Easy Smoked Mackerel Pate Recipe (MAKRELENCREME)

This super easy fish pate, is one of my favorite things to have on bread. You simply need a pack of smoked mackerel, cream cheese, and lemon juice. This Mackerel pate needs little effort.

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 mackerel about 180 g / 6.3 oz
• 200 g / 7 oz cream cheese (you can also use the low-fat version) 
• juice of half a lemon (About 3 tbsp) 
• 3 tbsp freshly 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 

You can replace the cream cheese with yogurt or crème fraiche for a low-fat mackerel pate. 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. 

• 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 flavor 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 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