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Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball

Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball
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The Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball is an elegant and flavorful appetizer that combines smoky salmon with creamy cream cheese and vibrant seasonings. Perfect for parties and holiday gatherings, this easy-to-prepare cheese ball offers a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with a crunchy nut coating. Serve it chilled with crackers, veggies, or bread for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both sophisticated and versatile.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese – 8 oz (softened to room temperature)
  • Smoked Salmon – 4 oz (drained and finely chopped)
  • Fresh Dill – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
  • Lemon Zest – 1 teaspoon (from 1 lemon)
  • Capers – 1 tablespoon (drained and chopped)
  • Green Onions – 2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
  • Garlic Powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Coating

  • Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – 1/2 cup (toasted and chopped roughly)

Optional

  • Hot Sauce – to taste (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain any excess liquid from the smoked salmon and finely chop it into small pieces. Chop fresh dill and green onions, and zest the lemon. If using nuts for coating, toast them lightly and chop roughly.
  2. Mix the Cheese Base: In a large bowl, soften the cream cheese to room temperature. Add garlic powder, lemon zest, chopped dill, capers, and green onions. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or electric mixer until silky smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Fold in the Smoked Salmon: Gently fold the chopped smoked salmon into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to break apart the salmon pieces to preserve texture and appearance.
  4. Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a tight ball on a piece of plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the cheese ball firm up.
  5. Coat and Serve: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the toasted nuts, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place on a serving plate and garnish with extra dill sprigs or lemon wedges. Serve with crackers, rye bread, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Let cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
  • Chop smoked salmon finely for even flavor distribution.
  • Chill the cheese ball for several hours or overnight for best flavor and firmness.
  • Toast nuts before coating for enhanced aroma and crunch.
  • Adjust lemon zest and capers to taste, but avoid overpowering the smoked salmon’s delicate flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked salmon, cheese ball, appetizer, party recipe, cream cheese, easy appetizer, holiday dish, gluten free

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