This smoked trout dip is brought to you by cooked trout and liquid smoke, perfect for when you don't have a smoker and want something quick and easy.
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As my husband fishes more this summer, rainbow trout frequently lands on our menu. We wanted a dip but most recipes required presmoked trout or grilling, which we lack patience for.
Luckily, I recalled our neglected bottle of liquid smoke. (See How a Messy Pantry Costs You Money), and from there, this recipe emerged. It's subtly smoky with a kick, satisfyingly unique.
This crowd-pleaser offers a twist on traditional seafood dips, blending smokiness, creaminess, and zest. It's a go-to appetizer for flavor enthusiasts.
For more dip recipes, check out my Maple Bacon Dip, Peanut Butter Yogurt Fruit Dip, Apple Berry Salsa, and Tomato Jalapeno Salsa.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is so simple and fast to pull together. I like to use uneaten leftover rainbow trout from dinner so I get as much use out of the fish as possible. (This is great for Reusing Leftover Food).
- Simple ingredients. We don't need much to make a flavorful dip, and the ingredients that we do need are pretty frugal and easy to find.
- You can use different fish! I have tried this recipe with salmon, cod, tilapia, and trout. The results are a little different every time, but they're always delicious!
🛒 Ingredients
Cooked trout. A small amount goes a long way, making this perfect for leftovers or meat from smaller fish. Cod or salmon also work well.
Liquid smoke. Adds smoky flavor and aroma. We also use it in our Instant Pot Beef Back Ribs.
Sour cream. Creates a creamy, scoopable dip.
Worcestershire sauce. Adds depth and savory flavor.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use leftover smoked or cooked trout. This is a great way to repurpose fish from another meal instead of buying it specifically for dip.
A little fish goes a long way. The creamy base stretches the trout into multiple servings.
Skip extra garnish if needed. The dip is flavorful without additional toppings.
Serve with simple crackers or toast. Basic crackers or sliced bread keep serving costs down.
🥄 Instructions for Trout Dip
Step 1: Cream the cream cheese and sour cream together in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add in the other ingredients, except for the green onions and mix to combine.
Step 3: Fold in the green onions, reserving some for the garnish if desired.
Step 4: Garnish with sprinkled paprika and green onion slices.
Step 5: Serve with crackers and enjoy.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
Easy shredding. Use an electric mixer to quickly shred cooked trout. Its natural flakiness makes this faster and easier than shredding chicken.
❄️ Storage and Make Ahead
Storage: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept chilled until serving.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
This smoked trout dip pairs well with crackers, sliced baguette, vegetable sticks, pretzels, or as part of a charcuterie-style snack board.
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❓Recipe FAQs
Normally yes, smoked trout dips are made using actual smoked fish, but not in this recipe! This one lets you use the baked or pan fried trout you may have in the fridge leftover from dinner or that 1 fish you caught but can't make a full meal out of.
This dip lasts about 5 days in the fridge if you keep it well covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Yes, surprise, you can! This trout dip is freezable for up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving and eating.
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🐝 If you tried this Smoked Trout Dip, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Smoked Trout Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - ($1.86)
- ⅓ cup sour cream - ($0.33)
- 1 cup cooked trout, shredded and deboned - ($3.93)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice - ($0.01)
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - ($0.06)
- 1 teaspoon paprika - ($0.08)
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke - ($0.08)
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced - ($0.02)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced - ($0.09)
Instructions
- Cream the Base: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the Trout & Seasonings: Add the shredded trout, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, liquid smoke, and minced garlic. Mix until evenly combined.
- Fold in Onion: Gently fold in the sliced green onion, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle additional paprika and reserved green onion over the top. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Notes
- Shredding Tip: Cooked trout shreds very easily with an electric mixer, similar to chicken but faster due to its natural flake.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: This dip may be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
Nutritional Information
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Jennifer says
Why does it say "not" smoked but there is liquid smoke in the recipe
Nicole Durham says
Because smoked trout dip recipes are made by using smoked trout. We use regular, unsmoked trout and the addition of liquid smoke to give us that same flavor profile, with less hassle. Using leftover fish and liquid smoke, we can create a delicious dip with a much smaller pricetag.