Randy Chandler
Smoked salmon is a versatile delicacy that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, each offering a unique culinary experience. When it comes to cheese, the options are endless, from soft and creamy cheeses like goat cheese, brie, and cream cheese to sharper varieties such as cheddar and gouda. Smoked salmon's subtle smokiness and delicate texture make it a perfect pairing for a range of cheeses, creating a delightful flavour profile that excites the palate. Whether enjoyed on a charcuterie board, as a bagel spread, or rolled up with capers, smoked salmon and cheese is a combination that never fails to impress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for cold-smoked salmon | Goat cheese, brie, mild gouda, manchego, cream cheese, herb cream cheese |
| Cheese for hot-smoked salmon | Cheddar, gouda, aged gouda, sharp tilly cheese, vintage cheese, smoked cheddar, spicy medium cheddar |
| Cheese for gravlax | Cream cheese, blue cheese |
| Other ingredients | Capers, dill, lemon, onion, smoked salmon, crackers, whole-grain crackers, baguette |
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What You'll Learn
Cold-smoked salmon and mild cheeses
When it comes to cold-smoked salmon, mild cheeses are the perfect complement. This type of salmon has a delicate and subtle flavour, so you don't want to overpower it with a strong cheese. Here are some ideal mild cheeses to pair with cold-smoked salmon:
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a classic pairing with cold-smoked salmon. Its tangy and creamy flavour pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the salmon. Look for a fresh, soft variety, as this will provide a nice contrast to the texture of the salmon.
Brie
Brie is another excellent choice for a mild, creamy cheese to pair with cold-smoked salmon. Its rich and buttery flavour can enhance the taste of the salmon without overwhelming it. Opt for a triple cream Brie for an especially indulgent experience.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a versatile choice that can be used as a spread, dip, or filling for smoked salmon rolls. Its mild flavour serves as a blank canvas for other ingredients, such as dill, capers, red onion, and lemon juice, which can enhance the flavour of the smoked salmon. For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese
Boursin is a spreadable garlic and herb cheese that goes exceptionally well with cold-smoked salmon. The herbs and garlic provide a delightful flavour profile that complements the salmon without overpowering it.
When creating a charcuterie board or dish featuring cold-smoked salmon and mild cheese, don't forget to add some crackers, capers, thinly sliced onion, and fresh lemon to enhance the flavours and provide a well-rounded sensory experience.
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Hot-smoked salmon and sharp cheeses
Smoked salmon is a versatile delicacy that can be paired with various cheeses to create a range of unique flavour profiles. The type of smoked salmon used can greatly influence the cheese that should be paired with it. Hot-smoked salmon, in particular, is known for its robust and intense flavour, which pairs wonderfully with sharper cheeses.
Cheddar, specifically Tillamook extra sharp cheddar, is a popular choice to pair with hot-smoked salmon. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the robust flavour of the hot-smoked salmon, creating a delightful contrast. For an even more intense experience, some suggest smoking the cheddar with applewood chips before pairing it with the salmon.
Gouda is another sharp cheese that goes well with hot-smoked salmon. This combination offers a delightful balance of strong and subtle flavours. Aged gouda, in particular, can add a depth of flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.
For those who enjoy a bold and complex flavour profile, hard Italian cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano can be excellent choices to pair with hot-smoked salmon. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty punch that highlights the smoky essence of the salmon. Similarly, Pecorino Romano offers an intense saltiness that is beautifully balanced by a subtle sweetness. Crumbling these cheeses over a smoked salmon pasta or salad can create a contrast of creamy and crispy textures, taking the dish to the next level.
Creating a charcuterie board with hot-smoked salmon and sharp cheeses is a wonderful way to showcase these pairings. By adding different accompaniments, such as crackers, capers, and thinly sliced onions, you can create a variety of flavour combinations that will impress your guests and keep your spreads exciting and delicious.
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Cream cheese and smoked salmon
Smoked salmon and cream cheese is a classic combination that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast spreads to appetizers and charcuterie boards. The mild, smoky flavour of smoked salmon goes well with the tanginess and creaminess of cream cheese, creating a rich and flavourful combination.
One popular way to serve smoked salmon and cream cheese is as a spread or dip. This can be made by mixing cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, smoked salmon, fresh dill, and green onion. This creamy and smoky spread can be served with bagels, crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables. It is a simple and affordable dish that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Another option is to create smoked salmon rolls. Spread a dollop of cream cheese on a slice of smoked salmon, add a few capers, roll it up, and secure it with a toothpick. These rolls can be served as an appetizer or as part of a charcuterie board.
