What Goes Good with Salmon Cream Cheese? 10 Tasty Pairing Ideas
Salmon cream cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. The rich fatty salmon pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of cream cheese to make an easy, delicious spread. This versatile combination can be used in everything from quick appetizers and snacks to fancy dinner party fare.
If you have some leftover smoked salmon from brunch or a can of salmon in the pantry, mixing it with cream cheese makes a simple snack spread. But salmon cream cheese also shines when incorporated into more elaborate dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Here are 10 of my favorite foods that pair wonderfully with salmon cream cheese to inspire your cooking
- Bagels
A schmear of salmon cream cheese on a toasted bagel is the classic way to enjoy this combo. The nutty, chewy bagel is the perfect vehicle for the savory spread. For extra flavor, top with sliced tomato, red onion, capers, and fresh dill. Thin bagel chips with salmon cream cheese also make great appetizers.
- Cucumber Rounds
The cool crunch of cucumber slices or rounds contrasts nicely with creamy salmon cream cheese. Simply top the cucumber with a dollop of the spread, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of minced onion or dill. It’s a light, refreshing appetizer or snack that takes just minutes to assemble.
- Endive Leaves
Use endive leaves to scoop up the salmon cream cheese for an elegant passed appetizer. The slight bitter notes of the endive balance the richness. Garnish with salmon roe, capers, or herbs for extra flair.
- Crackers
Hearty crackers like rye or everything crackers hold up well to the rich spread without overpowering it. The crunch also contrasts the silky texture. Buttery round crackers are also a smart choice.
- Celery Sticks
Celery sticks provide a nice vehicle for scooping up the cream cheese. The fresh, peppery taste cuts through the fat and creaminess. Load salmon cream cheese into celery sticks, top with minced onion or dill, and serve.
- Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
For dainty tea sandwiches, spread salmon cream cheese on thin cucumber slices and top with another slice. If desired, use a biscuit cutter to neaten the edges before assembling. The mild cucumber lets the salmon shine.
- Deviled Eggs
Blend some of the salmon cream cheese into the egg yolk filling of deviled eggs for an elegant hors d’oeuvre with texture and color contrast. Top the stuffed eggs with capers, dill, or salmon roe for garnish.
- Potato Pancakes
Mix some salmon cream cheese into the potato pancake batter, then pan fry until crispy. Top the hot pancakes with an extra dollop of the cream cheese and fresh dill for a perfect savory bite.
- Bruschetta
Top grilled or toasted bread with the spread, then add bruschetta ingredients like chopped tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze. The salmon cream cheese makes a nice base layer and the flavors all complement each other wonderfully.
- Wonton Wrappers
For easy baked crisps, drop spoonfuls of salmon cream cheese onto wonton skins, fold into triangles, and bake until browned. Serve the little salmon cream cheese wontons warm with soy sauce or chile oil for dipping.
With so many possibilities, salmon cream cheese can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacking any time. Keep a batch in the fridge to add rich, savory flavor to crackers, sandwiches, snacks, appetizers, and more on the fly.
Some key tips:
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Use whipped cream cheese or neufchâtel for the smoothest, easiest spreading texture. But regular cream cheese works great too.
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Flavor the cream cheese with lemon, capers, dill, minced onion, garlic powder, etc. according to your tastes.
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For convenience, well-drained canned salmon works just as well as fresh cooked salmon.
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Let the flavored cream cheese chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor distribution.
Experiment with different add-ins and garnishes to make your favorite salmon cream cheese recipe. With so many quick and easy ways to enjoy this combination, the possibilities are endless!
More Holiday Party Ideas
- Check out these Christmas Pretzels for a super-easy, no bake treat that can be customized to any occasion or holiday.
- White Chocolate Dipped Coffee Shortbread cookies are unique and delicious. They also make great hostess gifts!
- Party guests will rave over this Sweet Nutty Crunch. Its deliciously addictive!
For another appetizer made with cream cheese, check out these delicious cream cheese sausage balls. Its a great make-ahead recipe that you can assemble the night before you want to bake them!
More Seafood Appetizers
I like to serve this appetizer with a variety of crackers and toast points. It would be wonderful served with thinly sliced olive parmesan bread! Plain butter crackers would also be delicious! They highlight the flavor of the salmon.
If you have some leftover salmon, make a small bowl of smoked salmon dip! That would be delicious served alongside the smoked salmon and cream cheese bites.
Smoked salmon recipes are a great way to make your own smoked salmon. It really tastes great in these salmon cream cheese pinwheels, which is an easy and delicious appetizer that everyone will love!
More of my favorite yummy seafood appetizers are:
And I dont want to neglect to mention another really REALLY easy, yet super elegant and tasty appetizer. It isnt seafood related, but this Baked Brie with Jam is so simple and quick, you will definitely want to add it to your snack table!
World’s Best Smoked Salmon Dip! (I ain’t kiddin’ neither!)
FAQ
What toppings go on a salmon bagel with cream cheese?
Spread the toasted bagel bottom halves with softened cream cheese. Sprinkle half the capers over the cream cheese, if desired. Top with sliced smoked salmon. Garnish the bagel tops with the rest of the capers, onion, and freshly ground black pepper.
What are good combinations with cream cheese?
Some popular options for pairing with cream cheese include crackers, bagels, fruit (such as berries or grapes), vegetables (such as cucumbers or bell peppers), smoked salmon, and nuts. Additionally, cream cheese can be used as an ingredient in various recipes, such as dips, spreads, and baked goods.
Do fish and cream cheese go together?
Topped with a smooth and creamy, cream cheese dill sauce, it makes salmon taste like a guilty pleasure and not a healthy piece of fish. A few years ago I randomly created this flavor combination and it has become one of our favorites.
Is salmon and cream cheese good for you?
1 serving of cream cheese and smoked salmon contains 100 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 39% carbs, 13% fat, and 47% protein. This is a good source of protein (22% of your Daily Value) and vitamin b12 (50% of your Daily Value).