Fish Butter Is The Secret To Elevated, Rich Baked Potatoes

Potatoes are the real deal when it comes to comfort food for any day and any season. If you toss them in the oven, get the skin all crispy and golden with a creamy center, then all that's left to do is ramp up the flavor by adding salt and seasoning plus different toppings. Most of us almost instantly think of the classic baked potato topping combination of sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon. However, there's another way to pack the hot spuds that'll leave you wanting more — fish butter.

While this topping doesn't contain anything particularly strange, it stands out from the usual combinations because of the fish ingredient, and not just any fish, but specifically hot-smoked fish. However, you'll be amazed at how similar this delicious seafood is to traditional bacon, from the smokiness to the saltiness and meatiness, that you'll by no means be missing your beloved porky bits. If anything, fish butter will elevate your baked taters in the most unexpected way.

Making the perfect fish butter that'll truly enrich your baked potatoes is pretty simple. Start with the butter and hot-smoked fish, then add in some chopped scallions for an oniony touch and dill for a tangy finish. Mix them up well in a bowl, and you're all set to top your taters. However, it's good to note that the scallion and dill are just the basic ingredient combinations to your fish butter. 

You can use your creativity and add other ingredients that pair well with smoked fish, for example, lemon zest, horseradish, or even sour cream. Only maintain the smoked fish, as it's the star of this setup. Finally, you can also add some variation every time you make this topping by using different fish types according to your preference, from sprouts or mackerel to classic salmon or tiny sardines. Really, almost any fish can be hot-smoked, so it's up to you.

The best part about this fish butter is that it's not just limited to accompanying potatoes but can also be served with other side dishes. So in case of any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator to use later with your pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.