salmon cheese spread

A little piece of leftover salmon can go in many directions, but one of the quickest is to whirr it up in the food processor to make a spread – often with vegetables and fresh herbs. This time, I had both cream cheese and Cheddar that needed using, so went the cheesy route. Some great toasted or grilled bread or crackers, a few fresh veggies, and there’s an app plate or even a hot night dinner. Substitutions? Butter or goat cheese can take the place of cream cheese or you might even try more mayo, yogurt, or sour cream. No Cheddar? Use another grateable cheese like Pepper Jack, Gouda, Mozzarella, etc. Fresh or dry herbs such as cilantro, basil or oregano can fill in for the dill, too, depending on what cheeses you've used.

Ingredients

4 ounces cooked salmon, skinned and checked for bones (Chop through it with a knife before adding to the food processor to make sure you missed no bones.)
Garlic clove minced
4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
2 ounces (1/2 cup) grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
Generous pinch each kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon EACH: Dijon-style mustard and dry dill weed-can sub 1 teaspoon fresh dill
4-5 shakes hot sauce or to taste (I like Tabasco.)
1-2 teaspoons mayonnaise to smooth out the spread. Can sub milk or yogurt or soft butter
Minced fresh chives or scallions for garnish--optional

Instructions

Place the salmon, garlic, both cheeses, salt, pepper, mustard, dill, and hot sauce in the food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process, pulsing, until nearly smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add mayonnaise a teaspoon at a time, pulsing again, until the texture is totally smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust seasonings a last time. Spoon into a small bowl and top with minced chives or scallions, if using. Serve at once with toasted bread or crackers. Store leftovers well-covered in the refrigerator for a day.

Notes

No food processor? Make sure all of your ingredients are well-chopped or grated and at room temperature, then blend with electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.