The 7 Times It's OK to Pair Fish with Cheese

Fish and cheese can be a confounding combo, a culinary no-go. But there are exceptions to every rule. Here's when it's OK to combine cheese and fish in the very same dish:

1. When there's a bubbly broiled Parmesan cheese coating involved.

Broiled Grouper Parmesan

"Fresh grouper is my absolute favorite," says JOANG2. "It is a mild fish and this recipe may entice even those who don't like fish to make it a favorite. The recipe is super easy and can be served with a minimum preparation and cooking time. Perfect for a warm summer evening supper. Garnish with lemon twists and parsley before serving."

Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Fish

"Quick and easy and incredible flavorful," says tina. "One of our all time favorite go-to recipes. Sauce goes well on any type of seafood!"

Like that? Try this: Broiled Parmesan-Lemon Tilapia

2. When it goes Greek...with chopped fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and feta.

Baked Halibut Steaks

"An Italian-style vegetable and feta cheese topping is the perfect enhancement to delicious baked halibut," says dakota kelly.

Like that? Try this: Chele's Halibut

3. When it's fully Waldorf'd...and then topped with Swiss.

Darra's Famous Tuna Waldorf Salad Sandwich Filling

"A new twist on a classic sandwich," says Crystal S. "The unusual combination of ingredients absolutely worked together beautifully! I added cranraisins the second time I made this, and it was a nice addition."

4. When you're doing it diner-style.

Best Tuna Melt (New Jersey Diner Style)

"If you order a tuna melt in a New Jersey diner, you'll get something very similar to this," says COOKINGIRLLJ. "My method of topping the tuna salad with cheese FIRST, then tomato and more cheese, keeps the toppings from sliding off the bread."

5. When you call it "au gratin."

Cod au Gratin

"As a Newfoundlander, I have to say that this is definitely the best Cod Au Gratin recipe out there," says Ruth. "My husband's grandmother makes a very similar dish, and the taste always reminds of home! A layer of buttered bread crumbs will provide a nice alternative or addition to the cheese. But this recipe is great without it."

6. When you're spreading it on a cracker.

The Best Smoked Salmon Spread

"The perfect way to stretch pricey smoked salmon," says Jay. "Here, it's crumbled in cream cheese with fresh herbs and seasonings."

Particularly acceptable when first formed into a ball...

Tuna Ball

"There's nothing fancy about the tuna ball," says Glenda Shane, "but it tastes great at parties and other get-togethers. Chopped pecans give this blend of tuna, cream cheese, and onion a light crunch. I love this appetizer with veggies, crackers ,and veggies."

Or when the crackers are pasta instead. Then it's OK too.

Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta

"A really quick, easy sauce for 'pasta asciutta,' which means 'dry pasta,'" says Rosie Liao. "It's not a dish over-loaded with sauce, but one that appreciates the simple smokiness of good smoked salmon. Serve sprinkled with some Parmesan or garnished with some parsley. This is not a creamy, thick sauce. Just one that really brings out the simple, yet fantastic flavors of smoked salmon."

7. When it's tuna noodle casserole, of course.

Tuna Noodle Casserole from Scratch

"No canned soup mix in this recipe," says MVANWINKLE. "Mushrooms, onions, celery, and peas all go into this comfort casserole."

Like that? Try a quicker version: Best Tuna Casserole

Related:

• Best Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna
• Seafood Casseroles That Aren't Your Typical Tuna
• Spicy Tuna Recipes