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Home » Recipes » Starters

Harissa Hot Smoked Salmon Rillettes

Published: Feb 3, 2025 · Modified: Mar 12, 2026 by Deborah · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · Leave a Comment

Harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes in a glass ramekin on a striped platter with melba toasts and salad, with a royal blue napkin on the side.
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This harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes recipe combines smoky salmon, zesty harissa, and creamy goodness for an elegant savoury spread. Perfect for entertaining or snacking!

This is a delicious dish to serve as a starter for dinner parties, Valentine's Day, date night, a special dinner or as part of a luxurious brunch.  Enjoy with toasted sourdough bread, crudités, or charcuterie boards for an elegant spread.

We love bold Mediterranean flavours and this harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes recipe hits the spot.   Your guests will be asking for seconds!

Tips

  • Dairy-free option - replace the crème fraiche and cream cheese with coconut yogurt and a dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Flavour variations - try smoked mackerel or trout as an alternative to the salmon.
  • Herbs - swap out the parsley for fresh dill or chives.
  • Spice options - for a milder version reduce or omit the harissa and add a touch of smoked paprika for warmth.  Increase the amount of harissa or add chilli flakes for extra heat.
  • Leftovers - use as a sandwich filler with cucumber and rocket, or add to a grain bowl or mixed salad for added protein and flavour.
  • This harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rillettes?

Rillettes are a type of spread or pâté traditionally made by slowly cooking meat or fish until tender, then mixing it with fat for a creamy, rich texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes - prepare the rillettes up to 2 days in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavours will develop beautifully over time.

What type of harissa should I use?

You can use either rose harissa paste or powder. For a milder flavour, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

How do I keep leftovers?

Keep leftover rillettes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze rillettes?

It's not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture may change upon thawing.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh cucumber rounds. It also pairs well with a light side salad.

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How to make this Harissa Hot Smoked Salmon Rillettes

Ingredients

  • 80g crème fraiche
  • 1.5 tsp creamed horseradish sauce
  • 30g light cream cheese
  • 2 tsp tomato puree
  • 10g parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 small lemon (zest and 1 tsp lemon juice) 
  • 2 tsp rose harissa
  • 0.125 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 hot smoked salmon fillets (approx. 180g), skin removed and flaked (see Tips)
  • 1 tbsp capers, drained and roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Put 40g of crème fraiche and 1 tsp of horseradish sauce in a ramekin or small bowl and stir to combine, set aside until ready to serve.
  2. In a medium bowl put the remaining 40g of crème fraiche, 0.5 tsp of horseradish sauce, the cream cheese, tomato puree, parsley, lemon zest and juice, harissa, salt and pepper, stir well to combine.  Add the flaked salmon and capers and stir together gently.
  3. Spoon the salmon mixture into 2 ramekins (for sharing) or 4 ramekins to have one each!  Top each ramekin with the horseradish crème fraiche and serve (or chill for later).  Enjoy with melba toasts, crackers, crusty bread and some salad on the side.

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Harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes in a glass ramekin on a striped platter with melba toasts and salad, with a royal blue napkin on the side.

Harissa Hot Smoked Salmon Rillettes

By: Deborah
This harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes recipe combines smoky salmon, zesty harissa, and creamy goodness for an elegant savoury spread. Perfect for entertaining or snacking!
PREP: 15 minutes mins
COOK: 0 minutes mins
Servings: 4 people
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Ingredients

  • 80 g (2.8 oz) crème fraiche
  • 1.5 tsp creamed horseradish sauce
  • 30 g (1.1 oz) light cream cheese
  • 2 tsp tomato puree
  • 10 g (0.4 oz) parsley leaves finely chopped
  • 1 small lemon (zest and 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 2 tsp rose harissa
  • 0.125 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 hot smoked salmon fillets (approx. 180g) skin removed and flaked (see Notes)
  • 1 tbsp capers drained and roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Put 40g of crème fraiche and 1 tsp of horseradish sauce in a ramekin or small bowl and stir to combine, set aside until ready to serve.
  • In a medium bowl put the remaining 40g of crème fraiche, 0.5 tsp of horseradish sauce, the cream cheese, tomato puree, parsley, lemon zest and juice, harissa, salt and pepper, stir well to combine. Add the flaked salmon and capers and stir together gently.
  • Spoon the salmon mixture into 2 ramekins (for sharing) or 4 ramekins to have one each! Top each ramekin with the horseradish crème fraiche and serve (or chill for later). 1.     Enjoy with melba toasts, crackers, crusty bread and some salad on the side.

Notes

  • Dairy-free option - replace the crème fraiche and cream cheese with coconut yogurt and a dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Flavour variations - try smoked mackerel or trout as an alternative to the salmon.
  • Herbs - swap out the parsley for fresh dill or chives.
  • Spice options - for a milder version reduce or omit the harissa and add a touch of smoked paprika for warmth. Increase the amount of harissa or add chilli flakes for extra heat.
  • Leftovers - use as a sandwich filler with cucumber and rocket, or add to a grain bowl or mixed salad for added protein and flavour.
  • This harissa hot smoked salmon rillettes recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
 
You might also like to try: 
  • starters
  • snacks
 

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 558mg | Potassium: 199mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 452IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS date night, salmon pate recipe, salmon rillettes recipe, savoury spread recipe, special dinner, Valentine's meal
Leave a star rating and comment below!

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Deborah sitting at the breakfast bar in their kitchen with a green Head Chef mug.

Hello!   I'm Deborah and I'm married to David and have 2 lovely step sons and the most beautiful fox red labrador retriever called Ritchie, who we took home at the end of May 2020 as an 8 week old puppy.   David and I both love cooking…for ourselves, family and friends.   I’m definitely one of the lucky ones…getting cooked for and we enjoy cooking together.

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