Smoked Oyster Bliss: The Perfect Cheesy Pair

Smoked oysters are a delicious treat, but what cheese goes well with them? A simple and tasty option is to pair them with cream cheese, chopped pimento, and parsley to make an addictive fish pâté. For a crostini, try blending smoked oysters with goat's milk curds. If you're after something more substantial, smoked oysters with sharp cheddar on crackers make for a great snack, or you can switch out the cheddar for gouda, fontina, muenster, or monterey jack. For a more well-rounded meal, smoked oysters go well with sliced celery, parsley, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Smoked oyster and cream cheese dip

This delicious dip is perfect for oyster lovers and can be served as an appetizer at a party or gathering. It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating this tasty treat.

Ingredients

To make this smoked oyster and cream cheese dip, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) of cream cheese, softened
• 3.75 ounces (106 grams) of canned smoked oysters, drained
• Optional: lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill or dried dill, smoked paprika, ground chipotle, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of capers

Instructions

First, combine all the ingredients except for the capers in a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to smash and stir the oysters and flavourings into the cream cheese until everything is evenly mixed. Next, gently stir in the capers. Transfer the dip to a serving dish and chill until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This dip is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It goes well with crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips, bagel chips, or cucumber slices. For a festive touch, serve it with a glass of bubbly, such as Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne.

Customisation

Feel free to customise the dip to your taste preferences. You can add a little spice with cayenne or ground chipotle, or a squeeze of lemon juice for some acidity. For extra colour and flavour, you can also add fresh chopped chives or parsley. Enjoy!

Smoked oyster and cheddar on crackers

A simple, tasty, and quick snack, appetiser, or light meal, smoked oyster and cheddar on crackers is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of oysters. This recipe is also a great option if you're looking for something to bring to a party or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 25 saltine crackers, or another cracker of your choice (e.g. Ritz, Triscuits)
• 1 (3 3/4 ounce) can of smoked oysters, drained on a paper towel
• 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, sliced and cut to fit crackers
• Lemon juice (optional)

Optional extras

• Horseradish
• Black pepper
• Minced onion
• Cayenne pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

Method

• Top the crackers with cheddar cheese, then place one to two oysters on top.
• Lightly sprinkle with lemon juice, if desired.
• For extra flavour, add a small amount of horseradish, black pepper, minced onion, or a combination of cayenne pepper and Worcestershire sauce.

Smoked oyster and gouda on crackers

Ingredients:

• Smoked oysters - 1 (3.75-ounce) can, drained on a paper towel
• Gouda cheese - sliced into thick squares
• Crackers of your choice (Ritz crackers are a good option)
• Fresh lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by carefully removing the smoked oysters from the can using a fork and placing them on a paper towel to drain any excess liquid.
• Slice the gouda cheese into thick squares. You want the cheese to be slightly larger than the crackers so that it covers them well.
• Place the cheese slices on the crackers. You can add a variety of other cheeses as well, such as fontina, muenster, or sharp cheddar, to create a delicious combination.
• If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the oysters to add a tangy flavour. You can also serve the oysters with lemon wedges on the side for guests to add their own.
• Top each cracker with one or two smoked oysters. You can also add other toppings like cocktail sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Serve and enjoy! This appetiser is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Smoked oyster and garlic cream cheese on crackers

Ingredients:

• Smoked oysters - Look for canned or tinned smoked oysters, which are readily available in most grocery stores.
• Cream cheese - Use a block of softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• Garlic - Freshly minced or chopped garlic will add a pungent kick to the spread.
• Crackers - Choose your favourite variety of crackers to serve as the base. Ritz crackers are a popular choice, but you can also use saltines, Triscuits, or any other type of cracker you prefer.
• Optional ingredients - To enhance the flavour, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some chopped capers.

Instructions:

• Drain the smoked oysters: Open the can of smoked oysters and carefully drain the liquid. You can use a paper towel to gently blot the oysters and remove any excess oil or moisture.
• Prepare the cream cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, place the softened cream cheese. You want it to be at room temperature to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Mix the oysters and cream cheese: Add the smoked oysters to the bowl with the cream cheese. Use the back of a spoon to smash and stir the oysters into the cream cheese until they are well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
• Add the garlic: Now, it's time to add the garlic. Mince or finely chop the garlic cloves and mix them into the oyster and cream cheese mixture. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preferences.
• Season to taste: This is where you can get creative and add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavour. A squeeze of lemon juice will add a bright, acidic note. A dash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper will give it a subtle kick. You can also mix in some chopped capers for a briny burst of flavour.
• Serve on crackers: Spread the smoked oyster and garlic cream cheese mixture generously on your crackers of choice. If desired, top each cracker with an additional oyster for a more substantial bite.
• Enjoy: Smoked oyster and garlic cream cheese on crackers is best enjoyed fresh. It's a perfect appetiser or snack for any occasion, and it's sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings!

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can also serve this spread with cucumber slices for a low-carb option or even use it as a dip for vegetables or additional crackers.

Smoked oyster and lemon juice on crackers

Ingredients:

• Crackers (such as Ritz crackers or saltine crackers)
• Smoked oysters (canned)
• Lemon juice
• Optional: Assorted fresh cheese slices (such as Swiss, gouda, fontina, sharp cheddar, muenster, or Monterey Jack)

Instructions:

• Start by draining the canned smoked oysters on paper towels.
• If you are using cheese, slice the cheese into thick squares.
• Place the cheese slices onto the crackers.
• Top each cracker with one to two smoked oysters.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the oysters.
• Serve and enjoy!

Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this recipe. For a more substantial snack, you can spread some cream cheese or garlic cream cheese onto the crackers before adding the oysters. You can also sprinkle the oysters with a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Frequently asked questions