Salmon Burger Bliss: Creamy Cheese Choices

Salmon burgers are a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. While the toppings can vary depending on personal preference, cheese is a common addition to a salmon burger. But what kind of cheese goes well with salmon? A mild, light cheese is generally recommended, as a typical cheddar can be too strong a flavour to pair with salmon. Herby, creamy cheeses such as Havarti, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and mozzarella are all popular choices. For those wanting something stronger, smoked gouda, feta, and blue cheese are also options.

Dill havarti is a great pairing with salmon

Dill and salmon are a classic combination, and the addition of havarti cheese brings a creamy texture and a tangy, umami flavour to the burger. The cheese is mild enough that it won't overpower the salmon, but it still adds a unique twist to the dish.

When making a salmon burger, it's important to consider the toppings carefully so as not to overwhelm the delicate flavour of the fish. While a strong cheddar might work well with a beef burger, it can be too much when paired with salmon. A lighter cheese is needed, and havarti is an excellent choice. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and melts beautifully, adding a wonderful creamy texture to the burger.

Dill havarti is also a very versatile cheese. It can be melted on top of the patty, or sliced and added as a topping. It pairs well with other classic salmon toppings, like caramelised onions, avocado, and a tangy sauce.

For a truly delicious salmon burger, try combining dill havarti with a caper dill sauce or a remoulade sauce. The cheese will add a wonderful creaminess to the sauce, and the dill will bring a fresh, tangy flavour to the burger. This combination is sure to elevate your salmon burger and make it a dish to remember!

White cheese is a good option

Havarti, a semi-soft cheese, has a mild, buttery flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. It melts well, making it an ideal choice for a salmon burger. Swiss cheese, on the other hand, has a slightly more pronounced flavour and a firmer texture. It also melts beautifully, adding a creamy element to the burger.

When choosing a white cheese for your salmon burger, consider those that are flavoured with herbs such as dill or thyme. These herbs pair exceptionally well with seafood and can enhance the overall taste of the burger. Dill, in particular, is often suggested as a herb that works well with salmon.

In addition to Havarti and Swiss cheese, other white cheese options include feta, blue cheese, smoked gouda, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Each of these cheeses will bring a distinct flavour and texture to your salmon burger, so consider your preferences and experiment with different varieties to find your favourite combination.

Remember, the key is to select a cheese that will complement the salmon without overwhelming its delicate flavour. White cheese varieties offer a versatile range of options that can elevate your salmon burger and create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cheddar doesn't work well with salmon

While some people believe that cheese has a place on every burger, there are reasons to think that cheddar cheese doesn't work well with salmon in a burger.

Firstly, American cheese is the gold standard for a beef burger, but something about salmon and cheddar just doesn't quite work. The sharp, salty flavour of cheddar can sometimes overwhelm the more delicate flavour of salmon.

Secondly, when choosing a cheese for a salmon burger, you want something that will melt well. Cheddar, while delicious, doesn't always melt smoothly and can become greasy when melted, which can be unappetizing.

Thirdly, a salmon burger is a unique dish that deserves a cheese that complements its flavour profile. Cheddar is a common and versatile cheese, but it may not stand out enough to enhance the taste of the salmon.

Finally, a salmon burger is often seen as a healthier alternative to a traditional beef burger. Cheddar cheese is high in fat and calories, which may detract from the perceived health benefits of a salmon burger.

For these reasons, other cheeses like Havarti, Swiss cheese, or cream cheese are often preferred for salmon burgers. These cheeses have a milder flavour, melt well, and complement the taste of salmon without overwhelming it.

Cream cheese and scallion sauce

A cream cheese and scallion sauce is a perfect pairing for a salmon burger. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and full of flavour, complementing the rich taste of the salmon.

To make the sauce, you will need cream cheese, scallions, sour cream, and lemon juice. Start by combining the softened cream cheese with chopped scallions, also known as green onions. You can use the white and light green parts of the scallions, or include the greens for a more robust onion flavour. Finely chop the scallions to ensure they mix well with the cream cheese.

Next, add a dollop of sour cream to the mixture. The sour cream adds a tangy twist to the sauce, preventing it from becoming overly rich. Finally, squeeze in some lemon juice to taste. The lemon juice brightens the sauce and gives it a subtle citrus note.

You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste. Play around with the ratios to find the perfect balance of flavours. You may prefer a sharper sauce with more lemon juice, or perhaps a creamier version with extra cream cheese.

This sauce is best served on a toasted bun, with a freshly cooked salmon burger, and some fresh toppings. Try adding sliced red onion, ripe tomato, and crisp lettuce for a delicious, well-rounded burger.

The cream cheese and scallion sauce is a unique and tasty alternative to traditional burger toppings, and it pairs beautifully with the delicate flavour of salmon.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice

Swiss cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, so it can be a healthier option for a cheese topping. It has a lower fat content than some other cheeses, so it is a healthier option for those counting calories. Swiss cheese also has a lower sodium content than some other cheeses, which can be an important consideration for those watching their salt intake.

A Swiss cheese topping can be a great way to add a creamy texture to your salmon burger, and its mild flavour means it can be paired with other toppings and sauces. For example, a salmon burger with Swiss cheese, avocado, and fresh herbs could be a delicious combination. The creaminess of the avocado and cheese, along with the freshness of the herbs, can enhance the flavour of the salmon.

Swiss cheese is also a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, so you may already have some in your refrigerator. Its melting properties make it a great choice for a grilled salmon burger, as it will melt evenly and not become too runny.

Frequently asked questions