Salmon Burgers: Which Cheeses Make The Best Match?

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with almost any type of cheese. For a salmon burger, you can't go wrong with cheddar, as its tangy flavour complements the taste of the salmon. Other cheeses that work well with salmon include goat cheese, blue cheese, feta, mozzarella, Swiss, and cream cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your salmon burger with a flavoured goat cheese like honey goat or truffle goat cheese.

Soft cheeses like brie, cream cheese, or mascarpone

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese with an earthy, nutty flavour. It is best served at room temperature, spread on a cracker alongside your salmon burger. Another option is cream cheese, a classic choice for smoked salmon. You can elevate this basic option by adding herbs and spices like dill, chives, or lemon zest.

Mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese made from cow's milk, has a sweet and nutty flavour that pairs well with smoked salmon and other seafood dishes. For a more decadent dish, try a whipped cream cheese spread with smoked salmon. The combination of sweet and creamy spread with the salty, savoury salmon is a perfect match.

If you're looking for a cheese to melt over your salmon burger, mozzarella is a great option. It is a salty, white cheese that melts easily. While it can be bland on its own, it tastes delicious when paired with other ingredients like tomatoes and basil, and blends very well with seafood.

So, the next time you're making a salmon burger, consider using one of these soft cheeses to add a creamy texture and enhance the flavour of your dish.

Goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta

Goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta are all excellent choices to pair with salmon burgers. Each of these cheeses has a distinct flavour and texture that can enhance the taste of the burger and elevate it to the next level.

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a soft and creamy cheese with a tangy and mildly acidic flavour. When paired with salmon burgers, it provides a pleasant contrast that complements the richness of the fish. Its creamy texture also helps to moisten the burger, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Blue cheese, on the other hand, offers a bold and pungent flavour with a hint of saltiness. Its distinct taste and aroma can stand up to the flavour of salmon, creating a harmonious combination. Blue cheese also has a creamy texture that melts beautifully on the burger, adding to the overall indulgent experience.

Feta cheese is a briny and tangy cheese that adds a refreshing twist to salmon burgers. Its salty and slightly acidic flavour enhances the taste of the salmon, bringing out its natural sweetness. Feta often has a firmer texture than goat or blue cheese, providing a pleasant contrast to the tender salmon patty.

When incorporating these cheeses into salmon burgers, it's important to consider the overall flavour profile and texture of the dish. For example, the tanginess of goat cheese pairs well with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, creating a flavourful combination within the burger patty. Blue cheese, with its bold flavour, can be balanced by incorporating other strong ingredients like bacon, avocado, and red onion in a cobb salad-inspired salmon burger. Feta cheese, on the other hand, goes well with fresh herbs like dill, adding a light and refreshing dimension to the burger while enhancing its flavour.

By choosing from these three cheeses—goat, blue, or feta—you can create unique and delectable salmon burger recipes that will tantalize the taste buds and leave your guests wanting more.

Mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar

If you're looking for something a little different, Swiss cheese is a good option. Swiss cheese has a more pronounced flavour than mozzarella or mild cheddar, but it's still light and mild enough to complement the salmon without overwhelming it. Swiss cheese also has a slightly nutty and sweet taste that can add depth to your burger.

When making a salmon burger with Swiss cheese, you can include other toppings like mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. You can also add condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and seasoning salt. For a more cohesive burger, you can also add Swiss cheese to the salmon patty mix before cooking, ensuring the cheese melts throughout the patty.

Halloumi

A salmon and halloumi burger recipe suggests mixing cubed salmon and cubed or shredded halloumi with scallions, garlic, bread crumbs, and dill. Form the mixture into patties and cook on a stovetop griddle. Serve on a bun with avocado, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and a wedge of lemon.

Another recipe suggests grilling halloumi and portobello mushrooms, and serving them on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and garlic red pepper aioli.

Parmesan

One way to use Parmesan in a salmon burger is to coat the outside of the patty with it. This will create a delicious, crispy texture when fried. You can also mix Parmesan into the salmon patty mixture for an extra flavour boost. This method will ensure the cheese is melted throughout the patty, creating a juicy and tender burger.

When making salmon burgers, it is important to avoid overcooking the fish. Parmesan can help with this, as the cheese will melt and keep the burger moist.

For a unique twist on a salmon burger, try using a combination of Parmesan and other ingredients. For example, you could create a Parmesan-crusted salmon patty and serve it with a lemon dill sauce or a cucumber dill spread on the side. The sharpness of the Parmesan will complement the freshness of the dill, creating a delicious flavour profile.

Another option is to use Parmesan in a remoulade sauce, which is a creamy, smoky, and lemony condiment that pairs well with seafood. The mild flavour of Parmesan will not overpower the other ingredients, making it a great choice for a salmon burger sauce.

So, if you're looking to add some cheesy goodness to your salmon burgers, Parmesan is a fantastic option!

Frequently asked questions