3 Must-Try Holiday Appetizers Made with Just 3 Ingredients!

During the holiday season, I absolutely adore throwing a cocktail party. It’s so delightful to set out a spread of appetizers for my guests, and this three-ingredient dip is the ultimate creamy, savory addition to any party platter, including toasted baguette pieces, crackers, and crunchy veggies. Even better, it’s ready in less than half an hour.

With just cream cheese, hot smoked salmon, and green onions, this dip simplifies a traditional recipe from my cookbook, Fresh Midwest. This straightforward yet flavorful dip is fantastic served with a glass of chilled sparkling wine, apple cider, or my personal favorite—an ice-cold martini. This year, I served it at Thanksgiving as a light starter before the feast.

Advice for Crafting My 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

Depending on the size of the salmon fillet you buy, you might use between 4 to 6 ounces of smoked salmon—keep in mind that the more salmon you add, the less salt you will need. Alternatively, you could use 1/4 cup of minced chives or shallots in place of the green onions.

I’ve found that a 7-inch round dish is just right for this dip, although any medium-sized oven-safe baking dish should do the trick. If you end up with leftovers (which might be unlikely), the mix of smoked salmon and cream cheese is excellent on a toasted bagel the next morning or mixed into scrambled eggs!

How to Prepare My 3-Ingredient Smoked Salmon Dip

For 2 1/2 cups, or 6 to 8 servings, you will need:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 to 6 ounces hot smoked salmon, flaked
• 3 green onions, chopped, whites and dark greens separated
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a medium oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, salmon, and the white and light green parts of the green onions. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Spread the cream cheese mixture into the prepared dish. Bake until it starts to bubble, about 20 minutes. For a golden brown top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired.

Garnish with the reserved dark green onion parts. Serve with pita chips, crackers, baguette slices, sliced cucumbers, and/or radishes for dipping.