The Best Cheeses To Pair With Lox

Lox and bagels are a classic combination, but what kind of cheese goes best with lox? The answer may depend on your personal preference, but some common choices include cream cheese, goat cheese, labneh, brie, or feta. Cream cheese is the classic choice, but if you're looking for something a little different, you might want to try one of the other soft cheeses mentioned. For example, if you're making a lox bagel, you could spread some feta cheese on your bagel, top it with lox, and finish with crunchy root veggies. Or, if you're creating a charcuterie board, you might want to include a variety of cheeses, such as brie, cream cheese, or even blue cheese, to pair with your smoked salmon.

Soft cheeses like feta, goat cheese, labneh, brie, or cream cheese

Soft cheeses are a popular choice to pair with lox. While cream cheese is the classic option, other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, labneh, brie, or feta can also be delicious. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and textures that complement the lox perfectly.

Feta, a tangy and salty Greek cheese, adds a bold flavour to the lox. It can be paired with lox on a bagel or toast for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option. To make feta more spreadable, it can be mixed with extra virgin olive oil, creating a creamy and tangy topping for your lox. This combination is a great choice for those who want to add a Mediterranean twist to their dish.

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is another soft cheese that pairs well with lox. It has a mild and slightly tangy flavour, making it a good option for those who want a more subtle cheese. Goat cheese can be spread on a bagel or toast and topped with lox, or used as a dip for crackers or vegetables. Its creamy texture and unique flavour make it a delightful addition to any lox dish.

Labneh is a soft, creamy cheese made from strained yoghurt. It has a tangy and slightly sour taste, similar to Greek yoghurt, that can complement the flavour of lox. Labneh can be spread on a bagel or toast, or used as a dip, providing a refreshing twist to the traditional lox dish.

Brie is a soft cheese with a rich and creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. When paired with lox, it creates a decadent and indulgent combination. Brie can be spread on a bagel or toast, or served alongside lox on a charcuterie board. Its creamy texture and subtle flavour make it a versatile option for those who want a more delicate cheese.

Cream cheese, the classic choice, is a soft and spreadable cheese with a mild flavour. It is a versatile option that can be paired with lox in a variety of ways. Cream cheese can be spread on a bagel or toast, used as a dip for crackers or vegetables, or mixed with herbs and spices to create a flavoured spread. Its mild taste and creamy texture make it a popular choice for lox dishes.

Cold-smoked salmon with mild cheeses

Cold-smoked salmon is a versatile delicacy that pairs beautifully with a variety of mild cheeses, offering a unique twist on the classic combination of lox and cheese. Here are some ideas to elevate your culinary experience and create exquisite flavour profiles.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a popular choice to accompany cold-smoked salmon. Its tangy and creamy flavour complements the delicate smokiness of the salmon. This pairing is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle yet intriguing blend of tastes.

Brie

Brie is another mild cheese that marries well with cold-smoked salmon. Its creamy texture and mild flavour create a harmonious combination. When paired with crackers or bagels, this duo makes for an elegant and satisfying bite.

Labneh

Labneh, a soft and creamy cheese made from strained yoghurt, is a delightful companion to cold-smoked salmon. Its tangy and smooth characteristics add depth to the dish without overwhelming the subtle flavours of the salmon.

Feta

Feta cheese, with its salty and tangy flavour, provides a delightful contrast to the smokiness of the salmon. For a refreshing twist, you can make feta more spreadable by mixing it with extra virgin olive oil, creating a smooth and creamy texture that pairs exquisitely with the salmon.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the classic, go-to choice for a reason. Its mild flavour and creamy texture provide the perfect backdrop for the delicate taste of cold-smoked salmon. Whether you opt for plain cream cheese or experiment with herb, veggie, or chive and onion blends, you're sure to create a delightful dish.

Charcuterie Board Creations

When crafting a charcuterie board featuring cold-smoked salmon and mild cheeses, consider including a variety of crackers, such as artisan crackers, whole-grain crackers, or gluten-free options. Bagels, toast, and mini bread slices also provide the perfect base for your creations. Don't forget to add some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, avocados, or tomatoes, to round out the flavours and textures.

