Smoked Trout Schmear

Prep time: 15 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Chef John's smoked trout schmear is so easy and versatile. It's great spread on any kind of bread or crackers, but slathered atop a freshly toasted bagel may be its finest expression.

Ingredients

5 ounces smoked, boneless trout fillets, checked for bones and crumbled
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons capers, drained
1 teaspoon hot prepared horseradish, or more to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

1 Place crumbled trout and softened cream cheese in a bowl. Add lemon juice, dill, chives, capers, horseradish, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix together with a fork until mixture achieves the chunkiness or creaminess you prefer. Transfer to a ramekin; wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 or 3 hours before serving to let flavors develop.