What Cheese Goes Well With Salmon (25 Ideas to Try)

Salmon is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways. It is often eaten with a side of rice or vegetables, but what about cheese? What cheese goes well with salmon?

I was never a big fan of salmon growing up. My mom would make it sometimes, but it was always dry, and I never really liked the taste. However, after trying a few recipes that incorporate salmon as one of the main ingredients, I’ve grown to love it! I especially love pairing it with some creamy and delicious cheese as a side dish.

Now, I love cooking salmon for my family. I’ve done some research and trial and error to figure out what kinds of cheese go well with salmon. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites for you to try out the next time you make this dish!

What Cheese Goes Well With Salmon

Mild Blue Cheese
Bocconcini
Halloumi
Parmesan
Cream Cheese
Goat Cheese
Mozzarella
Feta
Neufchatel Cheese
Brie

Mild Blue Cheese

When it comes to finding the perfect cheese to pair with salmon, look no further than Mild Blue Cheese. The mellow taste and creamy texture of Mild Blue Cheese make it a perfect match for the richness of salmon.

And because Salmon is such a versatile fish, it can be easily dressed up or down to suit your taste. For a simple yet elegant dish, try pairing Salmon with a light salad and a mild vinaigrette. Moreover, if you want something heartier, try pairing it with roasted vegetables and a dollop of blue cheese dressing.

Bocconcini

Bocconcini are small balls of mozzarella cheese that are lovely melted or fresh. They have a sweet, milky flavor with a soft and slightly chewy texture. Bocconcini are often used as a pizza topping, or in salads and pasta dishes.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is as an appetizer with salmon. The rich flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the delicate taste of salmon.

Plus, it’s super easy! Simply top each bocconcini with a slice of smoked salmon and a sprig of dill. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or caviar.

This simple dish is sure to impress your guests! The main downside to using bocconcini is that they can be quite expensive. However, their versatility and delicious taste make them well worth the price. If you’re on a budget, you can also use mozzarella (which we’ll be talking about later).

Halloumi

Halloumi is a type of cheese that originates from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, so it can be grilled or fried without losing its shape. It also is relatively high in fat, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.

It has a salty, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with other strong-flavored dishes. For example, try grilling slices of halloumi and serving them with grilled salmon and a lemon-dill sauce. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, pair grilled halloumi with roasted vegetables and a balsamic glaze.

Halloumi is also a great addition to salads; try pairing it with watercress, grapefruit, and fennel for a light and refreshing salad. Moreover, when shopping for halloumi, look for a brand that uses sheep’s milk for the best flavor.

Parmesan

When it comes to food, I’m all about variety. I like to mix things up and try new things, especially when it comes to cheese. That’s why I was so excited when I first tried Parmesan.

Parmesan is a hard, salty cheese that goes great with everything. I especially love it with salmon. The fatty fish pairs perfectly with the sharpness of the cheese, and the texture contrast is divine.

Plus, Parmesan is super versatile. You can shave it over salads, melt it into sauces, or use it as a crust for meats and vegetables. The possibilities are endless! However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when using Parmesan:

A little goes a long way. This cheese is very strong, so you don’t need much to flavor your dish.
Parmesan can be a bit tricky to work with if you’re not used to it. It tends to crumble easily and can be hard to melt evenly. But don’t let that discourage you! With a little practice, you’ll be a Parmesan pro in no time.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a delicious, versatile cheese that goes well with salmon. It has a rich, creamy texture and a mildly tangy flavor that pairs well with the fatty, richness of salmon.

When choosing a cream cheese for your dish, look for one that is firm but spreadable. Avoid brands that are dry or crumbly, as they will not bond well with the salmon.

For the best results, add the cream cheese to the salmon while it is still warm. This will help to evenly distribute the cheese and prevent it from clumping.

If you are looking for a light, healthy dish, serve the salmon with a simple cream cheese and herb mixture. For a richer dish, try pairing the salmon with decadent smoked salmon and chive cream cheese.