Hot-smoked salmon with sharper cheeses

Hot-smoked salmon and sharper cheeses are a match made in heaven. The intense, robust flavour of the salmon is perfectly complemented by the sharpness of cheeses like cheddar or gouda. This combination works especially well on a charcuterie board, adding an extra layer of depth to the usual selection of meats and cheeses.

When creating a smoked salmon charcuterie board, it's important to choose a high-quality, sustainable salmon that is both tasty and nutritious. In addition to the salmon and cheese, include a variety of crackers, such as artisan crackers, gluten-free crackers, and buttered crackers, to provide a range of textures and flavours. You can also offer different types of bread, such as sourdough, bagels, or breadsticks, for a crunchy contrast.

To enhance the flavours of the salmon and cheese, consider adding accompaniments such as hummus, olive paste, or a broad mix of fruits and vegetables. Sliced cucumbers, onions, celery, carrots, avocados, and tomatoes can add a refreshing touch, while dates and lemons are classic pairings with smoked salmon. For an extra protein boost, include hard-boiled eggs or sliced or cubed chicken or turkey.

When assembling your charcuterie board, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and combinations. The key is to create a balance of flavours and textures that complement each other without clashing. You can also include traditional charcuterie board items such as salami, prosciutto, jamón, peppers, honey, nuts, and dijon mustard to provide a familiar option for your guests.

With its intense flavour and flaky texture, hot-smoked salmon is an excellent choice for those who prefer a stronger taste. When paired with sharper cheeses, it creates a sophisticated and indulgent culinary experience that is perfect for impressing your guests at your next event or dinner party.

Lox with cream cheese and capers

For a quick and easy option, try spreading some cream cheese on a cracker and topping it with a slice of smoked salmon and a few capers. This simple combination delivers a tasty mix of salty, tangy, and creamy flavours. If you're looking for something more substantial, you can turn this into a small meal by adding some hard-boiled egg slices for extra protein.

If you're a fan of bagels, you can create a delicious lox bagel by spreading cream cheese on a sliced bagel, adding smoked salmon, thin slices of red onion, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. This combination is a favourite for a reason, with the cream cheese and capers complementing the salty, briny flavours of the lox.

For a more adventurous take on the classic, you could try making a smoked salmon dip. Simply mix cream cheese, sour cream, chopped dill, and smoked salmon in a food processor until smooth. Serve this dip with crackers or sliced baguette for a unique twist on the traditional flavours.

Finally, if you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can incorporate lox with cream cheese and capers into a pasta dish. Sauté some garlic and onions in olive oil, add cherry tomatoes and smoked salmon, and toss with your favourite type of pasta. This option allows you to enjoy the classic flavours in a heartier format.

So, while lox, cream cheese, and capers are a timeless trio, there are plenty of ways to get creative and explore new flavours while still enjoying the core components of this delicious combination.

Lox with scrambled eggs

Lox and scrambled eggs is a delicious and quick meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It is also a great way to stretch a small package of pricey smoked salmon to feed a whole family.

To make this dish, you will need:

• Lox or smoked salmon (3-4 oz), chopped into small pieces
• Eggs (2-8, depending on the number of people you are serving)
• Butter (1.5-3 tbsp)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
• Cream cheese, cut into small cubes (optional)
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

Start by whisking the eggs together with salt and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add in some finely chopped chives for extra flavour. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the eggs and scramble them with a wooden spoon or spatula. Be sure not to overcook the eggs—you want them to remain creamy and moist. When the eggs are almost done to your liking, stir in the chopped lox, green onions, and cream cheese. Continue cooking for another minute or so, until the cream cheese begins to melt and the eggs are at your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chopped chives or green onions, if desired.

As for what kind of cheese goes well with lox, cream cheese is the classic choice, but other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, labneh, brie, or feta can also work well. If you're using a harder cheese, something sharp like cheddar or gouda would pair nicely with the smoked salmon.

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