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Take yourself on a little stay-cation with this Gulf Shores-style Smoked Tuna Dip. Made with just 10 minutes of prep, this smoky, creamy, deliciously addictive dip is perfect for serving with crackers or crostini whenever the seafood craving strikes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Aside from being lick-the-bowl delicious, this smoked tuna dip recipe is:
- Quick & Easy. All you need is 10 minutes to whip up a batch!
- Budget-Friendly. I use affordable canned tuna to make this tasty dip easy on your wallet.
- Meal-Prep Friendly. Once made, this delightful dip will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
Before You Begin
You don’t need anything fancy to make this ridiculously simple smoked fish dip recipe. Just start by gathering all of the ingredients to make your prep go smoothly.
You’ll also need a large bowl and a spatula or wooden spoon.
How To Make Smoked Tuna Dip
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
My easy smoked tuna dip recipe comes together in mere minutes. Here’s how it’s done:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Dairy. In a large bowl, whisk or beat the cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream until creamy and uniform.
- Add Flavor. Stir in flaked tuna and the remaining ingredients.
- Chill. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish & Enjoy. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and minced fresh herbs. Serve with your favorite crackers or crostini.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does smoked tuna dip last?
In our house, not long! All jokes aside, though, this homemade smoked fish dip should last about 5 days if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is smoked tuna dip cooked or raw?
This smoked tuna dip recipe uses canned, cooked tuna and liquid smoke to achieve the smoky flavor I crave.
What can I use instead of liquid smoke?
This ingredient adds the “smoke” to the smoked tuna dip. If you are unable to find liquid smoke or don’t have any on hand, consider using smoked paprika. You can also use a smoky hot sauce, or add some chipotle powder to achieve a similar effect.
How To Serve
Once I make a batch of this creamy, homemade smoked tuna dip, it takes all of my willpower not to eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon! If you plan on serving it at a party like a normal person, try offering it:
- With crackers or crostini. The crunch of carbs against the creamy, protein-packed dip is a lovely combination indeed.
- As tea sandwiches. Spread some dip on soft white bread, add a piece of crunchy leaf lettuce, trim off the crusts and cut into triangles for a savory tea time treat.
- As maki. Pair this smoky fish dip with sushi rice and dried sheets of nori (seaweed) for a simple, easy sushi night at home. Feel free to add pickled daikon, julienned carrots, or cucumbers for a bit of crunch!
- With beer. I don’t know what it is, but this salty, smoky, creamy dip tastes especially good when served with a cool, crisp lager.
Variations
- Different Fish. Smoked trout dip, smoked salmon dip, smoked mackerel dip… the options are only as limited as your selection of tinned (or even fresh) fish.
- Fresh Fish. I typically reach for canned fish because it’s cheap and readily available, but there’s no law preventing you from using fresh fish instead! Season with salt and pepper and cook it on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven. Let it cool, then flake with a fork and proceed with the recipe!
- Different Herbs & Spices. Fish of all kinds pair beautifully with either tarragon or dill, so feel free to switch things up as needed. Cajun seasoning and Old Bay are both great options, too!
Storage Tips
The Best Way to Store Leftovers
Once mixed, smoked tuna dip will keep for about 5 days in the fridge or about 3 months in the freezer.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to keep your smoked fish dip in an airtight container; fish, alliums, and liquid smoke are all permeable flavors that can accidentally add a strange, savory flavor to butter, yogurt, or other items in your fridge.
- Blend the dairy separately with a whisk or hand beater, then fold in the flaked tuna so you keep a little texture.
More Creamy Dips
- Cream Cheese Apple Dip
- Creamy 5 Minute Chip Dip
- Sour Cream and Onion Dip
- French Onion Dip
- Loaded Cream Cheese Dip
Smoked Tuna Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Sour cream
- 16 ounces Canned albacore tuna drained well and flaked, or fresh
- 2 teaspoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons Hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup Fresh chives chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together (or use an electric hand mixer) cream cheese, mayo and sour cream.
- Stir in flaked tuna and remaining ingredients.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, and minced chives or parsley. Serve with your favorite crackers or crostini.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
