Lox Spread (Miami Cream Cheese)
Our super-savory lox spread takes things to the next level with just the right balance of satisfying flavors. It's equally great on bagels and crackers. Ready in about 10 minutes. Don't miss it.
Servings: 12
Calories: 235kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dill weed
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 ounces (113 grams) smoked salmon
- ½ cup thinly sliced scallions white and green parts
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to stir together the softened cream cheese and lemon juice until very well combined. Mixing well not only creates a smooth, creamy spread, but it prevents the lemon juice from altering the texture of the smoked salmon when you add it later — so make sure to mix thoroughly.
- Mix in the dill, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Chop the smoked salmon into small bite-sized pieces.
- Gently but thoroughly mix the salmon and scallions into the spread.
Notes
- A good old block of cream cheese forms the base of this spread. Let it come to room temperature for easier mixing. The texture is perfection with regular cream cheese, but you can substitute a light or whipped version if you prefer.
- You can substitute fresh dill for the dill weed if you've got it. Use two tablespoons fresh.
- I sometimes err toward super-fancy gravlax or smoked wild salmon for other uses, but a standard smoked salmon will give you the best flavor and texture here.
- I haven't included capers, but you can add up to ¼ cup of brined, drained capers if you like, for an extra layer of savoriness.
- You can mix the spread in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle if you prefer. I find it's just as easy to do it by hand with a fork.
- Lox spread will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a week, so feel free to make it ahead of time. If I'm using it as a spread for crackers, I like to pull it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften up a bit.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 257mg