Best Cheeses To Pair With Lox: A Guide

Lox is a fillet of salmon that is brined and can be smoked or not. It is often served on a bagel with cream cheese, red onions, capers, and fresh dill. While cream cheese is the classic choice, other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, labneh, brie, or feta can also be paired with lox. This article will explore the different types of cheese that go well with lox and provide tips on how to create delicious lox dishes and charcuterie boards.

Soft cheeses like feta, goat cheese, labneh, brie, or cream cheese

Soft cheeses are a great option to pair with lox. While cream cheese is the classic choice, there are several other soft cheeses that can be used to add variety and depth of flavour to your dish. These include feta, goat cheese, labneh, and brie.

Feta is a salty, briny cheese that can be a great addition to a lox bagel or sandwich. It can be made softer and more spreadable by mixing it with extra virgin olive oil. This combination is a perfect substitute for cream cheese, adding a bold Mediterranean twist to your dish.

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is another excellent option to pair with lox. It has a tangy and creamy flavour that complements the smokiness of the salmon. Goat cheese is often used in charcuterie boards and pairs well with cold-smoked salmon.

Labneh is a soft, creamy cheese made from strained yoghurt. It has a tangy and slightly sour taste that can add a unique flavour to your lox dish. Labneh is similar to cream cheese in terms of texture but offers a different flavour profile.

Brie is a mild and creamy cheese that can also be paired with lox. Its subtle flavour won't overpower the salmon, making it a good choice for those who want to highlight the taste of the fish. Brie pairs well with cold-smoked salmon and can be a delicious addition to a charcuterie board.

When choosing a cheese to pair with lox, consider the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. The soft cheeses mentioned above offer a range of tastes and textures that can enhance your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that suits your palate.

Cold-smoked salmon with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie

Cold-smoked salmon is a great addition to a charcuterie board, offering a delicate balance of smoky, savoury flavours. When it comes to cheese, cold-smoked salmon pairs well with mild-flavoured cheeses such as goat cheese and brie. Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a soft and creamy cheese with a tangy flavour that complements the smokiness of the salmon. It can be spread on crackers or bread and topped with cold-smoked salmon for a delicious bite. Similarly, brie is a soft and mild-tasting cheese that goes well with cold-smoked salmon. Its creamy texture and subtle flavour enhance the taste of the salmon without overwhelming it.

When creating a smoked salmon charcuterie board, it's important to choose a variety of flavours and textures to keep things interesting. In addition to goat cheese and brie, consider including other soft cheeses such as cream cheese, labneh, or whipped feta. These cheeses provide a nice contrast to the smokiness of the salmon and can be easily spread on crackers or bread. To add some crunch to your board, include a variety of crackers, such as artisan crackers, whole-grain crackers, or gluten-free options.

The key to a successful smoked salmon charcuterie board is to offer a range of flavours and textures that will delight your guests' taste buds. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments. You can also add fresh herbs, such as dill, rosemary, or thyme, to elevate the presentation and aroma of your board. Remember to choose a beautiful board or slate and matching dishes to showcase your creations.

In addition to cheeses and crackers, there are several other ingredients that pair well with cold-smoked salmon. Sliced cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, and red onions are all great choices that add freshness and colour to your board. You can also include fruits such as pomegranates, dates, or other summer fruits. For a touch of acidity, consider adding lemon wedges or slices, which are a classic pairing with smoked salmon.

Hot-smoked salmon with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda

If you're looking to add some variety to the classic combination of lox and cream cheese, why not try hot-smoked salmon with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda? This pairing is perfect for those who prefer a stronger, more robust flavour. The intense, smoky taste of the hot-smoked salmon complements the sharper, more assertive notes of cheddar or gouda.

When creating a charcuterie board, choosing the right accompaniments is crucial. For a smoked salmon board, consider including a variety of crackers, such as artisan crackers, simply salted, or everything-flavoured crackers. Gluten-free and buttered crackers can also add variety. Don't forget the toast, bagels, or breadsticks for that extra crunch!

To build a well-rounded board, aim for at least three different cheeses. In addition to your cheddar or gouda, include some soft cheeses like Neufchatel, brie, or cream cheese. A cheese spread is also a great option—plain cream cheese or something more elevated like crème fraîche with dill.

To take your board to the next level, add some hummus or olive paste. A broad mix of fruits and vegetables will also add colour and freshness. Sliced cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, and zesty pomegranates are perfect pairings with smoked salmon. Don't forget the classic lemon wedge!

For a heartier option, include some hard-boiled eggs or sliced or cubed chicken or turkey for extra protein. Finish with some fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, or thyme for a colourful and aromatic touch.

With its bold flavours and carefully chosen accompaniments, your hot-smoked salmon and sharp cheese charcuterie board is sure to impress!

Lox bagel with herb cream cheese, red onions, capers, and fresh dill

A lox bagel with herb cream cheese, red onions, capers, and fresh dill is a delicious and classic combination. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this tasty treat:

Ingredients:

• Bagels: Go for plain, sesame, or everything bagels, preferably fresh from a bakery or a good bagel shop.
• Lox or Smoked Salmon: If using smoked salmon, choose cold-smoked salmon, which is moist and silky, rather than hot-smoked salmon, which is firmer.
• Herb Cream Cheese: Herb, veggie, or chive and onion cream cheese blends add flavour, but plain cream cheese is also a good option.
• Capers: These edible flower buds offer a tangy, briny contrast to the cream cheese and salmon.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle crunch and a mild, sweet flavour.
• Fresh Dill: This herb provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the bagel.

Optional Toppings:

Thinly sliced cucumber, tomato, or avocado can add a refreshing touch to your bagel.

Instructions:

• Slice the bagels open and spread each half generously with your chosen cream cheese.
• Add thin slices of lox or smoked salmon on top.
• Place a few slices of red onion on the salmon, followed by a sprinkling of capers and fresh dill.
• You can serve it open-faced or as a sandwich.

Feel free to experiment with different types of bagels, cheeses, and toppings to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your delicious lox bagel!

Lox and eggs

Lox Benedict

This is a luxurious breakfast dish, perfect for a weekend morning or a special occasion. To make it, you'll need to prepare some poached eggs and place them on top of lox slices. Serve it on a bed of arugula, and you can also add some creamy hollandaise sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Lox Scrambled Eggs

For a quick and easy option, scramble some eggs with diced onions or shallots and mix in pieces of lox. You can also add some green onions or other herbs for extra flavour. This dish is simple yet satisfying and can be made in just a few minutes.

Start with a slice of your favourite toast. Spread some cream cheese, labneh, or whipped feta on top, and then layer on some lox. Finish it off with sliced hard-boiled eggs and your choice of vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or avocados. This open-faced sandwich is a delicious and balanced option for breakfast or brunch.

Lox Omelette

If you're an omelette lover, try making a lox omelette. Prepare your omelette as you usually would, and then lay slices of lox over it. You can also add some chopped green onions or other herbs for extra flavour. This dish is a tasty way to incorporate lox into your breakfast routine.

Lox Quiche

For a more elaborate dish, try making a lox quiche. Combine eggs, cream, and your choice of vegetables, such as onions or leeks, in a pie dish. Layer on the lox, and you can also add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra creamy texture. Bake it in the oven until set, and you'll have a delicious lox quiche to enjoy.

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