Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball Recipe
This Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring a blend of cream cheese, smoked salmon, sour cream, and fresh herbs, coated with crunchy pecans. Perfect for entertaining, it offers a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 12 ounces smoked salmon, chopped (or regular salmon plus 1 teaspoon liquid smoke)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives, parsley, dill, or a mixture), chopped
Coating
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: If using regular salmon instead of smoked salmon, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the salmon to impart a smoky flavor. Chop the salmon finely to ensure even distribution throughout the cheese ball.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, sour cream, finely diced red onion, lemon pepper seasoning, and freshly chopped herbs. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth with visible bits of salmon and herbs.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands or a spatula, shape the cheese mixture into a compact ball. Use plastic wrap to help mold and tighten the ball if needed, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps firm up the ball and meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Pecan Coating: While the cheese ball chills, roughly chop the pecans into small pieces. Set aside in a shallow dish or plate that can accommodate the size of the cheese ball.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts adhere well to the surface, creating a crunchy exterior.
- Serve: Transfer the smoked salmon cheese ball to a serving platter. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable crudités. For best texture, serve within a few hours of coating.
Notes
- If using regular salmon, liquid smoke is essential to replicate the smoky flavor of smoked salmon.
- Chilling time can be extended up to overnight for firmer texture and deeper flavor integration.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted according to preference; dill is a classic pairing with smoked salmon.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- For a nut-free option, coat the cheese ball with finely chopped chives or toasted breadcrumbs.
Keywords: smoked salmon cheese ball, smoked salmon appetizer, cheese ball recipe, easy party appetizer, cream cheese salmon dip
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/smoked-salmon-cheese-ball-recipe/