Trader Joe's Smoked Trout Dip Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout Dip is a creamy and smoky recipe, which is made with cream cheese and flaky smoked trout. It’s the perfect easy appetizer for any party, ready in about 10 minutes, plus chilling time.

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Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout Dip Ingredients

8 ounces smoked trout, skin removed and flaked
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
⅓ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon prepared horseradish (Optional)
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Ground black pepper to taste

How To Make Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout Dip

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, green onion, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, optional horseradish, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Mix Well: Stir everything together with a spatula or a spoon until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Fold in Trout: Gently fold in the flaked smoked trout, being careful not to break it up too much if you prefer a chunkier dip.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Trader Joe's Smoked Trout Dip Recipe — Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout Dip Recipe

Recipe Tips

What’s the best trout to use? Trader Joe’s sells a fantastic hot-smoked trout (usually in the refrigerated section) that is perfect for this recipe. It’s fully cooked and easy to flake with a fork.
How to get a super creamy dip? The most important secret is to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature. This is the key to a perfectly smooth, creamy, and lump-free dip that mixes easily by hand.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This dip is a perfect make-ahead party food. In fact, it’s even better when made a day in advance, as this gives the smoky and savory flavors more time to fully meld.
How to adjust the flavor? This recipe is a great base. For a tangier dip, add a little more lemon juice. For a spicier kick, add a bit more horseradish or cayenne pepper. Always taste and adjust before chilling.

What To Serve With Smoked Trout Dip

This is a classic and addictive party dip that is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It is perfectly served with:

Bagel chips or pita chips (Trader Joe’s has great options!)
Sturdy crackers, like Triscuits or rye crisps
Sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, and carrot sticks
Slices of dark rye or pumpernickel bread

How To Store Smoked Trout Dip

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.

Smoked Trout Dip Nutrition Facts

Serving: per serving
Calories: 177kcal
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 2g
Protein: 11g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a food processor to make this dip?

You can, and it will make the dip very smooth. However, it can also over-process the fish, making the texture more like a paste. For a more classic, chunkier dip with flakes of trout throughout, it is best to mix it by hand in a bowl.

What’s the difference between hot-smoked and cold-smoked trout?

Hot-smoked trout (the kind you want for this recipe) is fully cooked and has a firm, flaky texture, similar to a cooked piece of salmon. Cold-smoked trout has a silky, raw-like texture, similar to lox, and would not be suitable for this type of dip.

Can I use a different kind of smoked fish?

Yes. If you can’t find smoked trout, this recipe is also delicious with an equal amount of flaked hot-smoked salmon or smoked whitefish.

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