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Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball is a creamy, savory appetizer combining smooth cream cheese and smoky salmon with fresh herbs and crunchy pecans. Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and serves well with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Dairy & Seafood

  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 12 ounces smoked salmon (or regular salmon plus 1 teaspoon liquid smoke)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

Produce & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill, etc), chopped

Nuts

  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: If using regular salmon, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to mimic smoked salmon flavor. Otherwise, use pre-smoked salmon as is. Finely chop the salmon into small pieces to make mixing easier.
  2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy to create the base of the cheese ball.
  3. Add flavorings: Mix in the finely diced red onion, lemon pepper seasoning, chopped fresh herbs, and chopped smoked salmon. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Form the cheese ball: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the cheese mixture into a ball or log shape on a serving plate or piece of plastic wrap for easy handling.
  5. Coat with pecans: Roughly chop the pecans and roll the formed cheese ball in the nuts, pressing gently so they stick and fully coat the outside.
  6. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled with crackers or fresh veggies.

Notes

  • You can substitute regular salmon plus 1 teaspoon liquid smoke if smoked salmon is unavailable.
  • For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or minced garlic.
  • Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on availability and personal preference.
  • Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://justworthi.com/smoked-salmon-cheese-ball-recipe/