Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip

Serve this crowd-pleasing Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip at all of your summer parties. Made with freshly smoked fish, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and a handful of seasonings, the tangy and smoky dip pairs beautifully with an array of crackers and vegetables.

Party-perfect smoked whitefish spread

Tender fish mixed with mayonnaise, cream cheese, and fresh lemon juice is the base of my Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip. Every bite is loaded with tang and smokiness, making for the most delicious and party-perfect seafood dip to serve with crackers, veggies, and bread!

This creamy and keto-friendly seafood dip will make you feel like you’re in the south with its rich and tangy flavor profile. It’s made with a handful of easy ingredients and can be served at parties, summer barbecues, or for a simple lunch. It even pairs well with fun add-ins if you’re craving more flavors and textures.

I like to include it on Charcuterie Boards with crisp veggies and crackers at parties and serve it as an appetizer before the grilled meats hit the table at barbecues. Spread the leftovers onto sandwiches for a delicious and hearty lunch the next day!

What type of fish is smoked whitefish?

Smoked whitefish, also known as Lake Whitefish (or Coregonus clupeaformis), is a type of fish that’s typically served in Jewish dishes, like salads or dips. You can almost always find whitefish at Jewish fish shops or at Whole Foods by the fishmonger.

Whitefish describes any type of freshwater fish that has white flesh, like trout, bass, and halibut. If you can’t find smoked whitefish, use another type of smoked whitefish in the seafood section at large grocery stores, local smoke shops, or specialty seafood stores. 

What do I need to make smoked whitefish dip?

• Smoked whitefish – It doesn’t taste as salty or fishy as cured smoked fish, like cold smoked salmon. Instead, smoked whitefish tastes mild and savory, and pairs well with extra flavor enhancers.
• Mayonnaise and cream cheese – To make the dip extra creamy. Make your own mayonnaise at home and use whipped cream cheese for the lightest, richest flavors.
• Worcestershire sauce – The tangy and sweet flavors of Worcestershire sauce enhance the overall smokiness of this dip and create symmetry in every bite.
• Lemon – You’ll need fresh lemon juice and zest.
• Seasonings – Smoked paprika, fresh dill, and chopped red onion play with the flavors and add texture.

How to make an easy whitefish spread

1. Start by removing the skin and bones from the smoked fish.
2. Next, add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the fish, red onion, and dill next and pulse to combine. You can leave it a little chunky for texture or blend until it’s completely smooth.
4. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top it with smoked paprika and dill fronds. Serve with veggies, crackers, or toasted baguette, and enjoy!

Pro tip: Leave the finished whitefish dip covered in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight before serving. This will give all of the flavors time to get to know each other, creating an even more flavorful dip!

More seafood dip add-ins

Looking to add even more texture and flavor to this smoky fish dip? Any of these extras would be delicious:

• Jalapenos
• Pepperoncinis
• Celery
• Green bell pepper
• Boursin cheese
• Capers
• Avocado
• Chives
• Sour cream
• Cayenne

What can I eat with whitefish dip?

Seafood dip is tangy, smoky, and flavorful all on its own, meaning it pairs well with simple veggies and crackers on the side. I like to spread the dip onto toasted crostinis or enjoy it as a dip with homemade crackers, snap peas, carrots, and celery.

Are you serving this to a crowd? Top the dip with salmon roe, smoked paprika, roasted garlic, or olives for a beautiful presentation. It would make a great addition to an elegant charcuterie board as well!

The leftover dip goes great in lettuce cups, spread onto sandwiches, or in veggie wraps. Include a green salad on the side to complete the easy and light lunch.

How long does the whitefish dip last?

You can store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. I don’t recommend freezing it, as dairy is never quite as creamy or rich when it thaws.

More party-ready seafood recipes

• Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos
• Roasted Salmon Nicoise Salad
• Lox and Bagel Brunch Board
• Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Did you try this Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip? Let me know what you think in the comments below, or share a picture on Instagram! I love to share all of your recreations on my page.

Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip

3.9 from 85 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Lena Gladstone

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Serve this crowd-pleasing Easy Creamy Smoked Whitefish Dip at all of your summer parties. Made with freshly smoked fish, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and a handful of seasonings, the tangy and smoky dip pairs beautifully with an array of crackers and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 8 oz smoked whitefish or smoked fish of choice
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 8 oz whipped cream cheese at room temperature
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp red onion finely chopped
• 2 tbsp dill finely chopped

Instructions

• Remove the skin and bones from the fish.
  
• In a food processor, add cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and blend until smooth.
  
• Add fish, finely chopped red onion and freshly chopped dill and pulse until combined. You want it to stay a little chunky or make it smooth if you prefer that consistency.
  
• Remove to a bowl, top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and dill fronds. Serve with veggies, crackers or toasted baguette.
  

Notes

• To Store: Store the leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 20 minute recipe, appetizer, dip, dipping, easy appetizer, healthy snack, party, party food, seafood, snack

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 308mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 910IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg