Salmon is a versatile and healthy fish that can be prepared in endless ways. From smoked salmon to grilled salmon, this oily fish pairs well with a variety of flavors. While cheese may seem like an unlikely pairing with fish, the right cheese can greatly enhance the flavor of salmon. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cheeses to serve with salmon and why they make such a great match.
Why Pair Cheese With Salmon?
You may be wondering why anyone would want to pair cheese with fish. After all aren’t cheese and seafood supposed to be served separately? While this is generally good etiquette there are no hard rules when it comes to cooking. Salmon has a rich, fatty texture that can stand up to bold flavors like cheese. The creamy richness of the right cheese can complement salmon perfectly. Additionally, cheese adds protein and calcium, making salmon dishes more nutritionally balanced. So don’t be afraid to get creative with cheese and salmon pairings!
The Best Cheeses For Salmon
Not all cheeses pair well with salmon. You want to avoid cheeses that are too mild, as they’ll get lost with the strong salmon flavor. Aged tangy and bold cheeses tend to work best. Here are some of the top cheeses to serve with salmon
Cream Cheese
A classic! Cream cheese is mild in flavor, but adds a cool creamy contrast to smoked salmon. Mix in fresh herbs, capers or lemon to jazz it up. Use as a dip, spread, or in salmon salad.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is lightly tangy and pairs beautifully with salmon. The soft, spreadable texture is perfect for topping baked or grilled salmon. Goat cheese is also great in salmon salads and pasta dishes.
Feta
Briny, crumbly feta cheese adds a nice saltiness that compliments rich salmon. Sprinkle feta over cooked salmon or add it to salads and bowls.
Blue Cheese
Bold blue cheese can handle the strong flavor of salmon. The creamy pungent taste contrasts the oily fish. Crumble blue cheese over cooked salmon or serve it alongside.
Parmesan
The aged sharpness of Parmesan complements the flavor of salmon. Grate it over cooked salmon or salmon pasta dishes for a flavor and texture contrast.
Cheddar
Aged cheddar varieties work well with salmon, as they have strong flavor. Sharp cheddar adds extra richness when melted over salmon.
Havarti
Havarti has a creamy, salty flavor that pairs nicely with salmon. Use it in grilled salmon sandwiches or tacos for extra richness.
Gouda
Smoked gouda has a nutty sweetness that complements salmon’s smoky flavor. Melt smoked gouda over cooked salmon or salmon burgers.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella has a mild milky taste that pairs well with simple salmon preparations. Use on salmon bakes and sandwiches in place of cream cheese.
How To Serve Cheese With Salmon
Now that you know which cheeses make good pairings, here are some tips for serving cheese with salmon:
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Sprinkle crumbled feta, blue, cheddar or Parmesan over cooked salmon fillets or patties. The heat will soften and melt the cheese slightly.
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Stuff chunks of Parmesan, havarti or goat cheese into cuts of salmon and bake until melted and gooey.
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Mix crumbled feta, goat cheese or blue cheese into cold salmon salad for extra flavor.
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Top cooked salmon with thick slices of fresh mozzarella or havarti and broil until melted.
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Make salmon burgers or cakes and top with slices of cheddar, havarti or gouda before broiling.
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Use cream cheese, feta or goat cheese as dips for smoked salmon appetizers. Garnish with fresh dill.
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Add gruyere, cheddar or gouda to salmon soufflés, quiches and stratas for richness.
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Make salmon tacos topped with pepper jack, cheddar or crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
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Stuff pasta shells with goat cheese and salmon and top with mozzarella before baking.
So don’t be afraid to kick your salmon dishes up a notch with a savory cheese pairing! With so many varieties to choose from, you’re bound to find a cheese that perfectly complements the fabulous flavor of salmon. Experiment with different cheese textures and flavors to find your favorites.
Do Cream Cheese and Seafood Pair Well?
Cream cheese and seafood can create delicious combinations. Here are some popular pairings:
- Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: A classic bagel topping.
- Crab and Cream Cheese Dip: A popular party appetizer.
- Shrimp and Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: A delightful hors d’oeuvre.
- Cream Cheese and Tuna Melt: A comforting sandwich option.
- Lobster and Cream Cheese Ravioli: A luxurious pasta dish.
What Are the Common Mistakes in Pairing Cheese with Seafood?
Avoid these common mistakes when pairing cheese with seafood:
- Overpowering the Seafood: Using too much cheese or choosing a cheese that’s too strong.
- Ignoring Texture: Pairing cheeses with textures that clash with the seafood.
- Forgetting About Salt: Many cheeses are salty, which can overwhelm delicate seafood flavors.
- Not Considering Cooking Methods: Some cheeses work better with certain cooking techniques.
- Overlooking Temperature: Serving cheese too cold can mute its flavors when paired with seafood.
This is why Salmon tastes better in Restaurants
FAQ
What cheese is best with salmon?
Can salmon be eaten with cheese?
But if you want something a little more surprising, toss out that adage about avoiding fish and cheese: salmon actually does really well with dairy, provided it’s of the tart or tangy variety and served in moderation.
What is a good combination with salmon?
- Puy lentil salad with soy beans, sugar snap peas & broccoli. A star rating of 4.9 out of 5. …
- Easy quinoa salad. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. …
- Perfect mashed potatoes. …
- Broccoli salad. …
- Smacked cucumber pickles. …
- Pasta primavera. …
- Quinoa, squash & broccoli salad. …
- Roasted asparagus & pea salad.
What is the best cheese to eat with fish?
You have so many options. Stronger tasting seafood calls for a bolder cheese – aged cheddar, Huntsman, various bleus; milder seafood lends itself to something like Gouda or maybe asiago.
What cheese goes with salmon?
The combination of the sweet, creamy spread and the salty, savory salmon is a perfect match. Related: Most people don’t think of cheese as a good pairing with fish, but it actually works really well. You can find many different varieties of cheese that can pair perfectly with salmon, including blue cheese, goat cheese, feta and mozzarella.
Does blue cheese go with salmon?
While blue cheese can be a polarizing option, it can be a delicious pairing with salmon for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors. The strong and tangy taste of blue cheese can provide a unique contrast to the richness of the fish, creating a memorable flavor experience. Why does goat cheese work well with salmon?
Does goat cheese go with salmon?
The creamy and slightly acidic taste of goat cheese can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of salmon. Its tangy flavor and crumbly texture add a bright and zesty element to the dish, making it a popular choice for cheese pairing with salmon.
What goes well with smoked salmon?
Feta Cheese Feta cheese is another classic pairing for smoked salmon because it’s salty and tangy with a crumbly texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth texture of the fish. It also pairs well with capers and onions which are classic toppings for bagels topped with cream cheese and lox.
Does cream cheese go with smoked salmon?
A light cream cheese works well with smoked salmon, but for a more decadent dish, try a whipped cream cheese spread. The combination of the sweet, creamy spread and the salty, savory salmon is a perfect match. Related: Most people don’t think of cheese as a good pairing with fish, but it actually works really well.
Does feta cheese go with salmon?
However, it pairs well with salmon because the fatty fish helps to offset the saltiness of the cheese. The two flavors also complement each other nicely. So when choosing a feta cheese, look for one that is soft and creamy. Avoid cheeses that are hard or crumbly, as they will not melt well.