By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
246 cal · 480 min
Sardine Spread
Recipe GLPRd1832024eb79f0
A smooth and savory spread made from fresh sardines blended with butter, shallots, chives, and a hint of chili. This rich, oceanic dip is best served chilled or at room temperature with crackers or bread for a delightful appetizer or light snack.
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Ingredients
8 whole sardines, cleaned and filleted
salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 shallots, peeled and minced
½ bunch fresh chives, minced
big pinch chili powder
2 ounces butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons olive oil
fresh lemon juice
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Arrange the cleaned and filleted sardines in a single layer in a baking dish. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for approximately 8 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and opaque.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the cooked sardines to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the cooled sardines to a food processor and add the minced shallots, chives, chili powder, softened butter, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture reaches a relatively smooth consistency with a slight chunky texture, or alternatively mash everything together using a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the spread and taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, and chili powder to suit your preference.
Scrape the sardine mixture into a small serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Before serving, remove the spread from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes. Serve with your choice of crackers or bread.
Comments
This is a pantry-friendly spread that relies on ingredients available at any Charlotte grocer—canned sardines at Walmart or ALDI, butter and chives at Harris Teeter or Food Lion, fresh shallots year-round. The stated 480 minutes is plainly wrong; actual hands-on time is under 15 minutes, with the rest being optional chilling. At roughly $2–3 per serving depending on sardine quality, it's reasonable for a special appetizer or toast topper, though the cost lands high relative to simpler spreads. The real fit is as a make-ahead party dish or elegant small plate rather than weeknight dinner; leftovers keep well for several days in the refrigerator and actually improve as flavors meld.
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