Transform Leftover Smoked Fish Into A Dip Worthy Of Lunchtime

Flaky, smoked fish adds loads of delicious flavor to whatever it accompanies. Thanks to its versatility, it can give pasta a salty, smoky flair or bulk up salad with a delightful fishiness. Whether you smoke the fish yourself or purchase it at the grocery store, there will probably be some left over for the next day. With how incredible it is, it's hard not to go overboard, acquiring as much smoked fish as you can. The upside of getting too much, however, is that the leftovers make the most incredible dip. Richer and more savory than most dips, smoked fish dip comes together surprisingly easily for how great it is.

Take your smoked fish of choice and flake it apart before mixing it into a creamy dip base. Greek yogurt, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and whipped cottage cheese are just a few options. From there, stir in the usual dip add-ins: green onions, dill, roasted garlic, or crispy shallots bring herbaceous flavor and more texture to the dip. Add salt and pepper and finish off the dip with something tangy or peppery, like vinegar, lemon juice, hot sauce, or olive oil. You can stir it by hand or rely on a food processor or hand mixer to get a smooth, creamy dip to scoop up with crackers, smear onto toast, or eat with chips.

Use smoked fish in your next baked potato by mixing leftover smoked trout with sour cream, chives, lemon juice, and dill. Mix the ingredients together with a mixer or by hand for a dip that's still slightly chunky. Tangy with a buttery hint from the trout, this dip can be scooped right into an open-baked potato.

A smoky dip can also easily be turned into a spread for a sandwich. If you're out of turkey breast or smoked ham, try using smoked whitefish for your lunchtime sandwich. Flake the whitefish apart and add it to a bowl of mayonnaise, minced red onions, olive oil, vinegar, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix it together and spread it onto two pieces of your favorite sandwich bread. Add sliced cucumbers and avocado to the sandwich for a quick meal that's rich and fresh.

If you're in the mood for something a tad sweeter, honey-smoked salmon is the right fish for the job. Infused with sumptuous notes of maple and honey, the salmon can be turned into dip perfect for a late-morning bagel. Stir flaked honey-smoked salmon into cream cheese, orange zest, lemon juice, capers, and black pepper. Mix it together in the food processor and smear it onto your toasted bagel.