Frederic Melton
Cheese and crackers are a classic, simple, and delicious snack option for parties, get-togethers, and holidays. They are a perfect appetizer and can be served in many fun ways. The key to a good cheese and cracker combination is the cheese itself; choosing high-quality cheeses with strong flavours like blue cheese or mild cheeses like cheddar is essential. You can also add bread, fruits, and spreads like chutney and mustard to elevate your platter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of cheese | 2-3 oz. per person if served as an appetizer, 4-5 oz. if served as dinner |
| Type of cheese | A mix of mild and strong cheeses, e.g. cheddar, Swiss, goat, and blue cheese |
| Amount of crackers | Smaller amount if served with other appetizers |
| Type of crackers | Butter, water, wheat, multi-grain, toasted bread, or rolls |
| Spreads | Chutney, mustard, jelly, or honey |
| Toppings | Fresh herbs, fruit or nuts |
| Presentation | Tightly packed, with similar ingredients grouped together |
| Drinks | Wine from the same country or region as the cheese |
| Storage | Cheese can be left at room temperature for up to two hours, or refrigerated for up to six weeks (when opened) |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a variety of cheeses
When serving cheese and crackers at a party, the cheese you choose is very important. You should select a variety of cheeses to suit different tastes, and it's a good idea to include some mild cheeses that will appeal to most guests. Cheddar and Swiss cheese are popular mild options, and you'll want to have more of these on hand than any strong cheeses you choose. Goat and blue cheese are examples of stronger cheeses that guests tend to eat less of, so you can get away with buying smaller amounts. If you're serving other snacks alongside your cheese and crackers, you won't need as much cheese, but if cheese is the main snack, be sure to stock up! You can always cut your cheeses in half and only put half out at a time, storing the rest in the fridge for later.
It's also fun to offer a variety of accompaniments to go with your cheese and crackers. Fresh fruit, such as apples and pears, pairs well with cheese, as do fruit spreads like chutney and jelly. You could also offer honey, nuts, and herbs to sprinkle on top of the cheese and crackers. If you want to serve drinks with your cheese and crackers, wine is a natural pairing. You can match wines and cheeses of the same region, or try to match flavour intensities, pairing intense cheeses like aged cheddar with strong red wines.
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Pair with wine
When serving cheese and crackers at a party, it's a good idea to pair them with wine. Wine and cheese are a natural, delicious, and sophisticated combination. Here are some tips to help you pair wine with your cheese and crackers:
Firstly, consider pairing wines and cheeses produced in the same country or region. For example, you could pair Spanish wines with Spanish cheeses. This can provide a harmonious tasting experience, as the flavours and characteristics of the wine and cheese may complement each other well.
Another approach is to match flavour intensities. A strong, full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to bold, aged cheeses such as Cheddar or Gouda. On the other hand, lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Grigio pair well with milder, less intense cheeses such as Brie or Gruyère.
If you're serving a variety of cheeses, it's a good idea to have a range of wines to match. You can offer a selection of red and white wines to suit different tastes and cheese choices. Remember that the wine and cheese pairing should be a delightful and enjoyable experience for your guests, so feel free to experiment and find combinations that you and your guests appreciate.
When planning quantities, consider that your guests will likely consume less cheese if you're serving other appetizers alongside the cheese and crackers. You can also provide a variety of crackers, bread slices, and spreads to accompany the cheese. This will allow your guests to create their own perfect bite and add interest to the pairing. Some popular spread options include chutney, mustard, and fruit jellies.
Finally, remember to store and serve the cheese properly. Cheese can be left at room temperature for up to two hours, but it should be refrigerated or tightly wrapped in plastic if prepared more than 24 hours in advance. Serving the crackers just before serving can help maintain their crispy texture.
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Arrange on a platter
When arranging cheese and crackers on a platter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the amount of cheese and crackers you need. As an appetizer, plan for 2-3 oz. of cheese per person. If you're serving a lot of accompaniments, like charcuterie, crackers, and fruit, your guests will likely eat less cheese. If serving as a main course, plan for 4-5 oz. of cheese per person.
