What to Eat With Caviar: 2025 Pairing Guide

Caviar is a luxurious delicacy made from the salted eggs (roe) of sturgeon fish, prized for its delicate texture and rich, briny flavor. Traditionally associated with fine dining and special occasions, caviar is often served chilled on blinis (small pancakes) or toast points, sometimes accompanied by crème fraîche, chopped onions, or hard-boiled eggs. 

Originating from the Caspian Sea region, caviar is now part of cuisines worldwide, from French hors d'oeuvres to Japanese sushi. Still, it’s a rare indulgence for most people, since it’s one of the most expensive ingredients in the world. 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it, especially since it’s a favorite at celebrations. A small amount goes a long way, making it perfect for tasting or pairing with Champagne or vodka. The classic serving method is blinis (small pancakes), topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a spoonful of caviar.

But you don’t have to take the classic route. If you’re feeling rebellious, here are several easy-to-make recipes of side dishes that pair well with caviar. This way, you can impress your guests with your taste and ingenuity!

1. Seared White Wine Scallops

Ingredients 🗒️

• 4 Diver scallops (around 1.5 inches in diameter)

• 2 leeks

• 2 pinches of rock salt

• 2 tbsp of olive oil

• 2 tbsp of white wine

• 4 tbsp of your favorite caviar to add when serving

Method 👩‍🍳

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel after giving them a quick rinse, then set them aside.

2. Cut the cleaned leeks into thick round slices, roughly 2 inches wide.

3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm up.

4. Place the leek rounds into the hot pan and lightly season them with salt. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust.

5. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for about 1 minute. Then, flip the leeks to the other side and continue simmering for another 4 minutes. Once tender and caramelized, remove the leeks from the pan and set aside.

6. Check the pan’s heat and reduce it slightly if it's too hot. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, and carefully place the scallops inside. Let them sear undisturbed for 4 minutes to form a deep, golden crust. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side.

7. Once both sides are seared to perfection, remove the scallops from the pan. Serve them alongside the leeks and finish with a light sprinkle of salt over the scallops. 

8. Add a spoonful of your favorite caviar on top of each scallop and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

I made this dish to impress a few very important guests, and it absolutely delivered! Inspired by French cuisine, I was fascinated by the combination of meaty scallops seared to golden perfection and paired with tender, wine-kissed leeks.

The subtle sweetness of the scallops and the tangy softness of the leeks work in perfect harmony, and adding a spoonful of caviar as the final touch elevates it all to something truly special.

I used fresh diver scallops from the local market, but frozen work beautifully too if properly defrosted. Scallops can seem intimidating, but they’re actually quick and simple, especially in a hot pan with just the right timing. 

2. Caviar With Homemade Blini & Crème Fraîche

Ingredients 🗒️

• 12 tbsp caviar of your preference (chilled)

Crème Fraîche:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp cultured buttermilk

Homemade Blini:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• ¾ cup milk

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 healthy pinch of sea salt

Method 👩‍🍳

1. In a clean container with a tight-fitting lid, combine heavy cream and buttermilk. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for around 8 hours. 

2. After that, transfer it to the fridge and chill for 2 days, or until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.

3. To make the Blinis, prepare 2 mixing bowls. In one combine all the dry ingredients, and in the other whisk together the wet ingredients. 

4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, whisking until the batter is smooth.

5. Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Drop the batter by the tablespoon onto the hot skillet, forming small rounds. 

6. When you see bubbles forming on the surface, flip the blinis over and cook the other side until golden. Repeat until all the batter is used. Let the blinis cool completely. 

7. To serve, place a small spoonful of crème fraîche on each blini and add a touch of caviar on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped chives.

8. Serve and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

This dish is the perfect treat on a weekend when you want to treat yourself to something elegant and tasty. The end result looks like it came from a fine dining menu, but you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy it.

The crème fraîche can test your patience a bit, but the result is this rich, silky cream that’s smoother than sour cream and not as tangy, perfectly balanced to pair with the salty pop of caviar. 

The blinis are easy to make and fluffy, and making them from scratch adds a personal touch. Once assembled, each bite is a little celebration: warm, pillowy blini, cool, velvety crème fraîche, and that briny burst of caviar.

3. Lemon Capellini With Caviar

Ingredients 🗒️

• ½ pound of dried capellini pasta

• ¼  pound unsalted butter (melted)

• 1.5 oz of very good black caviar

• ¼ tbsp garlic powder

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• Salt to taste

• Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Method 👩‍🍳

1. Place the butter and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until the butter is fully melted. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Set it aside.

2. Place a large pot of water to a boil and cook the capellini until it reaches an al dente texture (follow the instructions on the bag or box). Stop the heat.

3. When the pasta is done, drain it and transfer it back into the warm pot. Pour the lemon-butter mixture over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat. Taste and add salt as needed.

4. Divide the pasta between 2 plates, twirling it into a nest-like shape using a fork. Add a spoonful of caviar over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

This is the perfect dish to impress at your next special celebration! I made it recently for a date, and the look on my partner’s face said it all: pure delight. I love how the Capellini, with its delicate strands, soaks up the buttery lemon sauce. 

The citrus brings out the best in the caviar, balancing its briny richness with a bright lift. And speaking of caviar, I strongly recommend splurging a little for this recipe. Invest in the high quality kind with a creamy, buttery, almost nutty flavor to turn this dish into a true indulgence. 

You won’t be able to make this every week, considering the cost of quality caviar, but maybe that’s what makes it so special. Every bite feels like a celebration. Overall, the dish is decadent, refined, and honestly, pretty easy to make. 

4. Omelet With Caviar