the best texture and appearance.
Is the lemon zest measured before or after grating?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
Does the recipe require any cooking?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that relies on blending and chilling.
What is the total preparation time excluding chilling?
Preparation is quick, involving mostly blending and assembly, taking roughly 15-20 minutes.