What Cheese Goes with Smoked Salmon? (12 Best Cheeses)

Knowing what cheese goes with smoked salmon can make all the difference in creating a delicious and unforgettable meal.

Smoked salmon has an intense flavor that pairs best with smooth and creamy cheeses.

But which ones should you choose?

The options may seem overwhelming, but don’t fret! I’ve researched and tested the 12 best cheeses to pair perfectly with your tasty smoked salmon dish.

From tangy feta to nutty Comte, there’s something here for everyone – even those who follow a specific diet as many of these cheeses are also vegan or dairy-free alternatives!

cheeses to pair with smoked salmon

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

The best kinds of cheese to serve with smoked salmon are soft cheeses like cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, or Boursin. For a richer flavor profile, you can also try blue cheese. Serve the smoked salmon and cheese on crackers for an easy appetizer.

Ready your taste buds for some flavourful delight; let’s dive right into this list of amazing cheese accompaniments for smoked salmon!

Neufchatel Cheese

Neufchatel Cheese

Reminiscent of a Camembert, Neufchatel cheese is creamy, slightly tangy and mild.

It has a silky smooth texture that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon.

Spread it on crostini or crackers for an easy appetizer or melt some into your favorite seafood dishes such as smoked salmon chowder to add richness and depth of flavor.

For a light lunch, layer thinly sliced smoked salmon with cream cheese and fresh herbs between two slices of crusty bread for a delicious sandwich.

Brie

Brie

Brie reminds me of a classic French cheese with its buttery texture and mild flavor.

Its creamy texture and nutty taste pair perfectly with the smoky flavor of smoked salmon, creating an exquisite combination that will make any meal feel extra special.

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Serve it on crackers for a quick appetizer or try adding some fresh herbs to give it an extra kick of flavor.

Cream Cheese

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese needs no introduction; it is one of the most popular cheeses and a staple in many households.

When paired with smoked salmon, cream cheese creates an unbeatable combination of flavors that can be enjoyed on toast or crackers for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Its smooth texture and mild taste makes it a great accompaniment to the intensely flavored fish.

Top your bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a delicious start to the day!

Halloumi

Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi is mildly feta-like in flavor, but its texture is much firmer.

This cheese’s salty taste and chewy texture make it a great companion for smoked salmon.

It stands up to the strong flavor of the fish without overpowering it, and its firmness ensures that it does not melt away into nothing when heated.

Try grilling halloumi with some herbs, like rosemary or thyme, before serving alongside smoked salmon for an extra flavorful experience.

Parmesan

Parmesan

Parmesan is fruity and nutty in taste, with a slightly sharp bite.

It’s one of the most versatile cheeses to pair with smoked salmon because it can either be grated on top or melted for a creamy dip.

When grated, Parmesan adds an extra salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the salmon.

It also works well when melted over toast points for an appetizer that is sure to please any palate.

Mild Blue Cheese

Blue Cheese

Gorgonzola and Danish Blue have the mildest flavors of blue cheese, making them a great match for smoked salmon.

The creaminess of these cheeses helps to balance out the intense smoky flavor of the salmon.

Plus, you can use them in so many different ways – as part of a salad or sandwich, melted on top of toast, or crumbled into an omelet.

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Whatever your preference may be, this combination is sure to satisfy!

Boursin Cheese

Boursin Cheese

Boursin is salty, creamy, and full of herbs – perfect for pairing with smoked salmon.

This soft cheese is made with cow’s milk and a combination of flavors like garlic, parsley, chive or black pepper.

It has a spreadable texture which makes it great for spreading on crackers or bread to accompany the smoked salmon.

Boursin also adds an extra layer of flavor to salads or sandwiches when combined with the smoky notes in the fish.

Gouda

Gouda

Gouda is sweet, mild, and a little fudgy (think of a melted marshmallow) with nutty undertones.

It’s an ideal match for smoked salmon as it doesn’t overpower the delicate fish but rather enhances its flavor.

The smoky notes in Gouda also add depth to the dish.

Serve thin slices of smoked salmon on top of a slice of Gouda and you’ve got yourself an elegant appetizer or light meal that is sure to impress!

Havarti

Havarti

Havarti is balanced and mild, but with a bit of tang that complements the smokiness of the salmon.

It’s creamy texture adds a richness to the dish, yet it’s light enough not to overpower the subtle nuances of the fish.

This semi-soft cheese is perfect for slicing onto bagels or crackers as an appetizer or melted over toast points with smoked salmon and capers for an elegant lunch or dinner.

Cheddar

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is nutty, crumbly, and sharp in flavor, making it an ideal match for smoked salmon.

It adds a delicious contrast of creamy texture to the smokiness of the fish.

The richness of smoked salmon can be balanced with cheddar’s acidic taste.

Aged cheddars are especially good for this purpose as their flavors become more intense over time.

Try pairing your favorite smoked salmon with a mild or medium-aged cheddar cheese for an unforgettable combination!

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Comte Cheese

Comte  Cheese

Fruity, spicy and nutty, Comte is a French cheese made from cows milk and aged for several months in mountainous caves.

It has a subtle flavor that’s similar to Gruyere or Swiss cheese but with an extra layer of complexity.

This semi-hard cheese pairs particularly well with smoked salmon due to its smooth texture and mellow taste which allow the smokiness of the fish to shine through without overpowering it.

Try serving slices of Comte along with your favorite smoked salmon appetizer and you’ll be sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Feta Cheese

Feta Cheese

Pretty salty, crumbly feta cheese is a great match for smoked salmon.

Its subtle saltiness and creamy texture pairs well with the strong flavors of the fish.

If you’re looking to make an appetizer, try making small crostini topped with feta and smoked salmon slices, then garnish it with fresh dill sprigs or capers.

For a main dish, try layering thin slices of both ingredients on top of each other in a baking dish and bake until bubbling.

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What Cheese Goes with Smoked Salmon? (12 Best Cheeses)

Are you not sure what cheese goes with smoked salmon? Don't worry, I'm here to help! In this article, I'm sharing my top 12 cheeses that pair perfectly with smoked salmon. I'll provide detailed descriptions of each cheese, tips on how to pick the best one, and how to combine them for the ultimate flavor experience.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Cheese
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • Neufchatel Cheese
  • Brie
  • Cream Cheese
  • Halloumi
  • Parmesan
  • Mild Blue Cheese
  • Boursin Cheese
  • Gouda
  • Havarti
  • Cheddar
  • Comte Cheese
  • Feta Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite cheese from this collection to pair with your smoked salmon recipe.
  • Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
  • Enjoy in no time!