What component adds creaminess to the herbed cream cheese served with house smoked salmon?

The component that adds creaminess to the herbed cream cheese served with house smoked salmon is heavy cream. Heavy cream is known for its high fat content, which contributes to a rich and smooth texture. When incorporated into cream cheese, it enhances the creaminess, making the spread luxurious and delightful to pair with the smoked salmon. This creamy texture complements the flavor of the fish and balances the overall dish, providing a mouthfeel that enhances the dining experience.

Though other ingredients such as butter, sour cream, or yogurt can also add creaminess, they do so in different ways. Butter provides a richness but lacks the tanginess associated with cream cheese. Sour cream can contribute to creaminess and flavor but typically doesn’t match the richness achieved with heavy cream. Yogurt can also add creaminess but would result in a different flavor profile, often more tangy than that of a cream cheese spread that is predominantly creamy.