Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Log

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Log is an elegant, creamy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With smooth cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh dill, all rolled up in delicate smoked salmon, this dish is both flavorful and visually stunning. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a special gathering, or just a delightful treat, this log is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 200 g smoked salmon (thinly sliced)
• 250 g cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Assembly

• Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for rolling)
• Optional: 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
• Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest

For Garnish

• Extra smoked salmon strips
• Fresh dill sprigs
• Lemon slices

How to Make It

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, fresh dill, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a tangy kick, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or horseradish for an extra layer of flavor.

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Lay Out the Salmon

1. Arrange the Salmon: On a sheet of plastic wrap, arrange the smoked salmon slices in a rectangle shape, slightly overlapping each slice (about 20×25 cm). This forms the base for your log, so make sure the salmon slices cover the entire area evenly.

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Spread the Mixture

1. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the smoked salmon layer, leaving about a 1 cm border on all sides. This creates a creamy center and ensures the filling doesn’t spill out when rolling.

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Roll It Up

1. Form the Log: Using the plastic wrap to help, gently roll the salmon into a tight log. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the log tightly. This will help the log hold its shape and keep everything in place.

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Chill

1. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the salmon log for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld together. Chilling helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

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Serve

1. Unwrap and Garnish: When ready to serve, unwrap the log and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with extra smoked salmon strips, fresh dill sprigs, and lemon slices for added color and flavor. For extra richness, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the log before serving.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the log into rounds and serve with crackers, cucumber rounds, or toasted baguette slices. The creamy filling and smoky salmon will be a hit at any gathering!

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Perfect for:

• Parties and special occasions
• Elegant appetizers
• Seafood lovers
• Quick yet gourmet treats