Cheese And Salmon: Perfect Pairing For A Delicious Dish

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs well with almost any type of cheese. A mild, fresh cheese like goat's cheese is ideal, but you can also try a strong, aged cheese like blue cheese or Parmesan. Salmon's natural smokiness is enhanced by creamy cheeses such as cream cheese, feta, brie, or mascarpone. Harder cheeses like cheddar and gouda complement the firmer texture of salmon, while blue cheese adds a tangy richness. For a charcuterie board, smoked salmon is a unique twist, pairing well with crackers, cream cheese, and a variety of other cheeses.

Soft cheeses like goat's cheese, cream cheese, and feta

Feta is a bolder and lighter alternative to cream cheese, and it pairs well with the crunchiness of root vegetables in a sandwich. To make feta more spreadable, it can be mixed with olive oil. Feta also goes well with capers and onions, which are classic toppings for bagels with cream cheese and lox.

Goat's cheese, cream cheese, and feta are also good choices for a salmon charcuterie board. They complement the crackers, bagels, and toast that are typically included on the board.

Hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda

Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and gouda, pair well with salmon because of their texture and flavour profile. Harder cheeses complement the firmer texture of salmon, and their nutty, sharper flavours balance out the natural sweetness and fatty taste of the fish.

Cheddar is a firm, yellow cheese that comes from England and Ireland, among other countries. It has a mild flavour, which makes it an excellent pairing with salmon. When pairing with salmon, it is best to use a firm, sharp cheddar or a milder variety, depending on the type of salmon. Aged cheddars offer a sharper flavour, while milder cheddars work well for dipping. Old-fashioned macaroni and cheese often includes cheddar, so try pairing it with baked salmon fillets.

Gouda is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. Aged gouda, in particular, is a good match for salmon due to its sharp, nutty flavours, which complement the fatty taste of the fish.

Salmon is a versatile fish that can be paired with almost any type of cheese. The best way to find the perfect pairing is to experiment with different cheeses and see which ones taste good together.

Blue cheese

A simple recipe for pan-seared salmon with blue cheese involves seasoning salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, searing the fillets, and then topping them with crumbled blue cheese, parsley, and honey. The blue cheese can be allowed to melt on top of the salmon, or it can be covered for 30 seconds to soften.

Another recipe for blackened salmon with blue cheese sauce involves seasoning the salmon with Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika, salt, and cayenne, searing the fillets, and then topping them with a blue cheese sauce made by reducing white wine and heavy cream, and then whisking in the blue cheese.

A third recipe for broiled salmon with blue cheese involves roasting a salmon fillet seasoned with salt and white pepper, and then topping it with a mixture of shallot, dill, blue cheese, lemon juice, and white wine, before broiling it until golden brown.

Parmesan

You can also make a Parmesan herb crust for salmon, using garlic, parsley and Parmesan, and baking in the oven. This recipe is also quick and easy, and the Parmesan adds so much flavour to the fish.

Another option is to make a Parmesan-herb baked salmon, using light mayonnaise, garlic, dill, parsley, basil, chives and Parmesan. This recipe also includes an initial baking of the salmon covered in parchment paper, before adding the topping and returning to the oven.

Smoked salmon charcuterie board

A smoked salmon charcuterie board is an excellent choice for a breakfast event, brunch, or even an Asian or sushi-themed event. It's a unique twist on the traditional charcuterie board, and the rich flavour of the smoked fish complemented by various ingredients is a great way to impress your guests.

Choose High-Quality Smoked Salmon:

Start with a high-quality smoked salmon as the star of your board. Cold-smoked salmon offers a refreshing taste, while hot-smoked salmon provides an intense flavour. Salmon pairs well with crackers and cream cheese, and you can also explore other cheese options like goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese.

Select the Right Board and Tools:

The presentation of your charcuterie board is essential. Choose a beautiful wooden board or slate to display your ingredients. Select matching dishes for spreads, nuts, and toasts. Opt for smaller spoons, knives, and forks to make it easy for guests to serve themselves.

Create Flavour Harmony:

Ensure that the flavours on your board complement each other. Here are some suggested ingredients that pair well with smoked salmon:

• Crackers: Artisan crackers, simply salted, or everything-flavoured crackers are classic choices. You can also include gluten-free and buttered crackers for variety.
• Toast and Bagels: These are essential for any charcuterie board and go well with spreads. Mini bagels or mini toasted bread slices are ideal for the finger food style of a charcuterie board.
• Cheeses: Aim for at least three different cheeses to create variety. Soft cheeses like cream cheese, Neufchatel cheese, and brie are excellent choices. You can also offer a cheese spread, such as plain cream cheese or flavoured crème fraîche with dill.
• Spreads: In addition to cream cheese, consider hummus or olive paste as tasty and healthier options.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Add sliced cucumber, chopped onions, celery, carrots, avocado, tomatoes, pomegranates, and other summer fruits. Lemon is also a must-have when serving smoked salmon.
• Proteins: Include hard-boiled eggs, sliced or cubed chicken, or turkey for extra protein.
• Herbs: Garnish your board with fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, thyme, or chives for a colourful and aromatic touch.
• Traditional Charcuterie Items: Don't shy away from including traditional charcuterie board items such as salami, prosciutto, jamón, peppers, honey, nuts, and a variety of cheeses.

Assembly Tips:

When assembling your smoked salmon charcuterie board, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Line your board with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent the board from absorbing smells.
• Use a mix of soft and hard cheeses. Cream cheese is a classic pairing with bagels, but you can also include sliced hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
• Add fresh fruit for colour, vitamins, and fibre. Berries, sliced apples, and grapes are excellent choices.
• Include raw, crunchy vegetables like radishes, cucumbers, and carrots.
• Fill in any gaps with extra crackers, fruits, or nuts to make your board look abundant.
• Provide gluten-free options, such as gluten-free pretzel crisps or crackers, if any of your guests have gluten sensitivities.
• Don't forget the utensils! Include small forks, spoons, and spreaders to make serving easier for your guests.

Frequently asked questions