Sardine cracker cheese makes Sardine Day on 24 November even better for me. The blend of textures and flavors—crackers, cheese, and sardines—is simply perfect. It’s easy to make and always satisfying. If sardine sandwiches aren’t your thing, this might be!
Contents
Sardine cracker cheese recipe
Sardine cracker cheese is a popular and flavorful snack. It combines sardines, crackers, and cheese. This combination is appreciated for its simplicity and flavor. It is a favorite among seafood lovers.
Sardine cracker cheese is also nutritious. Sardines provide protein and healthy fats. Cheese adds calcium and essential nutrients. Paired with whole grain crackers, it offers dietary fiber.
Here is how to make the sardine cracker cheese:
Sardine cracker cheese
Ingredients
- 8 salted crackers e.g., Ritz or your choice
- 4 canned sardines packed in olive oil, drained
- Grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp cream cheese optional, for a creamy layer
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Dash of black pepper or paprika for flavor
Instructions
- Lay out the crackers on a serving plate. If desired, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cracker for extra creaminess.
- Add grated cheddar cheese
- Place half a sardine on each cracker. If the sardines are large, you can flake them slightly to fit.
- Squeeze a tiny bit of lemon juice over each cracker. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a dash of black pepper or paprika.
- These are best served fresh for the crispiest texture.
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Sardine cracker cheese can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- Additional Enhancements
- Pickles or cornichons balance the richness of the sardines and cheese
- Mustards or hot sauces enhance the flavor profile.
- Non-Alcoholic Pairings:
- Sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites.
- Citrus drinks cut the richness of sardines and cheese.
- Herbal teas soothe savory sardine flavors.
- Tomato juice complements umami in sardines and adds a unique twist.
- Wines
- Sauvignon Blanc enhances the taste of sardines and pairs with Manchego.
- Chardonnay complements rich flavors and creamy cheeses like Brie or Feta.
- Pinot Noir pairs with sardines and mild cheeses.
- Zinfandel enhances strong cheeses like blue cheese and pairs with sardines.
- Dry sparkling wines contrast the richness of sardines and pair with creamy cheeses.
- Beer like Belgian Trappist Ale complements Epoisses and sardines.
Variations
Here are several creative variations to enhance your sardine experience:
- Sardine and Cream Cheese Rillettes
- Ingredients: Sardines, cream cheese, black pepper, cayenne, parsley, lemon juice, pink peppercorns.
- Instructions:
- Mix sardines, cream cheese, and spices.
- Add lemon juice and pink peppercorns.
- Spread on crackers or baguette.
- Cucumber & Avocado
- Ingredients: Sardines, crackers, cucumber (thinly sliced), avocado (sliced), Sriracha sauce (optional), soy sauce, sesame seeds.
- Instructions:
- Sardines are placed on crackers.
- Top with cucumber and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with Sriracha and soy sauce.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Sharp Cheddar & Horseradish
- Ingredients: Sardines, crackers, sharp cheddar cheese (sliced), horseradish, chives (chopped).
- Instructions:
- Place cheddar slices on crackers.
- Add sardines on cheddar.
- Top with horseradish and chives.
- Salsa & Jalapeño
- Ingredients: Sardines, crackers, cream cheese, salsa, pickled jalapeños (sliced).
- Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese on crackers.
- Add salsa and sardines.
- Top with jalapeño slices.
- Mediterranean Style
- Ingredients: Sardines, crackers, cucumber (sliced), grape tomatoes (halved), kalamata olives (halved), feta cheese (crumbled), capers.
- Instructions:
- Layer cucumber slices on crackers.
- Add sardines, tomatoes, olives, and feta. Sprinkle with capers.
- Cheese Board Option
- Ingredients: Sardines, cheeses (sharp cheddar, Brie, blue cheese), fruits (figs, grapes), nuts, herb yogurt dip.
- Instructions:
- Serve sardines with cheeses and fruits.
- Add herb yogurt dip for zest.
