Make holiday entertaining easy with these 20 no-cook appetizers with Smoked Fish Dips. Gluten-free, mayo-free, and Michigan-made for fresh, smoky flavor.

When it comes to holiday entertaining, the best appetizers are the ones that look beautiful, taste delicious, and come together in minutes. Between shopping, wrapping gifts, and party prep, no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where Big O’ Smokehouse Smoked Seafood Spreads come in, as they did when I made my Easy Crostini with Smoked Fish.

Made right here in Michigan, Big O’ crafts each variety ensuring they are naturally gluten-free, made without mayonnaise, and full of rich, smoky flavor. They’re perfect for serving straight from the container or adding to easy, elegant recipes.

From smoked whitefish and salmon to cajun shrimp, these versatile spreads are the secret to stress-free holiday entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a cocktail party, or setting out a grazing board, here are 20 Easy No-Cook Holiday Appetizers with Smoked Fish Dip that taste gourmet, but require zero cooking.

Why You’ll Love Big O’ Smokehouse

Big O’ Smokehouse is a family-owned Michigan brand known for quality, authenticity, and incredible flavor. Every spread is made in small batches using premium hot-smoked fish, ensuring freshness in every bite.

• Ready to use: enjoy straight from the container or add to easy recipes.
• Gluten-free: great for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Made without mayo: a cream cheese and sour cream base gives a lighter, cleaner flavor.
• Versatile: serve chilled, warm them up for melts, or fold into pasta dishes.
• Locally made: proudly crafted in Michigan by an independent, family-run business.

20 No-Cook Holiday Appetizers with Smoked Fish Dip

• Smoked Salmon Spread on Cucumber Rounds with Capers & Dill. Cool and refreshing, cucumber slices make the perfect base for a spoonful of Big O’ Smoked Salmon Spread. Garnish with capers and fresh dill for a festive, flavorful bite.
• Crackers and Toasted Baguette Slices with Assorted Spreads. Offer an assortment of Big O’s Smoked Spreads with crackers, bagel chips, or crostini for a no-fuss, customizable appetizer platter.
• Fresh Veggie Dippers. Serve your favorite spreads with crisp veggies like celery sticks, radishes, and cucumber spears for a gluten-free option.
• Smoked Salmon Pinwheels with Spinach. Spread Smoked Salmon Dip on a tortilla, layer with spinach, roll tightly, and slice into bite-sized pinwheels.

• Smoked Shrimp & Herb Spread in Phyllo Cups with Cucumber & Chive. Phyllo cups are the ultimate party shortcut. Fill with Smoked Shrimp Spread and top with diced cucumber and chives for a crowd-pleasing bite.
• Mini Bagels with Smoked Whitefish Spread. Top mini bagels with Smoked Whitefish Spread and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a brunch-inspired bite.
• Cherry Tomato “Boats” with Cajun Shrimp Spread. Hollow out cherry tomatoes and fill them with Cajun Shrimp Spread for colorful, two-bite appetizers.
• Deviled Egg Halves with Smoked Trout Spread. Skip traditional filling, top hard-boiled egg halves with a spoonful of Smoked Trout Spread and a dash of paprika.
• Apple Slices with Smoked Whitefish Spread. Thin apple slices are a surprisingly perfect match for the smoky, savory flavor of whitefish spread.
• Smoked Trout Spread on Crostini with Sliced Apple & Cracked Black Pepper. Smoky trout meets crisp apple for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

• Smoked Cajun Shrimp Spread in Bell Peppers. Spoon Big O’s Cajun Shrimp Spread into mini bell pepper halves for a bold, flavorful appetizer with a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for more flavor!
• Cucumber Roll-Ups with Smoked Salmon Spread. Spread smoked salmon dip over thin cucumber ribbons, roll them up, and secure with a toothpick for an elegant, refreshing snack.
• Rice Crackers with Shrimp Spread and Microgreens. Delicate and gluten-free, rice crackers make the perfect vessel for shrimp spread topped with microgreens or sprouts.
• Stuffed Mini Peppers with Grouper Spread. Fill mini peppers with Smoked Grouper Spread for a vibrant and satisfying finger food.
• Endive Leaves with Whitefish Spread and Pomegranate Seeds. For a festive touch, top endive leaves with Smoked Whitefish Spread and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for color and crunch.
• Phyllo Cups with Smoked Salmon Spread and Chives. Fill crispy phyllo cups with Big O’s Smoked Salmon Spread and garnish with fresh chives for a fancy, no-fuss presentation.

• Smoked Grouper Spread in Endive Leaves with Chives & Lemon Zest. Endive leaves add crunch and color, top with Smoked Grouper Spread, chives, and lemon zest for a light, citrusy snack.
• Smoked Seafood Charcuterie Board. Create a stunning grazing board featuring Big O’ Smokehouse Smoked Spreads, crackers, cucumber slices, apple wedges, olives, and pickled veggies.
• Cucumber Cups Filled with Cajun Shrimp Spread. Cut thick cucumber slices, scoop out the center, and fill each with a spoonful of Cajun Shrimp Spread for a fresh, crunchy bite.
• Individual Dip Cups with Crackers and Veggies. For easy serving, fill small cups with a few spoonfuls of your favorite spread, then add mini crackers or veggie sticks for a grab-and-go appetizer.

Eat It, Like It, Share It!

Did you try one of these no-cook holiday appetizer ideas and love it? The next time you make them, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your meal.

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. With Big O’ Smokehouse Seafood Spreads, you can create elegant, delicious appetizers in minutes. From festive parties to cozy nights in, these no-cook recipes will help you serve bold, smoky flavor your guests will love.

No fork required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclosure: This recipe was developed in partnership with Big O’ Smokehouse. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.