What to Eat with Tinned Fish

I love a tinned fish situation. And, honestly, I would consider myself ahead of the tinned fish trend (humble brag), so I don’t mind sharing a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. Think about it: What better food is there than canned fish—be it tuna, smoked trout, or sardines—to make an otherwise dismal night of sitting on my couch in my underwear watching Survivor suddenly seem fancy? None, I say! If you have friends, however, you can set aside the played-out charcuterie board and change things up with a tinned fish spread (or a “seacuterie board,” if you will). Peruse the tinned fish we’ve given our seal of approval, pair it with a few of the Sporked-approved items below, and enjoy (in underpants or pants, up to you). Here are out picks for what to eat with tinned fish.

Firehook Sea Salt Organic Mediterranean Baked Crackers

Any charcuterie board worth its weight in overpriced cheese has to have the best crackers for the occasion, Firehook Sea Salt Organic Mediterranean crackers. Sporked editor-in-chief Justine Sterling loved their big crunch and that they’re sturdy enough to stand up to any tinned fish (or meat or cheese) you might want to top them with. Lay out your tinned fish on a fancy piece of wood, put these bad boys next to it, and see food (get it, seafood?) disappear.

Read the full ranking of the best crackers for a charcuterie board

Trader Joe’s Ode to the Classic Potato Chip

Everyone loves potato chips and caviar, but, I get it, you’re just watching Survivor at your apartment on a Wednesday night—you don’t need anything too fancy. These Trader Joe’s chips have everything you could ask for in a plain potato chip and they’re affordable. Sporked contributor Danny Palumbo liked that they’re “light, crispy, and crunchy,” and have a big potato flavor you just don’t find in other chips. Splurge on the seafood, not the chips.

Read the full ranking of the best plain potato chips

Trader Joe’s Triple Creme Brie

If you’re making a seacuterie/charcuterie mashup, you want a cheese that’s mild and creamy and lets those briny little fish be the star. Brie is your best bet, and Trader Joe’s Triple Creme Brie is the best. As senior writer Jordan Myrick put it, “When I think of brie, this is what comes to mind.” It’s so creamy it’s practically like eating butter—and I’ve never met a tinned fish that didn’t work with butter. And, trust me, I’ve met a lot of tinned fish (they’re nice, I like them).

Read the full ranking of the best brie

Mezzetta Non-Pareil Capers

Capers are an unsung charcuterie accoutrement. They’re small. They’re briny. They share a name with a zany Muppet heist. And they go really well with tinned fish. Ever have capers and lemon on sauteed fish? Same flavor profile works with the tinned stuff. Load up a cracker with capers, brie (aka, the glue that holds capers in place), and some smoked trout or canned tuna. We recommend Mezzetta, which aren’t too tangy or salty or firm—in fact, Justine called them the “Goldilocks ideal” of the caper world. Plus, these give you an excuse to use one of those teeny-tiny spoons that have been rotting in your utensil drawer.

Read the full ranking of the best capers

Jeff’s Garden Whole Castelvetrano Olives

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If it’s good enough for a charcuterie board, it’s good enough for a seacuterie board. Jeff’s Garden Whole Castelvetrano Olives earned the title of “best fancy” olives and are a perfect addition to any board—they’re mild, buttery, nutty, and won’t overpower what you pair them with. Just make sure to put out a stack of napkins to spit the pits into.

Read the full ranking of the best olives for martinis