This smoked trout dip is not your average dip! With its creamy consistency and bold, savory flavor, you’ll find that this is not just a fish dip- it’s a delicious sandwich spread, a topping for toasted baguette slices and the perfect, stress-free way to impress guests!

A bowl of smoked trout cream cheese dip next to several crackers.

Whip up this creamy dip and watch it disappear in no time!

The delicate flavor of smoked trout combined with fresh herbs and creamy ingredients like mayo, sour cream and cream cheese, creates a delicious appetizer that’s elevated yet easy to prepare.

Serve it with bagel chips, your favorite crackers or fresh veggies like celery sticks, snap peas or cucumber slices. This delicious appetizer or party snack is a great way to enjoy smoked fish.

Why This Recipe Works

First and foremost, this recipe is versatile!

It’s not just a dip- this savory trout spread is also delicious on toast, bagels, sandwiches, or wraps. Its smoky flavor, complemented with fresh herbs and bold ingredients, will delight your taste buds.

Not only can you enjoy smoked trout spread in several different ways, but the ingredient list is also versatile.

Use your choice of trout- either a homemade smoked trout fillet, store-bought, or even canned trout– and you can skip the fresh herbs for your dried pantry staples, too.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

The amazing flavors of smoked trout, fresh lemon and herbs plus a dash of hot sauce create a balanced and bold dip!
Perfect served with crunchy vegetables, as a spread, or as a classic dipping sauce with crunchy potato chips.
This is a great addition to any table, whether it’s a fancy special occasion dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Ingredients Needed

To create the tangy base and perfect balance of flavors, here’s what you’ll need:

Cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature so it’s much easier to mix.
Mayonnaise. For extra creaminess.
Sour cream. This adds a touch of tanginess that goes so well with all the flavors!
Seasonings. A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add to
Fresh lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Lemon pairs naturally with fish and adds a brightness to the dish.
Fresh herbs. Fresh dill and chives add an herbaceous flavor!
Tabasco sauce. For a touch of heat. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce!
Smoked trout. You can smoke the fish yourself or use a store-bought kind. Roughly chop the fish into smaller pieces.

Smoked trout spread with a cracker on top.

Smoked Trout Dip Recipe

Here’s a look at how to make it. Be sure to scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page to view all of the details.

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix by hand (or with an electric mixer) until the cheese is smooth and creamy.
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined.
Taste and add salt if needed. Add extra lemon juice to taste, too.
Serve right away or refrigerate it immediately. If chilled, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes so it can soften up. This makes it easier to spread. Transfer it to a serving bowl when ready to enjoy.

And, if you love trout, try our Asian trout recipe, stuffed trout, or smoked trout chowder.

Tips for the Best Fish Dip

For the best taste, choose a good quality smoked trout or make it homemade, with trout smoked in your own smoker. Fresh herbs are preferred but the great thing about this recipe is that you can use what you have on hand!
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Worcestershire or omit it entirely if you cannot find one.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days (or as long as the fresh herbs hold up).

Smoked trout dip in a dish with a lemon slice.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist

Add chopped capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bit of crumbled feta cheese to the mix. Omit the smoked paprika and instead, add a pinch of dried oregano and thyme for that classic Mediterranean taste.

Spicy Horseradish Kick

Add 1-2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish. Taste and add more as needed. If you want it spicier, increase the amount of Tabasco.

Shallot and Dijon Mix

Add 2 tablespoons of finely diced shallot (or red onion) and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.

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Smoked Trout Dip

Whip up this smoked trout dip and watch it disappear faster than you can say "Where's the party?" It's not just a dip, it's a sandwich's best friend, a cracker's soulmate, and your secret weapon for when you need to impress without the stress.

Perfect for slathering, dipping, spreading, or shamelessly spooning right out of the bowl. Go wild with your choice of trout—home-smoked, store-bought, or yes, even the canned crusader. This dip doesn’t judge; it just dazzles.

If fresh lemon or herbs aren’t on hand, no sweat—either skip them or raid your stash of dried herbs for a quick substitute.

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings

Calories: 58kcal

Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese softened
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
zest from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire see notes
3 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
3 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
¼ to ½ teaspoon Tabasco optional
4 to 6 ounces smoked trout roughly chopped

Instructions

Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and stir by hand or use an electric mixer until the cheese is smooth and creamy (you can also toss everything in a food processor, if desired).
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined. Taste and add salt if needed and add additional lemon juice if desired.
Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the dip sit out for 30 minutes prior to serving so it has a chance to soften up and become spreadable.

Notes

If you need to keep this dip gluten free, look for gluten free Worcestershire or omit it if it is not available.

Variations:

Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of crumbled feta cheese to the mix. Omit the smoked paprika and add a pinch of dried oregano and thyme.
Spicy Horseradish Kick: Incorporate 1 to 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish (adjust to taste) into the dip, and increase the amount of Tabasco for an extra spicy version.
Shallot & Dijon Mix: Add 2 tablespoons of finely diced shallot or red onion and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dip.