Fish Dip Recipe
by Sommer Collier — last updated on May 15, 2025 
This creamy and flavorful Fish Dip Recipe is easy to make with a combination of smoked whitefish, tangy cream cheese, pickled peppers, and a kick of hot sauce.
This Classic Smoked Fish Dip Recipe Is Party-Perfect
When you hear the title “Fish Dip”… What do you think of? Some might think of our fabulous Smoked Salmon Dip or a Smoked Trout Dip. Well, we are adding to the list of tasty seafood dips with this Smoked Whitefish Dip made Florida Keys style!
While most fish-based dips include cream cheese, what’s unique about this southern staple is that it also includes deliciously tangy and spicy pickled banana peppers and hot sauce. All together, the ingredients create a rich, creamy, bold, smoked white fish dip that’s simply irresistible!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
This creamy and zesty Fish Dip Recipe is the perfect crave-worthy snack and party appetizer. Serve up bold flavors in just a few minutes, and watch this dip disappear in a blink of an eye!
Why You’ll Love This Fish Dip
- Creamy – The mayo and cream cheese make this dip ultra creamy and rich.
- The Best Party App – Guests won’t get enough of this party appetizer favorite!
- Versatile – Turn this homemade fish dip into a scoopable snack or smear it on some toasted bread for lunch.
I love to serve this fish dip cold with a generous amount of crackers and veggies.
Ingredients and Notes
- Smoked whitefish – You can usually find this in the seafood department with other smoked seafood.
- Cream cheese – Use plain softened cream cheese.
- Mayonnaise – You can either use full-fat mayo or a lighter version.
- Veggies – You’ll need diced onion and pickled banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños. Try our easy Quick Pickled Jalapeños recipe!
- Hot sauce – Use your favorite hot sauce brand.
- Worcestershire sauce – This helps to enhance the smoky, savory flavor of the dip.
- Garnish – Top off the dip with some chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Herbs – Stir in some fresh dill or chives for an herby twist.
- Lemon – Add a squeeze of lemon or lemon zest for a bright and citrusy finish.
- Capers – Mix in some chopped or whole capers for an even tangier flavor.
- Dairy-free – Cream cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Low-carb – Instead of crackers, serve this dip with celery, carrots, bell peppers or cucumbers.
How To Make Fish Dip
To make this delicious smoked fish dip, grab your ingredients and a large food processor. Simply mix your ingredients together and presto, you’re ready to chow down.
Find the full Fish Dip recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This thick and creamy dip is ideal to serve with crackers or potato chips. I suggest ones that are light in flavor, like saltine crackers, water crackers, and plain chips, to really let the flavors of the dip shine.
Hearty veggies are also great for scoopin’! Try thick-cut carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper, or cucumbers.
You can even use this tantalizing smoked fish dip as a filler for croissant sandwiches, instead of chicken salad or tuna salad. (But hey, if you’re interested, you should know that we have fantastic Southern Berry Chicken Salad and Tuna Salad recipes, too.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sort of. Smoked whitefish refers to fish species with firm, flaky white flesh, including Cod, Haddock, Hale, Tilapia, Snapper, and Pollock. Whiting is a type of white fish, but is specifically a member of the Cod family.
This classic Florida dip recipe includes smoked whitefish, cream cheese, pickled peppers, hot sauce, and a few other key ingredients. Check out the recipe card below for the complete ingredients list and steps!
Whitefish refers to several species of similar types of fish, all with white flaky flesh, including Cod, Mullet, Halibut, Kingfish, Haddock, and Pollock.
Once smoked, whitefish has a very defined flavor. It’s not heavy and rich like smoked salmon. Instead, it offers a light, clean smoke flavor. In fact, those who aren’t fans of smoked salmon and heavier fish varieties still usually love smoked fish dip made with whitefish!
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Smoked Fish Dip Recipe (Florida-Style)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked whitefish
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons pickled banana peppers drained (or mild pickled jalapenos)
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Set out a large food processor. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced onion, drained banana peppers, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in the food processor. Cover and purée until smooth.
- Gently peel the skin off of the smoked white fish fillets, and discard the skin. Then carefully break the fish into clumps and remove any fine bones you come across. Place the smoked fish clumps into the food processor and pulse until the fish dip comes together into a thick spreadable consistency. Taste, then add salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with crackers or potato chips.
