This smoked salmon spread is an excellent addition to any cocktail party or holiday dinner. Also called a “savory cheesecake”, it is a blend of smoked salmon, Gruyere cheese, and fresh dill. I first made this recipe in 1984 and it’s been a holiday staple ever since. (This post was originally published on December 24th, 2012. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)

This smoked salmon spread is perfect as part of a cocktail party buffet table, or cut it into thin wedges and served as an appetizer for an elegant dinner party. But it’s equally at home for a brunch or luncheon. I usually make one large one around the holidays and then cut it into 4 wedges. I keep the wedges frozen for last minute entertaining or I’ll bring one to a friend’s party. There’s always an extra piece for New Year’s Eve too!

For years I’d make the full cheesecake and cut it into wedges. This year, I’ve cut the recipe in half and use three small springform pans instead. The round shape and smaller size is ideal for a group of 6-8.

Equipment needed:

Food processor or mixer
3 small springform pans
Roasting pan

Ingredients needed:

Smoked salmon
Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Cream cheese
Shallots
Butter
Eggs
Bread crumbs
Half and half
Fresh dill

What kind of smoked salmon is best for this cheesecake?

This is one time when you don’t have to use the prettiest pieces of smoked salmon. I’ll often look for the bits and ends, because they’re going to be blended well with the cream cheese. (Trader Joe’s sells bits and pieces next to the more expensive cuts) I’ve used traditional lox, Scottish smoked salmon as well as cold smoked salmon. I do prefer wild caught salmon over farm raised or Atlantic salmon.

What kind of cheese is best?

The original recipe called for Gruyere cheese which is a type of Swiss cheese. Trader Joe’s makes a Gruyere/Swiss blend that is more budget friendly than Gruyere. In addition to Swiss cheese, you’ll need cream cheese. The springform pans are dusted lightly with bread crumbs, fresh dill, more finely grated cheese. You could certainly use finely grated Parmesan cheese for this.

What kind of bread crumbs can I use?

I like to keep it gluten free, so I use gluten free bread crumbs, but any kind of bread crumbs will work.

Is this smoked salmon cheesecake low carb?

Whether or not you use gluten free or regular bread crumbs, the carb content for a serving is just around 3 grams per serving.

Do I need a water bath?

To keep your cheesecake from cracking on the top and to ensure an even bake, a water bath is essential. This is as simple as putting the springform pans into a larger roasting pan and filling it with hot water. I use a water bath when I’m making my Egg Bites and the smooth and creamy texture makes it totally worth the extra step.

Can I freeze it?

It freezes nicely and should last about 1 month, if wrapped well. Defrost in refrigerator before bringing to room temperature.

How to make savory smoked salmon cheesecake

Toast bread crumbs and mix with fresh dill and finely grated cheese. Butter the sides and bottom of the springform pans, and coat them with the bread crumb mixture.

In a sauté pan, over a medium heat, melt butter, and cook the minced shallots until translucent.

In a food processor or electric mixer fit with the paddle attachment, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, cheese, half and half, dill and salt. Pulse until mixed, scraping down the sides of the bowl.

Add salmon and sauteed shallots and pulse again until just mixed. Filling should retain some texture.

Place springform pans into a larger baking dish. Fill the baking dish with boiling water about 1/2 way up the side of the springform pans.

Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees F. or until center of cheesecakes are just done. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar. Allow the cheesecakes to cool an additional hour.

How to double the recipe

If you’d like to double the recipe for this smoked salmon spread, use a 9″ springform pan and bake it for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

What to do with leftover salmon?

If you have leftover salmon, you can make this Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Eggs Royale, Vegetable Pancakes with Smoked Salmon, or Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches.

This recipe for savory smoked salmon cheesecake, (smoked salmon spread), is one that I adapted from a 1983 edition of Bon Appetit.