Easy Smoked Mackerel Pate Recipe (MAKRELENCREME) (2024)

Dishes that are easy and simple to prepare in advance and yet so delicious that you cannot wait to taste it - these are a lifesaver to busy moms like me. I count this easy smoked mackerel pate as one of those recipes that never fail to impress yet are so effortlessly easy to make.

Mackerel is the most popular freshwater fish in Germany. Smoked mackerel is one of the more affordable fish available in the supermarket, and hence a welcome addition to any fish pate recipe collection. Mackerel is called “Makrele” in German and mackerel pate “Makrelencreme”.

What I love about this easy smoked mackerel dish is that it is so versatile. It is a welcome spread for our Abendbrot. You can also transform it into a fancy appetizer for a buffer or dinner party by piping it onto blinis or sliced cucumbers.

How to make Easy Smoked Mackerel Pate with Crème Cheese (Makrelencreme)

Ingredients

• One pack of smoked mackerelabout 180 g / 6.3 oz
• 200g/ 7 oz cream cheese(you can also use the low-fat version)
• juice of half a lemon (About 3 tbsp)
• 3tbspfreshly chopped chives
• salt and pepper to season

Recipe smoked mackerel pate

1. Remove any skin and bones from the mackerel.
2. In a bowl combine the lemon juice and crème cheese. (1 teaspoon horseradish optional) Stir well. Now flake in the smoked mackerel. At this stage, if you prefer a smooth paste, you can puree the mixture. For a coarser texture just flake bigger chunks with a fork.
3. Add 2 tablespoon of chives and season with salt and pepper.
4. Before serving sprinkle the remaining teaspoon chives on top.
5. Serve with bread, pastry or crackers. For an appetizer serves with cucumber, blinis or pumpernickel..

Recipe Variations

For a low-fat mackerel pate, you can also replace the cream cheese with yoghurt or crème fraiche. In Germany mixing mackerel with quark is very popular. The pate will have a more liquid texture.

What goes with Smoked Mackerel Pate?

The beauty of the easy smoked fish recipe is that this dish has so many variations. We love eating it with bread or crackers. Here are some suggestions for you.

• Smoked mackerel pate with beetroot. The pate has a rich flavour and is complemented by the sweet and sour flavour of the beetroot. Just eat sliced beetroot on the side or serve with a beetroot salad.
• Mackerel pate with avocado. This is also a very delicious combination. The soft texture and flavour of the avocado is a great companion to this fish paste.
• Try this mackerel spread on toasted bread. Plain toast bread will do. When I lived in England smoked mackerel on melba toast was very popular
• Makrelencreme on pumpernickel bread – is a very popular combination in Germany. The strong black bread goes well with this creamy fish spread.
• Serve the potted mackerel pate recipe with homemade Rye Bread - check out my recipe.

Mackerel Serving Suggestion: Smoked Mackerel Pate on Cucumber - an easy appetizer

I love this easy – yet impressive combination. To create an easy appetizer for your dinner party or buffet spread, simply slice a cucumber and lay flat. Fill your smoked mackerel pate into a piping bag (affiliate link) with a star tip and squeeze on top. Sprinkle with some chives! Finished. (PS. It is great for a low carb option as well).

Can I eat smoked mackerel pate when pregnant?

According to the NHS, it is safe to eat smoked fish during pregnancy. However, it is advised to limit it’s consumption. If you are unsure, it is best to contact your GP.

How long will smoked mackerel pate keep?

Your pate will last up to three days in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes you can! I do it all the time. As much as I love the taste, I don’t want to eat it all the time. I freeze it in small potions and then defrost it a couple of hours before using it.

Find more dips and spreads for bread

• Easy Quark Dip recipe
• Caramelised Red Onions Chutney
• German Egg and Apple Salad
• Hummus
• Baba Ganoush
• Feta and Pistachio Dip

This recipe was first published in March 2014 and updated April 2021.

Recipe

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