Goat Cheese

If you’re looking for a cheese that pairs well with salmon, look no further than goat cheese. Goat cheese has a milder, earthier flavor than other cheeses, making it the perfect complement to salmon’s rich taste.

Goat cheese is also lower in fat and calories than many other types of cheese, so you can enjoy it without guilt. To get the most out of your goat cheese, be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving. This will allow the cheese to reach its full flavor potential.

You can also experiment with different flavors of goat cheese, such as herbed or smoked, to change up your traditional salmon dish. Regardless of how you enjoy it, goat cheese is an excellent choice for pairing with salmon.

Mozzarella

Do you know how some foods were just made for each other? Like, you can’t have a PB&J without the jelly, or mac and cheese without, well, the cheese. That’s how I feel about mozzarella and salmon. The two were seriously meant to be eaten together.

Mozzarella is a stretchy, creamy cheese that’s delicious whether it’s melted on top of a hot dish or served cold in a salad. It’s also a pretty versatile cheese when it comes to pairing with food.

The fatty fish pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese, and the contrast in texture is heavenly. Plus, there are so many different ways to prepare salmon, so you can never get bored. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing your salmon, just make sure to top it with some mozzarella and you’re good to go.

Feta

Feta is a cheese that originates from Greece. It is traditionally made with sheep’s milk, but it can also be made with goat’s milk. It has a salty and tangy flavor and a crumbly texture.

Feta is often used in salads or as a topping for pizzas and other dishes. However, it pairs well with salmon because the fatty fish helps to offset the saltiness of the cheese. The two flavors also complement each other nicely.

So when choosing a feta cheese, look for one that is soft and creamy. Avoid cheeses that are hard or crumbly, as they will not melt well. If you are looking for a healthier option, choose a feta cheese that is made with sheep’s milk, as it contains less fat than cheeses made with goat’s milk.

Neufchatel Cheese

Neufchatel Cheese is a French cheese that is similar in taste and texture to cream cheese, but with a slightly firmer consistency. It is an excellent cheese for spreading on crackers or bread, and it also pairs well with fruits and vegetables.

Neufchatel Cheese can be used in cooking and baking, and it is an excellent choice for making dips and sauces. The cheese can also be used as a filling for cakes and pies. But one of the best ways to enjoy Neufchatel Cheese is to pair it with salmon. The rich flavor of the cheese complements the delicate flavor of the fish, and the two ingredients work together to create a delicious dish.

When choosing a dish to replace cream cheese with Neufchatel Cheese, it is important to remember that the cheese has lower fat content than cream cheese. As a result, dishes made with Neufchatel Cheese may be lighter in calories than those made with cream cheese.

However, Neufchatel Cheese can still be a high-fat food, so it is important to choose recipes that are moderate in fat and calories. When made properly, dishes made with Neufchatel Cheese can be just as delicious as those made with cream cheese, but with fewer calories and less fat.

Brie

Brie is a cheese that goes well with Salmon. It is smooth and creamy with a slightly nutty flavor. It pairs well with other earthy flavors like mushrooms, truffles, and nuts. It can also be paired with fruity flavors like apples, pears, and berries.

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different dishes. It can be baked, grilled, or even deep-fried. But when choosing a dish to pair with Brie, it is important to consider the other flavors in the dish. For example, if the dish is very sweet, you may want to choose a cheese with a more assertive flavor. Conversely, if the dish is very savory, you may want to choose a cheese with a milder flavor.

Moreover, brie is an excellent cheese for beginners because it is relatively easy to find and it pairs well with many different foods. However, there are some downsides to using Brie such as:

It can be expensive.
It can be difficult to find good-quality Brie.
It can be challenging to get the perfect pairing.

Conclusion

Now that you know what cheese goes well with salmon, it’s time to try out some recipes! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavor combinations.

And, most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so make sure to enjoy yourself while you’re in the kitchen. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite recipe.