Crème Fraîche

Crème fraîche is not optional. It's the dairy that's rich enough to hold up to caviar without overpowering it: thick, slightly tangy, with a clean finish that makes the roe pop rather than disappear. Serve it cold, spooned onto a blini or a potato chip, or just next to an open tin so people can help themselves. This is the classic for a reason, and no amount of innovation has improved on it.