This Smoked Salmon Cheeseball is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the briny, smoky depth of canned salmon. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and a sharp kick of horseradish, it offers a complex flavor profile that is both sophisticated and approachable. The exterior, rolled in ground pecans or chopped chives, adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth interior. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers, this no-cook recipe comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance. Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, or bagel chips for a delicious bite.
Smoked Salmon Cheeseball
Description
This Smoked Salmon Cheeseball is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining the creamy richness of softened cream cheese with the briny, smoky depth of canned salmon. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and a sharp kick of horseradish, it offers a complex flavor profile that is both sophisticated and approachable. The exterior, rolled in ground pecans or chopped chives, adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth interior. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers, this no-cook recipe comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance. Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, or bagel chips for a delicious bite.Ingredients
Directions
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Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
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Beat the mixture with a mixer or spoon until completely smooth and creamy.
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Fold in the drained canned smoked salmon until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
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Turn the mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a tight, round ball.
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Place the ground pecans (or chopped chives) on a small plate.
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Gently roll the cheeseball in the pecans until the entire surface is evenly coated.
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Wrap the coated cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to firm up.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 684.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 68.0g105%
- Saturated Fat 42.0g210%
- Cholesterol 174.0mg58%
- Sodium 642.0mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 6.2g3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 3.6g
- Protein 11.8g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of horseradish or omit it entirely.
If using fresh chives instead of pecans for the coating, ensure they are finely chopped and dry so they adhere better to the cheese.
This cheeseball can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
Serve with plain crackers, cream cheese crackers, cucumber rounds, or sliced bagels.
If the mixture is too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before forming the ball.
