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The Best 8 Foods To Pair With A Tinned Fish Board

It’s briny, it’s buttery, it’s trending, these are the eight must-haves for your next tinned fish board.

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If you’re anything like the rest of us constantly scrolling for new snack ideas you’ve definitely seen a tinned fish board or two on your feed. Chic little tins of smoked salmon, sardines and tuna have become the internet’s favorite entertaining flex and for good reason: they’re easy, elegant and surprisingly fun to assemble. But the real magic happens in the pairings.

A good tinned fish spread is all about balance, creamy, crunchy, briny and bright. Think silky crème fraîche next to crisp rye, a pop of pickle here, a swipe of goat cheese there. With the right mix of textures and flavors, even the simplest tin can turn into a snack board that feels straight out of a European cafe. Here’s how to build your own, featuring the eight perfect bites to round out your next tinned fish moment.

1

Sweet Potato

tray of oven baked sweet potato chips in closeup.
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A touch of natural sweetness balances all that salty, briny goodness. Try roasted or mashed on toast for a cozy, earthy base.

RELATED: Best Sweet Potato Recipes

2

Sauerkraut

red and white sauerkraut chopped cabbage pickled in brine with cumin in ceramic plate over grey spotted background. flat lay. space
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Tangy, crunchy and full of flavor this fermented favorite cuts through rich fish like butter.

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3

Pickled Onion

pickled red onions with thyme in a jar
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Pretty in pink and delightfully acidic, pickled onions add brightness (and a pop of color) to your board.

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4

Rye Bread

sourdough bread loaf and banneton basket in bakery on wooden rustic table
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Hearty and nutty, rye makes the perfect foundation for layering your fish, spreads and toppings.

RELATED: Healthiest Breads, According to Registered Dietitians

5

Crème Fraîche

smoked salmon blinis
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Cool, creamy and just a little fancy, this is the secret to balancing bold flavors.

RELATED: Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Trout and Crème Fraîche

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6

Cornichon

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Tiny but mighty, these tart little pickles bring crunch and a vinegary kick that ties everything together.

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7

Fresh Goat Cheese

overhead view of a cheese board with a stack of blue cheese, cheddar, goats cheese and chutney
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Soft, tangy, and spreadable, goat cheese adds a mellow creaminess that makes each bite feel luxe.

8

Castelvetrano Olives

small bowl of castelvetrano olives
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Mild, buttery, and impossibly snackable, these olives are the finishing touch your tinned fish board deserves.

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