The 3-Ingredient Appetizer I Always Make for the Holidays

The 3-Ingredient Appetizer I Always Make for the Holidays


It’s warm, rich, and sure to disappear.

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

Around the holidays, there’s nothing I love more than a cocktail party. Laying out a variety of appetizers for guests to enjoy feels so festive, and this three-ingredient dip is the perfect creamy, savory compliment to toasted baguette slices, crackers, and crisp crudités. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Consisting of just cream cheese, hot smoked salmon, and green onions, it’s a simplified version of a classic dip in my cookbook, Fresh Midwest. This easy yet complex dip is wonderful served alongside chilled sparkling wine, apple cider, or, my favorite, an ice-cold martini. I served it this year at Thanksgiving as a light appetizer before the main meal.

Tips for Making My 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

Depending on the size of the salmon filet you purchase, you can use anywhere from 4 to 6 ounces of smoked salmon—just be aware that the more you use, the less salt you will need to season the dip. You can also try 1/4 cup minced chives or shallots instead of the green onions.

I find that a 7-inch round dish is the perfect size for this dip, but any medium oven-safe baking dish will work. If you have any leftovers (doubtful), the smoked salmon and cream cheese mixture is delicious served on a toasted bagel the next morning or stirred into scrambled eggs!

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

How To Make My 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

For 2 1/2 cups, or 6 to 8 servings, you’ll need:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 to 6 ounces hot smoked salmon, flaked
  • 3 green onions, chopped, whites and dark greens divided
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a medium oven-safe baking dish with baking spray.

Place the cream cheese, salmon, and the white and light green parts of the green onions in a medium bowl. Stir well until evenly combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake until beginning to bubble, about 20 minutes. If desired, broil the top for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.

Sprinkle with the remaining green onions. Serve with pita chips, crackers, baguette slices, sliced cucumbers, and/or radishes for dipping.

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

Simply Recipes / Maren Ellingboe King

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