When choosing the cream cheese for your smoked salmon dish, it is recommended to use a block of soft, room-temperature cream cheese. This will ensure that the cream cheese whips together nicely and has a smooth and creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese will also provide the best-textured results.
In terms of the smoked salmon, you can use any type of smoked salmon that you prefer, such as cold-smoked salmon or hot-smoked salmon. You can also get creative and substitute the smoked salmon with other types of smoked fish, such as trout or herring.
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Oregon cheeses
When it comes to smoked salmon, there are a variety of cheeses that pair well with it. The type of smoked salmon determines the cheese that should be used. For instance, cold-smoked salmon goes well with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie, while hot-smoked salmon pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Gravlax, a cured salmon, is perfect with cream cheese or blue cheese. Creating a smoked salmon roll or dip is a tasty way to enjoy this combination, with the addition of capers or dill for extra flavour.
Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is home to several award-winning creameries that produce a diverse range of cheeses. The state's cheese offerings are unique and not easily found in grocery stores, making them a wonderful addition to any charcuterie board or gift basket. Here are some examples of Oregon cheeses:
Tillamook
Tillamook is a renowned creamery in Oregon that produces a range of cheddar cheeses. Their Sharp Cheddar is a best-seller, recognised internationally as one of the finest sharp cheddars available. It won the Best of Class for Sharp Cheddar at the World Championship Cheese Contest, scoring an impressive 99.85 out of 100 points. Tillamook also crafts an English-Style Sweet Cheddar, which won the gold medal at the 2023 ICDA Awards and the 2020 World Championship Cheese Contest. Their Hickory Smoked Cheddar, smoked for 9 hours, has been consistently recognised by the American Cheese Society, winning awards in 2015 and 2019.
Face Rock Creamy
Face Rock Creamy, located in Bandon, Oregon, is another award-winning cheesemaker. Their Face Rock Aged Cheddar is a full-bodied, buttery cheese with a slightly nutty flavour. It is aged for twelve months and has a low moisture content, resulting in a creamy texture. Face Rock Creamy also produces a Smokey Cheddar, which won the Gold Medal for smoked cheeses from the American Cheese Society in 2023.
Rogue Creamery
Rogue Creamery offers a variety of cheeses, including the Oregon Blue, Caveman Blue, and Touvelle Original Cheese. Their cheeses have received positive reviews for flavour and packaging.
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Charcuterie board ideas
Charcuterie boards are a great way to showcase a variety of flavours and textures, and smoked salmon is a perfect addition to any board, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Here are some ideas to elevate your charcuterie game:
Cheese and Smoked Salmon Pairings
The key to a successful pairing is to ensure the flavours complement each other. For a delicate and subtle flavour, cold-smoked salmon pairs wonderfully with mild, creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, brie, or cream cheese. You can even add some roasted garlic to the brie for an extra kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try spreading some cream cheese on a slice of smoked salmon, adding some capers, and rolling it up for a tasty treat.
Stronger Flavours
If you prefer stronger flavours, opt for hot-smoked salmon, which goes well with sharper cheeses. Cheddar is an excellent choice, especially the extra-sharp variety, such as Tillamook. You can even smoke the cheddar yourself for an added layer of flavour. Another option is gouda, which has a mild yet flavourful profile that pairs beautifully with smoked salmon.
Indulgent Options
For a truly indulgent charcuterie experience, gravlax, a type of cured salmon, takes the cake. It is perfect with cream cheese, especially when seasoned with dill, onion, and a squeeze of lemon. If you're feeling bold, blue cheese is another decadent option that will impress your guests.
Crackers and Breads
Don't forget the crackers and breads! Whole-grain crackers provide a subtle, nutty flavour that complements smoked salmon. You can also offer sliced baguette, bagels, or even a variety of charred vegetables like peppers or aubergine for a unique and healthy alternative.
Presentation Tips
When it comes to presenting your charcuterie board, consider using a variety of textures and colours to make it visually appealing. Wrap fragile items like cheese in parchment paper, and use small containers for dips or wet items like capers. Finally, create a "road map" of your board so that you know exactly where each item goes, ensuring a beautiful and tasty display.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular options include mild cheeses like goat cheese, brie, and cream cheese, perhaps seasoned with dill, onion, and lemon juice. For stronger-flavoured smoked salmon, try pairing it with sharper cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Yes, some specific types of cheddar that are recommended include Tillamook extra sharp cheddar, Face Rock's smoked cheddar, and their spicy medium cheddars.
Yes, you can make smoked salmon rolls by spreading cream cheese on a slice of smoked salmon, adding some capers, and rolling it up. Another option is to make a smoked salmon dip by mixing cream cheese, sour cream, chopped dill, and smoked salmon in a food processor and serving it with crackers or sliced baguette.
