Best Bagel Alaska Salmon Spread

I can still remember the first time I tasted smoked salmon spread. It was at my grandmother’s house during the holidays. The entire family was there, and amidst all the hustle and bustle, she always made sure to have a platter of bagels with this creamy, smoky spread. I watched her carefully assemble each bagel, and I was mesmerized by the way she handled the ingredients with such love and care. It wasn’t just food; it was a memory in the making. That spread, simple as it was, has become synonymous with warmth, family, and the joy of the season.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (includes chill time)
• Yields: 4 cups
• Dietary Type: Pescatarian

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon natural hickory liquid smoke
• 1 (14 3/4 ounce) can salmon, skin and bones removed
• Choose one of the following:
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 fresh minced jalapeno pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sodium-free seasoning

Equipment Needed

• Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon juice, milk, and green onions.
2. Add the hickory liquid smoke. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste. If you desire a smokier flavor, add up to 1/2 teaspoon. Remember, a little goes a long way!
3. Choose one seasoning option from the ingredient list and add it to the bowl. This allows you to customize the spread to your liking. Are you feeling the heat of jalapeno, the zest of Cajun spice, or the comfort of garlic and herbs?
4. Using your mixer, beat the cream cheese mixture until it is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Be careful not to over-beat it, as this can cause the cream cheese to become thin.
5. Gently beat in the salmon. Ensure that the skin and bones have been removed before adding it to the mixture. Breaking up the salmon with a fork before adding it can help it incorporate evenly.
6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to blend together. The longer it chills, the better the flavors will meld! Overnight chilling is perfectly fine.
7. Once chilled, the salmon spread is ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Softening the cream cheese is crucial for a smooth spread. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to start. If you’re short on time, you can carefully microwave it for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
• Taste as you go. This is especially important when adding the hickory liquid smoke and your chosen seasoning. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• For a smoother consistency, you can use a food processor instead of a mixer. Pulse the ingredients until everything is well combined, but be careful not to over-process it.
• If you don’t have low-fat milk, you can use regular milk or even a splash of cream for a richer flavor.
• To make this spread even more special, try adding a tablespoon of capers or some finely diced red onion for extra flavor and texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Alaska Salmon Spread is incredibly versatile. Of course, it’s fantastic on toasted bagels, but don’t stop there! Try it with bagel chips, French bread slices, crackers, pumpernickel, or rye bread. It’s also delicious as a dip for vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers.

Leftover salmon spread should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. It’s not recommended to freeze this spread, as the texture of the cream cheese can change and become grainy when thawed.

Before serving leftovers, give the spread a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. If it’s too thick, you can add a teaspoon or two of milk to loosen it up.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	423.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	272 g	64%
Total Fat	30.2 g	46%
Saturated Fat	17.4 g	86%
Cholesterol	140.6 mg	46%
Sodium	525.1 mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	5.3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	32.5 g	64%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Salmon Spread: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Dill and Cucumber Salmon Spread: For a refreshing twist, add 1/4 cup of finely diced cucumber and 2 tablespoons of fresh dill to the spread.
• Vegetarian “Salmon” Spread: While this recipe uses salmon, you can make a vegetarian version by using smoked tofu or carrot “lox” instead. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
• Dairy-Free Salmon Spread: Use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk to create a delicious and allergy-friendly version. Kite Hill and Tofutti are good brands to try.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning Salmon Spread: Instead of one of the listed seasonings, mix in 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning for a savory and textural delight.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use smoked salmon instead of canned salmon?
A: Absolutely! Smoked salmon will give the spread an even more intense smoky flavor. Just be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

Q: How long does this spread last in the refrigerator?
A: This salmon spread will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze this spread?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese can change and become grainy when thawed.

Q: I don’t have hickory liquid smoke. Can I still make the recipe?
A: Yes, you can still make the recipe without the liquid smoke. However, it will lack that characteristic smoky flavor. You could try adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead.

Q: What kind of salmon is best for this spread?
A: Pink or red salmon both work well in this recipe. Red salmon tends to have a richer flavor, but pink salmon is a more affordable option. Just be sure to remove any skin and bones before adding it to the spread.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Best Bagel Alaska Salmon Spread! It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light snack. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings and variations to create a spread that’s perfectly suited to your taste. Serve it with your favorite bagels and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Bon appétit!