Salmon Burger Bliss: Which Cheeses Work Best?

Salmon burgers are a tasty alternative to traditional beef burgers. While they can be made with either fresh or canned salmon, the toppings and seasonings used can make or break the dish. The right cheese can enhance the flavour of a salmon burger, with options such as blue cheese, goat cheese, feta, and Swiss cheese pairing well with the fish. For those who want a milder taste, soft white cheeses are also a good option. In addition, cream cheese is a popular choice for salmon burgers, often mixed with scallions and sour cream to create a creamy sauce.

Characteristics of Cheese for Salmon Burgers

Blue, goat, or feta cheese with sour cream

Blue cheese, goat cheese, and feta cheese are all excellent choices for a salmon burger. Each of these cheeses has a distinct flavour and texture that can complement the taste of salmon.

Blue cheese, for example, has a strong, tangy flavour that can add a creamy and savoury element to the salmon burger. It goes well with other ingredients such as bacon, egg, avocado, tomato, and red onion, creating a delicious and indulgent burger.

Goat cheese, on the other hand, offers a creamy and tangy flavour with a slightly grainy texture. It pairs well with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, basil, cilantro, and lime, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing and flavourful salmon burger.

Feta cheese contributes a salty and creamy taste to the salmon burger. It works well with spinach, as the two ingredients create a nice balance of flavours and textures. Feta cheese can also be combined with leafy greens or herbs, such as chives, to enhance the taste experience.

Sour cream is another excellent addition to a salmon burger. It provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs exceptionally well with onion. Together, they create a delicious sauce that complements the salmon patty, resulting in a mouth-watering burger.

When creating your salmon burger, feel free to experiment with these cheeses and sour cream, combining them with various ingredients to find the perfect flavour profile for your taste buds.

Swiss cheese slices

When assembling your salmon and Swiss cheese burger, consider pairing it with other toppings and sauces that complement the flavours. For example, you could add some crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and red onion. You could also experiment with different sauces, such as a tangy remoulade or a creamy herb and mayonnaise dressing.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, consider serving your salmon and Swiss cheese burger on a brioche bun or a crusty roll. For a lighter option, you can skip the bun and serve the burger on a bed of greens, topping it with sliced avocado and fresh herbs.

Remember, when working with Swiss cheese or any other cheese, it's important to ensure food safety. Keep the cheese refrigerated until you're ready to use it, and consume it within a reasonable time frame to ensure freshness and the best flavour.

Cream cheese and scallion sauce

To make the sauce, you will need cream cheese, scallions, sour cream, and lemon juice. Start by combining the cream cheese and scallions in a bowl. It is best to use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture and taste. Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to make it easier to mix. Finely chop the scallions, using both the white and green parts, for a consistent sauce without large chunks. Mix the cream cheese and scallions until well combined, with an even green colour.

Next, add the sour cream and lemon juice to the mixture. Use full-fat sour cream for the best flavour and texture. The lemon juice will add a tangy, acidic note to the sauce, brightening the flavours. Fold the ingredients together gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can thin the sauce too much. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.

Finally, top your cooked salmon burger with a generous amount of the cream cheese and scallion sauce. The sauce pairs perfectly with the salmon, adding moisture and a tangy flavour contrast. The scallions also provide a subtle crunch and a fresh taste. This sauce takes your salmon burger to the next level, creating a delicious and impressive meal.

Mild, soft white cheeses

Salmon burgers are a delicious and healthy option, full of omega-3 fatty acids. To enhance the health benefits, it is best to pair salmon with fresh, light, and low-sodium ingredients.

A great example of a mild, soft white cheese is cream cheese. Cream cheese pairs beautifully with salmon and can be enhanced with the addition of herbs, spices, or other ingredients. For instance, a scallion sour cream-cream cheese sauce can be made by combining cream cheese with scallions, sour cream, and lemon juice. This sauce adds a tangy and creamy dimension to your salmon burger.

Another option is to blend mild, soft white cheese with sour cream and fresh herbs, spreading this mixture generously on your salmon burger. This combination provides a smooth and luscious texture, enhancing the flavour of the salmon without being too overpowering.

Caper dill sauce with Swiss cheese

Salmon and cheese is a classic combination, and there are several types of cheese that go well with salmon burgers. While soft cheeses like brie, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese go well with grilled or baked salmon, blue cheese, goat cheese, and feta cheese are some strong flavours that can be paired with salmon.

A caper dill sauce with Swiss cheese is a great option for a salmon burger. The sauce can be made by mixing mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, dill, and salt. The tanginess of the capers and the freshness of the dill come together to create a burst of flavour. The sauce can be prepared while the salmon patties are cooking.

To make the salmon patties, combine 10 oz of salmon meat (canned or in pouches), 1/4 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 2 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste. Shape the mixture into four even patties and cook them on a preheated pan with vegetable oil for about 6-8 minutes on each side.

Once the patties are cooked, assemble the burger by placing the patty on an onion roll, topping it with Swiss cheese, lettuce, and pickles, and finishing it off with the caper dill sauce. The result is a delicious and flavourful salmon burger with the perfect balance of flavours.

Frequently asked questions