Learn how to prepare classic caviar service with crème fraîche, blinis, onions, and hard-boiled egg. Other fun and modern ideas to pair and serve it are also featured.
You don’t have to go up a tax bracket to want to learn how to enjoy the finer things in life, like caviar.
Though it may seem intimidating and formal, caviar is simply a delicious ingredient that adds a pop of salty, briny, umami to any dish. I promise it is not reserved for billionaires and black tie events!
There’s so many ways to serve it – you’re truly limited only to your imagination. Below, you’ll find my personal favorites. Be sure to let me know your ideas in the comments.
Classic
On really special occasions, I do enjoy a classic caviar service. This is when a high quality tin of caviar is served on ice alongside the traditional accoutrements: crème fraîche, chopped boiled eggs, red onions, chives and blinis.
Pair it with a bottle of dry, high-acidity champagne for the ultimate indulgence. A sharp, bone-dry rosé is also a solid choice.
Finger Food
My favorite is when caviar is used as an accent, because when paired intelligently, it can really elevate a dish. I love making simple finger foods for parties like caviar deviled eggs and waffle sticks.
Hosting something casual but with a touch of glamour, like an Oscar party? You absolutely have to serve caviar with potato chips – it’s such a modern and fun way to do it! I love that it only takes few minutes to put together.
For the ultimate bougie “girl dinner”, try topping French fries with caviar and and lemon creme fraiche drizzle. I highly recommend serving them alongside a wedge salad and a martini.
Fast Food
Currently, it’s quite popular to serve caviar with various fast food items. The high/low-brow juxtaposition is cheeky and some of the pairings work surprisingly well. Who knew the McNugget was the perfect vehicle for caviar?!?
A bump of caviar on top of Taco Bell’s fiesta potatoes is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.
I also feel confident that it is a classy, sensible move because I once attended a dinner where Matty Matthews served his version of their potatoes paired with salmon roe.
Drinks
Caviar pairings don’t have to stop at food – it’s also complimentary to several beverages.
Vodka shots with caviar has to be one of the most iconic pairings of all time. Having mini vodka bottles on ice along with a pearl spoon filled with a bump of caviar is a really fun way to serve it at parties.
Caviar bumps served on the lip of beer cans is quite popular with restaurant staff. Of course, it has to be Miller Life – the champagne of beers.
If you want something a bit more upscale, you can use pearl spoons on top of actual glasses of champagne.
In my opinion, the ultimate bougie cocktail is a martini with caviar stuffed olives. Absolutely nothing hits like a dozen raw oysters and one or two of these at 5 PM on a Friday.
Tips
- Keep it cold. Caviar needs to be chilled at all times. Keep your tin on ice for the duration of service. You can also use one of these inexpensive chillers.
- When quality matters. If caviar is the main star, like traditional caviar service, you’ll want to use a higher-quality caviar, such as Ossetra. If it’s only used as an accent, you can get away with a more budget-friendly option, like white sturgeon.
- Where to purchase? If you’re going for the highest quality, I love Petrossian. I also like ordering from Imperia. Many high-end grocery stores, like Whole Foods, often carry small 1oz jars if you don’t need a whole tin.
- Avoid metal utensils. The flavor of caviar is so delicate that reactive metals can alter it. Always serve with gold or pearl spoons. Plastic can even work in a pinch.
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Caviar Service
Ingredients
- 4 oz Crème fraîche
- 1/4 cup Red onion, finely diced
- 1 bunch Chives, thinly sliced
- 2 Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 250 grams Caviar
- 16 Blinis
Instructions
- Prepare the accouterments by placing the crème fraîche, onion, chives and hard-boiled eggs each in their own small serving bowl. Then, place them on a platter or large serving board.
- Fill your caviar chiller or a small bowl with ice and place next to the accouterments along with the blinis.
- Open the tin of caviar and place on top of the ice with a pearl spoon.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
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