What Cheese Goes With Salmon Burger? (11 Common Pairings)

Categorized as Foodpairing
What Cheese Goes With Salmon Burger

Looking for a delicious way to switch up your typical salmon burger? Look no further than adding some cheese! Cheese is one of the most versatile ingredients, and when paired with salmon burgers, it can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re looking for a creamy topping or a sharp contrast in flavor, there are plenty of great cheeses that go well with salmon burgers. Here are eleven common pairings that will help you take your next salmon burger from good to great!

What Cheese Goes With Salmon Burger?

Cheeses that go well with salmon burgers include cheddar, feta, gouda, blue cheese, cream cheese, and goat cheese. Other good options include parmesan, mozzarella, brie, and Swiss. Pairs of complementary flavors such as Boursin and smoked gouda, or blue cheese and cream cheese, work particularly well together.

1. Cream Cheese

The first cheese on this list is creamy, delicious cream cheese. Cream cheese can be used to add some flavor and creaminess to the meal without overpowering the delicate taste of a salmon patty.

Its mild yet slightly tangy notes make a great addition to any gourmet sandwich, elevating it from a basic burger to something special. Cream cheese, when properly combined with other ingredients like arugula, onions, or mountain honey, creates an awesome cuisine experience that all burger fans can enjoy.

Of course, for those looking for extra flavor, a little bit of smoked salmon or mayonnaise will also provide enough zestiness for those who want an extra kick in their burger.

2. Feta Cheese

Feta cheese can also be an excellent choice to add to your salmon burger. It adds the perfect balance of tangy and creamy notes to this already flavor-packed sandwich. Furthermore, its velvety smooth texture pairs beautifully with the crispiness of the salmon patty and lettuce.

When making a salmon burger, it’s best to use full-fat cream cheese – it won’t weigh down the burger, but it provides enough richness to really elevate the flavors. Don’t forget to spread some thinly on both sides of your favorite bun for extra moisture and sweetness.

Whether you opt for classic chive cream cheese or try something more daring, like sour cream dill cream cheese, you can rest assured that your salmon burger is heading into flavor overload territory.

3. Gouda Cheese

This mild, semi-soft cheese can add richness and complexity to the already flavorful fish patty. When melted on top of a salmon burger, Gouda’s buttery tones and caramelized crevices are truly something to behold.

The combination of the deeply savory fish never fails to bring out a more pronounced flavor profile – nuttiness and sweetness – from this creamy Dutch favorite.

As an added bonus, Gouda’s low melting point makes it one of the best candidates for a particularly gooey experience when served as part of a warm sandwich.

4. Blue Cheese

Blue cheese has a distinct but bold flavor, making it the perfect addition to a salmon burger. Its salty and tangy taste adds just the right amount of complexity to this simple meal. Additionally, its creamy texture will provide a welcomed complement to the flaky salmon in the burger patty.

Some people choose to add crumbled blue cheese on top of their salmon burgers while others opt for blocks of blue cheese cut into thin slices.

Either way, blue cheese is an excellent choice when topping your salmon burger as it isn’t too overpowering but still has enough flavor complexity that keeps it interesting.

5. Goat Cheese

Goats cheese is a popular accompaniment to salmon burgers, and for good reason. Often considered a ‘fancy’ cheese, goat cheese can come in a variety of flavors and textures, from small chèvre rounds to slices of softer feta-style cheese.

With its distinct flavor, it can perfectly accent the flavor of sea-fresh salmon in what might otherwise be a simple patty. It also pairs well with other ingredients used with the burger – like tomatoes and onions – providing an added richness to each bite.

Plus, when melted atop the salmon burger, it creates an added layer of texture for guests to enjoy!

6. Havarti Cheese

Havarti cheese is a creamy, semi-soft, mild cheese with a slight butter flavor. It provides the perfect sharpness when paired with a salmon burger.

Its mild taste won’t overpower the other strong flavors of the salmon and all the accompaniments like lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauces that might be used in a salmon burger. Havarti is great melted on top of a salmon burger to create an ooey-gooey, cheesy experience like no other!.

The meltability makes Havarti an excellent option for anyone who enjoys melted cheese or those seeking a creamier texture than most other cheeses can provide. The mild flavor also goes nicely with almost all condiments and seasonings that might be used in any Salmon Burger creation.

7. Swiss Cheese

Swiss Cheese is a type of cheese that is known to be the “Hole-y” cheese due to its many holes, also known as eyes. It has a mild, nutty, creamy taste and is great for melting. A

Swiss Cheese slice pairs perfectly with a salmon burger because of its sharp but not overpowering flavor.

The creaminess of the cheese further compliments the richness of the salmon while providing texture contrast. The classic combination will provide a tasty meal, sure to please your taste buds.

As for how to prepare it, the Swiss cheese can be grated onto the top of the burger patty or melted directly on top for an extra cheesy experience.

8. Cheddar Cheese

While cheddar cheese is a classic topping for burgers, it goes particularly well with salmon burgers. The sharp and creamy flavor of the cheese offsets the smoky and earthy notes of the fish resulting in an overall well-balanced taste.

The classic combination of melted cheddar over a juicy salmon patty on a whole wheat bun can be quite irresistible to cheese lovers. Furthermore, its strength in flavor allows it to also stand up against other favored ingredients often paired with this burger such as greens or tomato slices.

For those that want something with extra oomph, aged cheddar is a great option as its full and sharp flavor will provide that final kick making this classic combo even more extraordinary.

9. Brie Cheese

Brie cheese is always a great addition to any salmon burger dish. Its creamy and slightly salty flavor complements the salty sweetness of the fish.

The gooey texture of the Brie cheese makes it a perfect pairing for this type of burger, as it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the overall experience.

Brie’s soft notes help soften the strong taste of the salmon, while its nuttiness provides a pleasant contrast to the fish. Plus, its mildness makes it ideal for those who are not fond of intense flavors.

10. Parmesan

Adding Parmesan to a salmon burger is a perfect way to boost the flavor of any salmon burger. As a versatile, hard cheese, Parmesan has a slightly nutty and strong taste.

Its texture is savory and salty, and it melts quickly when cooked, adding an irresistible layer of creaminess to the burger. In addition to providing great flavor and texture, Parmesan cheese gives a richness that complements the fishy taste of salmon burgers.

This makes it ideal for people who want to enjoy fish but don’t necessarily like its more intense flavors. Sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan over your salmon burger is sure to turn it into an unforgettable treat.

11. Mozzarella

Lastly, we come to Mozzarella cheese. This semi-soft cheese has a mild flavor that won’t overpower yet still adds a creamy texture and subtle nutty tones.

The unique melting properties of mozzarella make it an ideal topping for any grilled or baked salmon burger or sandwich, providing a delicious ‘ooze factor’ that gives the dish an extra pop of flavor and interest.

Additionally, its higher moisture content prevents it from becoming greasy, so you can enjoy the perfect combination of salty and savory in every bite!

Conclusion

Cheese and salmon burgers go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for a creamy topping or a sharp contrast in flavor, there are plenty of great cheeses that can help you take your next salmon burger from good to great. With the right pairing, you’ll have a delicious and unique meal that’s sure to impress. Bon appétit!

By Rosie Elliott

I’m Rosie. I’m a professional chef with experience in Western, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. I’ve been cooking for over 15 years, and I have two daughters that keep me busy!