Introduction

This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip combines creamy ricotta and cream cheese with fresh lemon and dill for a bright, flavorful appetizer. It’s perfect for entertaining or a casual snack with bagel crisps and cucumber slices.

A round white plate holds a layered spread starting with a smooth, creamy white base. On top, there are small pieces of orange smoked salmon scattered evenly, mixed with small green capers and finely chopped purple-red onions. Thin yellow lemon zest strands are draped across the surface, with small green herb sprigs, likely dill, sprinkled throughout. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of round toasted bread slices to the right and a white bowl of lemon wedges to the left. A woman's hand is holding one round toasted bread slice, touching the edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 tablespoon capers
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1/2 of a large lemon)
1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Lemon wedges, for serving
Bagel crisps, for serving
Cucumber slices, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Add the ricotta, cream cheese, lemon juice, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Spread the whipped cheese mixture onto a serving platter evenly.
Step 3: Top the cheese spread with the chopped smoked salmon, sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning, and chopped fresh dill.
Step 4: Serve immediately with lemon wedges, bagel crisps, and cucumber slices for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother dip, strain the ricotta overnight to remove excess liquid before blending.
Swap the smoked salmon for smoked trout or lox for a different flavor profile.
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Garnish with extra dill or chopped chives for a fresh herbal boost.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The toppings are best added fresh before serving. If stored assembled, give it a gentle stir and add fresh lemon wedges before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a layered dish starting with a thick, creamy white base spread evenly across the plate as the first layer. On top, there are small pieces of bright orange smoked salmon scattered all over, mixed with thin strips of yellow lemon zest and finely chopped red onions. Small green capers are spread throughout, sprinkled with fresh green dill and a few black pepper flakes for contrast. Three round toasted bread pieces lean against the edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with slices of green cucumber stacked in the background on a white plate showing partially at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cheese base up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated. Add smoked salmon and toppings just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I use instead of bagel crisps?

Cucumber slices, crackers, toasted bread, or pita chips all work well as alternatives for dipping.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Combining whole milk ricotta with softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and a delicate blend of smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and everything bagel seasoning, it offers the iconic flavors of a classic bagel with lox in a vibrant dip form. Served with lemon wedges, bagel crisps, and cucumber slices, it’s an irresistible and elegant starter.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Dip Base

2 cups (16 ounces) whole milk ricotta
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 tablespoon capers
1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1/2 of a large lemon)
1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

To Serve

Lemon wedges
Bagel crisps
Cucumber slices

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Base: Add the whole milk ricotta, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, and kosher salt to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps and the texture is spreadable.
Spread the Cheese Mixture: Transfer the whipped cheese blend onto a serving platter, smoothing it out evenly to form a base layer for the toppings.
Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the chopped smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, capers, lemon zest, everything bagel seasoning, and chopped fresh dill on top of the creamy cheese layer. This layering adds flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the dip alongside lemon wedges, bagel crisps, and cucumber slices to complement the flavors and offer variety in dipping options.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for easier blending and a smoother texture.
Feel free to substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
Everything bagel seasoning can be found pre-mixed or made at home from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
Chill the dip for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.
For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Smoked salmon dip, bagel dip, creamy dip, appetizer, party dip, bagel with lox, ricotta cream cheese dip