The Best Cheeses To Pair With Mackerel

Mackerel is a versatile fish that can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple grilled fillets to complex showstoppers. When it comes to cheese, there are several options that pair well with mackerel. A popular choice is to create a mackerel melt sandwich with gruyere or muenster cheese, which provides a tasty and cheesy contrast to the fish. For those who enjoy a creamy texture, a mackerel and cream cheese spread on toasted bread or with raw vegetables is a delicious option, offering a combination of flavours and textures. Smoked cheese is another suitable pairing, adding a depth of flavour to the dish. The versatility of mackerel allows for experimentation with different cheeses, allowing home cooks to create unique and satisfying meals.

Mackerel and cheese sandwich

Mackerel is a mild, gently flavoured, and often sustainably sourced oily fish. It is rich in B12, giving us energy, and is a great substitute for tuna.

A mackerel and cheese sandwich is a tasty and nutritious meal. There are a few different ways to make it, depending on your preferences.

For a classic mackerel melt, you will need tinned mackerel, celery, onion, parsley, lemon, mustard, pickle, butter, and cheese. For the cheese, you can use muenster or gruyere, depending on your preference. Mix the mackerel, celery, onion, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and mustard together in a bowl. Assemble the sandwich by layering cheese, pickle, and the mackerel mixture between slices of bread. Butter the outside of the sandwich and cook in a pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

For a slightly different take on the mackerel and cheese sandwich, you can make a mackerel and cream cheese spread. You will need mackerel, cream cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, onion, and spices of your choice. Cook the mackerel and remove the flesh, discarding the skin and bones. Finely chop the onion and combine it with the mackerel, cream cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices in a food processor or by hand. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve on toasted bread or with raw vegetables for dipping.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese and bread to find your favourite combination. For example, try using smoked cheese with your mackerel sandwich or a sharper cheese like cheddar.

Smoked cheese

One option is to create a mackerel melt sandwich, where smoked cheese is melted on bread with mackerel and other ingredients. A mackerel melt can be made with sliced muenster cheese, or shredded gruyere cheese, and is a tasty and satisfying meal. To make a mackerel melt, mix mackerel with celery, salt, pepper, and either mayonnaise or olive oil. Spread butter or ghee on the outside of the bread, and place the cheese and mackerel mixture on the inside. Cook the sandwich on low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Another option is to make a mackerel and cream cheese spread, which can be served on toasted bread or with raw vegetables for dipping. This spread is full of omega-3 and is easy to prepare. Simply combine smoked mackerel with cream cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices of your choice. You can also add yoghurt or vegetable yoghurt to make the spread lighter and adjust the consistency to your liking.

Cream cheese spread

Mackerel and cream cheese is a tasty and nutritious combination. It is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be served in a variety of ways, such as a spread on bread or toast, a dip with raw vegetables, or as a filling for sandwiches. Here is a guide on how to make a delicious mackerel and cream cheese spread.

Ingredients:

• Mackerel (canned, smoked, or cooked)
• Cream cheese (regular, double cream, or a mix of both)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Spices (curry, turmeric, paprika, etc.)
• Vegetables (optional): carrot, cucumber, fennel, mushroom, etc.
• Bread, toast, or crackers

Preparation:

Start by preparing the mackerel. If using canned mackerel, simply drain and flake the fish, adding some of the reserved liquid to adjust the consistency. If using whole fish, cook and remove the flesh, discarding the skin and bones while the fish is still hot. For a quicker option, opt for mackerel fillets, which can be cooked in the oven or steamed.

Next, in a food processor or by hand, mix the mackerel with the cream cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of spices. Adjust the consistency and taste by adding more cream cheese, lemon juice, or spices as needed. Finely chop some spring onions or shallots and add them to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Now, your mackerel and cream cheese spread is ready to serve! Spread it on bread or toast, or use it as a dip for raw vegetables. You can also make sandwiches with this spread, adding vegetables like celery and cucumber for extra crunch.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cream cheese and spices to create your own unique twist on this tasty and healthy spread!

Gruyere cheese

Gruyere is also a popular choice for sandwiches, such as a mackerel melt. Its melting capabilities and nutty flavor complement the rich, meaty flavor of mackerel. To make a mackerel melt sandwich, simply combine drained mackerel with avocado oil mayo, celery, salt, and pepper. Spread ghee on the outside of each slice of bread, place shredded Gruyere on the inside, add the mackerel mixture, and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is browned.

Muenster cheese

When it comes to pairing mackerel with Muenster cheese, the mild flavour and melting qualities of the cheese can complement the strong flavour of the fish. A mackerel melt sandwich, for example, combines mackerel, Muenster cheese, and other ingredients to create a tasty and satisfying dish. The Muenster cheese melts nicely, adding a creamy texture and a subtle flavour that balances the mackerel's richness.

Ingredients:

• Canned mackerel, drained
• Celery, diced
• Red onion or shallot, diced
• Flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Lemon juice and zest
• Dijon mustard
• Muenster cheese, sliced
• Dill pickle chips (optional)
• Butter, softened
• Bread of choice

Directions:

• In a bowl, gently mix the mackerel, celery, red onion or shallot, parsley, lemon juice and zest, and Dijon mustard.
• Assemble the sandwiches: lay a slice of bread and top with a slice of Muenster cheese, followed by 3-4 pickle chips (if desired) and half of the mackerel salad mixture. Add another slice of cheese and top with the second slice of bread.
• Smear butter on the tops of the sandwiches. Place the sandwiches in a pan, buttered side down, and butter the top sides.
• Cook over medium heat until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.
• Serve and enjoy!

Feel free to customise the sandwich by adding your favourite ingredients, such as diced apples, raisins, or other seasonings. The versatility of Muenster cheese makes it a great choice for enhancing the flavour of mackerel while not overwhelming its delicate taste.

Frequently asked questions