Cheese And Salmon Platter: Perfect Pairing Guide

Salmon and cheese is a classic combination, but what type of cheese goes best with salmon? A smoked salmon platter is a great way to showcase the versatility of salmon and cheese as a pairing. Smoked salmon platters typically feature a variety of cheeses, crackers, and other accompaniments that complement the flavour of the salmon.

When it comes to cheese, there are several options that pair well with salmon. Cream cheese is a popular choice and goes well with both hot and cold smoked salmon. It provides a mild, smooth base that complements the briny and slightly sweet flavour of the salmon. Brie is another classic pairing; its soft, creamy texture and subtle flavour allow the unique taste of salmon to shine through. Other mild and creamy cheeses such as mascarpone, ricotta, and goat cheese also work well. For those who prefer a sharper taste, a medium or sharp cheddar can be a good option.

In addition to cheese, a smoked salmon platter might include crackers, bagels, toast, or crostini. Fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, and red onions can add a crisp, cool contrast to the rich salmon and cheese. Garnishes like fresh dill, chives, or lemon wedges provide a bright, fresh touch.

So, when creating a smoked salmon platter, the key is to choose cheeses and accompaniments that will complement the delicate flavour of the salmon without overwhelming it. With its versatile flavour profile, salmon can be paired with a variety of cheeses and ingredients to create a beautiful and delicious platter.

Cream Cheese

A simple way to serve cream cheese with salmon is to place a block of the cheese on a platter, and sprinkle it with pepper, fresh dill, everything bagel seasoning, and capers. You can also blend the cream cheese with water, lemon juice, onion powder, and garlic powder for a light and fluffy consistency. Smoked salmon can then be placed on top, along with red onion, chopped scallions or green onion, lemon zest, and capers. This is best served with bagels, cucumber slices, pita chips, or crackers.

For a fun twist on the classic bagel, you could try a cream cheese board. This is a spin on the viral butter board trend, where you can scoop the cream cheese and salmon onto a bagel or cracker.

If you want to add a kick to your cream cheese, you could make a horseradish cream sauce to go with your salmon. This can be served with crackers and cheddar or white cheddar cheese.

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Recipe

This recipe for horseradish cream sauce is simple and can be made a day in advance. You will need:

• Olive oil
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Grated horseradish
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Heat some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add finely chopped shallots. Cook until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it reduce for about 5 minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the horseradish and dill. Finish by adding lemon juice and salt to taste.

Tips

• Use a smaller amount of horseradish if you prefer a milder flavour and a larger amount if you want a bold kick.
• The sauce goes well with many types of fish, especially salmon.
• It is recommended to serve the sauce with a smoked salmon platter that includes cheese and crackers. Place a piece of salmon on a cracker, add a slice of cheese, and top it off with the horseradish cream sauce.
• You can also serve the sauce with a side of grapes, cornichons, nuts, olives, or fruit like raspberries for a pop of colour.

Cheese and Crackers

When preparing a smoked salmon platter with horseradish cream sauce, it is suggested to use sturdy and mildly flavoured crackers. Some recommended options include:

• Ritz or Townhouse Crackers
• Carr Water Crackers
• Pita Crackers

For the cheese, you can go with a medium or sharp cheddar. Other suitable options include aged white cheddar, Manchego, Gouda, or Parrano. Of course, cream cheese is always a popular choice for smoked salmon platters.

Hot Smoked Salmon

Hot-smoked salmon is a revelation and a must-try for anyone who hasn't experienced it before. It is smoked at a much higher temperature than cold-smoked salmon, resulting in a flaky texture similar to baked salmon. It is versatile and can be eaten cold or used in dishes like quiche, warm dips, or chowders.

When creating a hot-smoked salmon platter, it is best to include a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes. Here are some suggestions for a delicious and beautiful platter:

• Smoked Salmon: Use hot-smoked salmon for a flaky texture. Aim for about 12 ounces to 1 pound of salmon to serve a small crowd of 4 to 6 people.
• Cheese: While cream cheese is a popular choice, you can add a twist with labneh (yogurt cheese) or feta cheese.
• Fresh Veggies: Include thinly sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, red onions, and green peppers for a fresh and crunchy element.
• Marinated Items: Capers, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts are great additions. You can also add pickled cucumbers or explore other options from your local olive bar.
• Lemon Wedges: These are perfect for squeezing over the salmon to add a burst of freshness.
• Bread or Crackers: Offer a variety of options like bagels, pita wedges, crackers, or crostini.
• Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or parsley over the platter for added flavour and colour.

For a more indulgent platter, you can also add:

• Boiled Eggs: Soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs are a great option, especially if you're serving the platter for brunch.
• Avocado: Thinly sliced avocado sprinkled with salt and pepper adds a creamy texture to your bite.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some raw almonds, roasted pistachios, or lightly salted cashews for an extra crunch.
• Grapes: Red, green, or black grapes will add a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour.
• Cornichons: These tiny dill pickles offer a tart flavour that pairs well with the salmon.

Cold Smoked Salmon

Ingredients

• Smoked salmon (12-24 oz)
• Cream cheese (4-8 oz)
• Labneh (4 oz)
• Feta cheese (3 oz)
• Red onion (1 small)
• Capers (1/4 cup)
• Fresh veggies (e.g. cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers)
• Marinated items (e.g. olives, artichoke hearts, pickles)
• Lemon wedges (1)
• Eggs (4)
• Bread/crackers for serving (optional)
• Garnish (e.g. thyme, dill, parsley)

Instructions

• Boil the eggs for 6-6.5 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel and season with salt and pepper.
• Assemble the platter: place a small bowl of cream cheese or labneh on one-third of the platter, and the feta cheese in another corner.
• Arrange the remaining ingredients around the cheeses, and serve with your choice of bread or crackers on the side.
• Garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips

• When buying smoked salmon, avoid dark edges or spots on the flesh, and too much oil or slime.
• This platter can be modified to suit your taste and the number of people you are serving.
• For a more substantial platter, add some boiled eggs, avocado, sliced tomato, or mini bagels.

Fresh Dill

Dill is a key ingredient in a creamy dill sauce, which is a perfect pairing with salmon. The sauce is made with fresh dill, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and heavy cream. The salmon is pan-fried and then coated in the sauce.

Dill is also used in a dill cream cheese spread, which can be served with the salmon and cheese platter. The spread is made with vegan cream cheese, coconut yoghurt, and fresh dill. It is a dairy-free option that can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

For a simple, no-cook platter, smoked salmon can be served with cheddar cheese, crackers, and a horseradish cream sauce. The salmon is flaked onto a cracker, topped with a slice of cheese, and finished with a dollop of the horseradish cream sauce. Fresh dill is the perfect garnish for this appetiser.

A more substantial platter could include bagels, soft-boiled eggs, cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill. The dill is sprinkled over the cream cheese, along with pepper, capers, and everything seasoning. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to impress your guests!

Frequently asked questions