Our Easy Smoked mackerel pate recipe is a simple yet tasty dish that’s become a go-to in our kitchen. This fish spread is packed with the bold, smoky flavour of mackerel, whilst the soft cheese gives it a creamy texture.
It works for all occasions—breakfast, lunch, snack, or a fancy starter. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Here is the printable recipe for the best smoked mackerel pate so you can get started immediately. Read on below for more details about the ingredients and optional extras.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Easy Smoked Mackerel Pate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 240 g smoked mackerel fillets
- 200 g soft cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley - finely chopped
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- 1 tablespoon Tartare Sauce - Optional
Instructions
- Remove the skin and any bones from the 240 g smoked mackerel fillets
- Use a fork to gently mash the mackerel in a bowl until it’s broken into small pieces.
- Add 200 g soft cream cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, and Juice of ½ a lemon to the bowl with the mackerel. Season with a pinch of Salt and Pepper
- Stir the mixture together until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.Taste test and add any additional ingredients you fancy. We added 1 tablespoon Tartare Sauce but this optional.
- Transfer the pate into a serving dish or bowl.
- Cover it and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend and the pate to firm up.
- Serve the smoked mackerel pate on toast, crackers, or blinis.
- For a lighter option, try serving it with cucumber slices or on lettuce leaves.
Video
Nutrition
Ingredients
Let me go into some detail about the ingredients needed for this fish pate recipe.
Smoked Mackerel Fillets
At the heart of this recipe is, of course, the smoked mackerel. This ingredient brings richness and depth to the pate.
We have used the standard smoked mackerel in these pictures.
The type of smoked mackerel you use in your pate affects its flavour. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Sweetcure Smoked Mackerel
This has a slight sweetness from sugar, adding a mellow, balanced taste to the pate. Ideal if you prefer a sweeter, softer flavor. There is also a honey cured mackerel which adds sweetness in the same way.
Peppered Smoked Mackerel
This variety's pate has a spicy kick, thanks to a coating of cracked black pepper. It's great for those who like bold, peppery flavors. You can omit the black pepper from the recipe.
Lemon Smoked Mackerel
It is infused with citrus and adds a fresh, zesty note to the pate. It is perfect if you want a lighter, tangy twist. You can omit the freshly squeezed lemon from the recipe.
Hot Smoked Mackerel
Hot smoking gives a stronger, smokier taste and firmer texture. Use this for a more intense, spicy flavour in your pate.
Each type brings a different vibe, allowing you to mix and match to suit your tastes.
Soft Cream Cheese
The choice of soft cheese in your smoked mackerel pate can easily be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs. If you aim for a rich, indulgent texture, a full-fat soft cheese will give you that ultimate creamy, luxurious result, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.
For a lighter, everyday option, opt for a low-fat soft cheese. Brands like Philadelphia offer a "Light" or even "Lightest" version, which is great if you watch your waistline but still want a smooth, delicious pate. These versions still provide a creamy texture but with significantly fewer calories perfect for low fat diet.
Philadelphia also offers herb-infused varieties if you want extra flavour with minimal effort. These versions add a burst of taste, eliminating the need for fresh herbs and keeping the recipe simple.
Herbs
As mentioned above, you can use cream cheese with added herbs to save on buying and chopping your own. If using dried herbs instead of fresh, use half the suggested amount. We’ve gone with parsley, but dill, tarragon or chives are excellent alternatives for adding a fresh, vibrant twist to your smoked mackerel pate.
Lemon
Lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty twist; lime can be used instead.
Seasoning
The final step is seasoning. Taste your mixture before adding salt and pepper, as smoked mackerel can be quite salty. Add just enough to enhance the natural flavours without overwhelming them. A crack of black pepper will bring a subtle warmth to the dish, and a touch of chilli flakes will give the pate a spicy warmth.
Optional Extras
Feel free to add any extras to the mackerel pate. We like to add a tablespoon of our tartare sauce recipe or horseradish sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked mackerel pate is incredibly versatile, making it enjoyable in various ways. Whether you're serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, here are some ideas to inspire you. Feel free to comment and let us know how you serve yours!
Bread
Spread the mackerel pate generously over thick slices of toasted seeded sourdough for a hearty breakfast or lunch. A French baguette also works beautifully, adding a crusty texture that complements the smoothness of the smoked fish pate.
Try serving the pate with warm, soft flatbreads or pita for a Mediterranean spin. The warm bread and cool pate create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Crackers
Crispy crostini, Ritz crackers, or Ryvita Thins make for perfect bite-sized vessels for the pate.
These options work well for casual snacking or party platters, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the rich pate.
Canapés
For elegant occasions, serve the smoked mackerel pate on mini blinis. It’s a classic choice for canapés, making for a stylish and tasty bite.
Vegetables
Pair the pate with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber batons, or carrot batons for a crunchy, vibrant way to enjoy it. It's great for a light snack or a colourful appetizer spread. I like to make a Slimming World smoked mackerel pate recipe using low-fat cream cheese to enjoy as a lunch or snack.
Cucumber
Try serving the pate on cucumber slices if you want a lighter option. This refreshing alternative adds a crisp, cool contrast and is ideal for a healthier snack or a low-carb canapé.
Lettuce
Another light option is to spoon the pate into small baby gem lettuce leaves.
Wine Pairing
A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chablis, pairs beautifully with the smoked mackeral pate as the acidity cuts through the creaminess. Or a light sparkling wine can bring a celebratory note to the dish.
Storage
Smoked mackerel pate with cream cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and stinking out the fridge!
Freezing
If you’ve made too much to get through in three days and want to save some for later, smoked mackerel pate freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
We hope you enjoyed our recipe for how to make Smoked Mackerel Pate. Please leave us a comment to let us know you liked it!
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Louise says
Great recipe, this will be perfect over the Christmas holidays 🙂
Luke and Kay says
Thanks, Louise! So glad you liked it 😊 It’s definitely a great option for the holidays—easy to prepare and always a hit with guests! Enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas 🎄🎅