Smoked salmon is a delicious and luxurious ingredient that is often served as an appetizer or part of a cheese board. Its salty, smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with many different cheeses. But which cheese goes best with smoked salmon? Here are some of the top options.
Soft, Creamy Cheeses
Soft, spreadable cheeses complement the richness of smoked salmon. The creamy texture also helps balance the smokiness. Some excellent options include:
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Goat cheese – Both plain and flavored goat cheese works well. The tanginess offsets the oiliness of salmon.
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Smoked gouda – The smoky notes mirror the salmon. Meanwhile, the smooth gouda texture contrasts with the fish.
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Garlic and herb spreadable cheeses – Whipped cheeses infused with garlic, dill, chives or other herbs make a tasty pairing. The herbs accentuate the salmon flavor.
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Cream cheese – A smoked salmon classic! Plain or chive-flecked cream cheese is a crowd-pleaser
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Brie – The buttery brie melts in your mouth along with the fattiness of salmon
Hard Cheeses
Firm, hard cheeses stand up well to smoked salmon’s strong flavor. Their dense texture also balances the fish’s silkiness. Great options include:
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Swiss – The nutty, slightly sweet flavor complements the salmon’s saltiness.
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Cheddar – Aged cheddar gives a pleasant sharpness. Go for an extra sharp variety if you like bold pairings.
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Colby – Mild colby allows the salmon to take center stage.
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Gruyere – The rich, earthy notes pair nicely with salmon’s smokiness.
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Manchego – Spanish manchego has a nice saltiness that echoes the salmon.
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Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan and smoked salmon makes a dynamic duo.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese’s pungent flavor stands up to the intensity of smoked salmon. The creaminess also balances the fish. Try:
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Gorgonzola – Italian gorgonzola has bold blue veining.
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Stilton – This English blue cheese hits notes of fruit and nuttiness.
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Roquefort – The famous French blue made from sheep’s milk.
Complementary Toppings
Don’t forget garnishes and toppings to finish your smoked salmon cheese plate! Items like capers, red onion, dill, lemon wedges, bagels and crackers help pull everything together.
When serving smoked salmon, opt for soft creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie, hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gruyere, or blue cheeses like gorgonzola. Accent with fresh flavors like lemon, onions and dill. With the right cheese selections, your smoked salmon will truly shine.
How To Make An Epic Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board:
Smoked salmon might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about assembling a charcuterie board. Since most of them use pork-based products such as salami and prosciutto. However, the refreshing taste of cold-smoked salmon and the intense flavor of hot-smoked salmon can add an extra layer of depth to your charcuterie board. Salmon also pairs incredibly well with most accompaniments, such as crackers and cream cheese! It can make for the perfect combination you never knew you needed. But, trust us, you will soon realize what a wonderful thing you have been missing out on!
The most important thing when choosing a salmon for your charcuterie board is to choose a high-quality, super nutritious, flavorful, and of course sustainable salmon. We personally recommend Oshēn Salmon which can be delivered directly to your door. You can learn how to cold smoke salmon HERE.
How you display your salmon charcuterie board can make all the difference. Choose a beautiful board or slate. Then choose matching dishes for your spreads, nuts, toasts, etc. Make sure to also choose spoons or knives that are smaller. We love forks for people to be able to easily fork their smoked salmon onto their own plate of toast.
Making a charcuterie board requires a lot of attention to detail! You have to make sure that the flavors go well together to avoid any clashes between them. Assuring that your accompaniments pair well with your meat is also crucial when assembling your charcuterie board.
Taste preferences vary according to each person but feel free to use the guide below as a starting point for your next smoked salmon charcuterie board. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different flavors, too!
How to Make Grilled Cheese Recipe with Smoked Salmon by Sprig Barton
FAQ
What pairs well with smoked salmon?
Lemon wedges, cream cheese, capers and dill are the usual accompaniments to smoked salmon – often served on grain bread or bagels. I like smoked salmon served on bread, in omelettes, including in salads or just eaten plain.
What kind of cheese goes on salmon?
For a delicate and subtle flavor, try cold-smoked salmon. It goes well with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie. If you prefer a stronger, more robust flavor, opt for hot-smoked salmon that pairs wonderfully with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda.Apr 28, 2023
What goes well with smoked salmon other than cream cheese?
Easy Pairings for Smoked Salmon
Tossed into a green salad with a lemony dressing. Stirred into hot pasta with a light tomato sauce, green onions, fresh parsley and extra-virgin olive oil. As deconstructed sushi: Eat it with steamed short-grain rice, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed strips for folding up the bites.
What goes on a smoked salmon sandwich?
- 1½ounces smoked salmon (more if desired)
- ½ounce goat cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 to 2tablespoons plain yogurt.
- Several cucumber slices (about 1½ ounces)
- A squeeze of lemon.
- Salt.
- freshly ground pepper.
- Chopped chives or dill.