Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball Recipe | Downshiftology (2024)

This smoked salmon cheese ball is always a party favorite. It’s a simple mix of smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, red onion, and lemon pepper, then rolled in chopped pecans and herbs. It’s soft, creamy, savory, smokey and highly addictive! Your guests will love it.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram stories, you might have gotten a sneak peek of my mom’s famous smoked salmon cheese ball. She whips up this appetizer every holiday, and I gotta say, this salmon recipe never fails. It’s the perfect dip that is a blend of savory, creamy, and crunchy ingredients.

Just layer crackers or veggie sticks around the ball and you’ve got one beautiful looking dish to serve at your next holiday party!

What Type Of Salmon To Use

For this recipe, you can use either fresh or canned salmon. I prefer fresh salmon as I feel it has a better texture and flavor. But, if you’re looking for a simple and quick alternative, then canned salmon is the way to go.

Normally, my mom uses homemade smoked salmon that comes straight from Alaska – thanks to my aunt. But if you don’t have smoked salmon you can easily create your own. Just add one teaspoon of liquid smoke to the mixture.

Smoked Salmon Cheese Ball Ingredients

Throw this scrumptious ball together with a few easy ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: This is a good chunk of the recipe that creates a thick creamy texture – perfect for dipping!
• Smoked Salmon: The smokiness adds a depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream: Makes the mixture extra creamy and softer to scoop.
• Red Onion: Pairs nicely with the smoked salmon.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Helps brighten up the flavor with a little zing.
• Pecans: Creates the perfect crunchy outer layer.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds freshness to the entire dish. You can never go wrong with more herbs right?

How To Make Smoked Salmon Cheeseball

The best thing about this recipe is that it comes together in just 10 minutes! Simply mix together the ingredients and roll them into ball. Here’s how to do it.

1. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, salmon, red onion, and lemon pepper to a mixing bowl.
2. Mix everything together with your hands, or a stand mixer on a low setting.
3. Form the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands. Note that the cheese will be soft at first, but will firm up once it’s been chilled.
4. Mix together your chopped pecans and herbs. Then place them in a single layer on a plate or cutting board.
5. Roll the cheese ball into the pecan mixture, until the entire outside is coated.
6. Serve immediately with crackers or veggie slices, or refrigerate until desired.

Note: Make sure to squeeze out all the liquid from the canned salmon so that there won’t be excess liquid.

Get Creative With The Outer Layer

Aside from using a layer of pecans, you can also add chopped almonds or walnuts. If you want to switch up the herbs, parsley and dill taste great paired with smoked salmon.

More Salmon Recipes

If this appetizer got you hooked onto salmon, here’s a few other healthy salmon recipes to make this season.

• Dijon Baked Salmon
• Orange Glazed Salmon
• Salmon Patties
• Best Baked Salmon
• Smoked Salmon Frittata