Dessert

Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip Recipe

Bylina Carter January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This Smoked Salmon Bagel Dip is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic bagel and lox. Perfect for parties or a simple snack, it combines tangy cream cheese, ricotta, and fresh herbs with smoky salmon and zesty lemon. Serve it with bagel crisps or cucumber slices for an irresistible appetizer.

A white plate holds a layered dish starting with a thick, creamy white base spread evenly on the bottom. On top, there are scattered pieces of bright orange smoked salmon, small green capers, and thin strips of yellow lemon zest spread all over. Small chunks of light purple red onion and sprinkles of fresh green dill are mixed across the surface, adding color and texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface with blurred white bowls in the background, one holding lemon wedges and another with stacked plates of sliced cucumber. 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 kosher salt to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Spread the whipped cheese mixture evenly onto a serving platter.

Step 3: Top the 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 on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before blending.

Substitute fresh dill with chives or fresh parsley for a different herb flavor.
Try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have a food processor, mix the cheeses and lemon juice by hand using a whisk until smooth.

Storage

Store any leftover dip covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir and bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a flat dish with three visible layers: a smooth white base spread evenly, topped with scattered thin slices of bright orange salmon, finely chopped purple onion pieces, and small green capers. Thin yellow lemon zest strips and green dill sprigs are sprinkled across the top, adding color and texture. Around the plate, there are three white bowls—one filled with small round toasted bread slices, another with lemon wedges, and the third with sliced green cucumbers. Everything is set on a white marbled surface with a white towel featuring blue lines on the left side. 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, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the smoked salmon and toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.