Now, on to the arrangement. If you have a bowl of crackers or a larger block of cheese, position those on the platter first. This will act as a base for the rest of your ingredients. If you want to include bread, it's best to add slices or rolls just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispy texture.
Next, fill in the platter with smaller cheese slices and crackers. The trick is to pack everything tightly together, creating a bountiful look. You can arrange similar ingredients together or group each food in one spot for easy access. If you're including fruit, consider adding a small slice on top of each cracker and cheese stack. Finally, add a touch of fresh herbs to elevate your platter.
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Add accompaniments
When serving cheese and crackers at a party, it's a good idea to provide a variety of accompaniments to elevate the dish and make it more interesting. Here are some ideas for accompaniments to consider:
Fruits and Spreads
Fresh and dried fruits, such as berries, apples, and pears, pair well with cheese and crackers. You can also provide spreads like chutney, mustard, and jelly to add a burst of flavour. Fruit spreads are usually a safe bet and complement the cheese nicely.
Nuts and Herbs
Toppings such as nuts, honey, and fresh herbs can add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour to the dish. Just remember to provide a nut-free option for guests with allergies.
Bread and Toasts
Including slices of toasted bread, crostini, or rolls can be a nice alternative to crackers. These can be spread with butter or left plain.
Charcuterie
Meats such as sausage or other charcuterie options can be a nice addition to the cheese and crackers. This could include items like salami, prosciutto, or other cured meats.
Wine
Wine and cheese are a classic pairing, and offering a selection of wines can elevate your party spread. Try to match the intensity of the wine with the cheese—for example, a strong cheese like aged cheddar or Gouda pairs well with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, while lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio go well with milder cheeses like Brie or Gruyère.
Remember, when planning the amount of cheese to serve, consider the number of accompaniments you'll be providing. If you have a lot of accompaniments, people will likely eat less cheese, so you won't need as much.
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Storage and preparation
Cheese and crackers are a great, easy option for feeding your guests at a party. There are a few things to consider when preparing and storing cheese and crackers to ensure they are fresh and tasty.
Firstly, it is important to note that cheese can be left at room temperature for up to two hours. If you are preparing your cheese and crackers in advance, you should wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Opened cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six weeks, and unopened cheese can be stored for several months. However, it is best not to freeze cheese unless it is meant to be cooked.
When preparing your cheese and crackers, it is best to put the crackers on the plate just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. As a guide, plan to have 2-3 oz of cheese per person if serving as an appetizer. If you are serving a lot of accompaniments, like charcuterie, crackers, and fruit, your guests will likely eat less cheese. If serving as a main course, plan for 4-5 oz of cheese per person.
When arranging your cheese and crackers on a serving platter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, group each food in one spot on the tray for easy access. You can also arrange similar ingredients next to each other, keeping all the cheeses together, for example. It is also a good idea to place larger items on the platter first, such as a bowl of crackers or a large wheel of cheese, and then fill in the smaller items around them. The more tightly packed the ingredients are, the better, as it will make the platter look more bountiful.
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Frequently asked questions
If serving cheese and crackers as an appetizer, plan for 2-3 oz. of cheese per person. If serving as a main course, plan for 4-5 oz. per person. If serving other snacks, you won't need as much cheese.
There are no rules when it comes to arranging cheese and crackers. However, it is recommended to group each food in one spot on the tray for easy access. You can also place larger items, such as bowls of crackers or bread slices, on the platter first, then fill in with smaller items.
Choose high-quality cheeses with ingredients you like. You can include a variety of crackers, such as butter, multigrain, or wheat crackers. If serving other appetizers, you can get away with smaller amounts of strong cheeses like goat or blue cheese. Include more mild cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, as their flavours aren't as intense.
Cheese and crackers go well with fruit trays, charcuterie, and wine. You can also serve them with spreads such as chutney, mustard, or jelly.
