Cheese And Crackers: Perfect Pairing Guide

Cheese and crackers are a classic combination that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetiser. The key to creating the perfect cheese and cracker combination is to choose high-quality cheeses and pair them with complementary crackers. When arranging a cheese board, it is recommended to include a variety of cheeses, such as firm, soft, and semi-soft cheeses, as well as different types of crackers to add texture and flavour.

For aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, and Manchego, multigrain or whole wheat crackers, seeded crackers, flatbreads, or olive oil crackers are ideal. Triple cream and soft rind cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and Comté, pair well with water crackers, fruited crackers, or crostini. Strong-flavoured cheeses like blue cheese and limburger go well with sweet or fruited crackers, wafer crackers, or croccantini. Sharp cheeses, such as cheddar, are enhanced by buttery crackers like Club crackers or Ritz.

In addition to crackers, a cheese board can be enhanced with fresh or dried fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, dates, or figs. Condiments such as honey, jam, or chutney can also be included to add a sweet contrast to the savoury cheeses. Nuts, such as candied pecans or spiced nuts, can provide a crunchy texture and a savoury-sweet flavour.

Choose a variety of crackers, including different shapes and flavours

When it comes to choosing crackers to serve with cheese, there are endless options. You can choose from a variety of shapes, textures, and flavours to create interesting and delicious combinations. Here are some tips to help you select a variety of crackers that will enhance your cheese platter:

Consider Different Shapes and Sizes:

• Include a mix of thin and crispy crackers, such as water crackers, rice crackers, or wafer crackers, which provide a crunchy texture without overwhelming the cheese.
• Explore thicker, heartier crackers like flatbreads, artisanal sourdoughs, or pita chips, which can hold up to thicker spreads or dips.

Offer a Range of Flavours:

• Opt for plain or lightly salted crackers to let the cheese shine.
• Choose flavoured crackers with herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to complement the cheese.
• Experiment with sweet crackers, such as graham crackers or crackers with dried fruits or nuts, to contrast the savoury notes of the cheese.

Mix and Match:

• Try pairing soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, with light and crispy crackers.
• Match semi-hard cheeses, like Cheddar or Colby, with wheat or multi-grain crackers.
• Combine hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Asiago, with hearty rye or whole grain crackers.

Create a Balanced Platter:

• Aim for a variety of shapes, textures, and flavours to appeal to different tastes and create a visually appealing display.
• Include some well-known classics, such as butter crackers or Ritz crackers, which are crowd-pleasers.
• Don't be afraid to experiment and offer unique combinations, such as olive oil crackers with goat cheese or sesame seed crackers with Gouda.

Remember, the key is to provide a range of options that will complement the cheeses you've selected and create a well-rounded and enjoyable snacking experience for your guests.

Arrange crackers in a fan shape around central pieces, like wheels of cheese

When arranging crackers and cheese, it's important to consider the visual appeal of your presentation. A fan-like shape is a great way to add interest and elegance to your cheese board. Here are some detailed tips to achieve this look:

Firstly, select a variety of crackers that complement your cheese choices. It's a good idea to have at least two types of crackers. One should be more robust and flavorful, pairing well with plainer cheeses. The other should be a simple, mild cracker that won't overpower the more complex, strongly flavored cheeses. You can also get creative with different shapes and themes, such as stars for the 4th of July or hearts for Valentine's Day.

Now, let's talk about placement. Arrange the crackers in a fan shape around the central pieces on your board, such as wheels of cheese or ramekins filled with accoutrements. You can form a half circle or a full circle, depending on the space available. This not only looks attractive but also provides easy access to your guests. If you have multiple types of crackers, you can place them on opposite sides of the board to create balance.

Remember, crackers don't always have to go directly on the board. If you're short on space, consider providing a separate plate, bowl, or basket for your crackers. This way, you can ensure you have enough for your guests without crowding the board.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your presentation. You can add other elements to your board, such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and condiments like honey or jam. Play around with different combinations of cheeses, crackers, and accompaniments to create a unique and delightful spread for your guests to enjoy.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to arranging crackers and cheese like a pro, creating a beautiful and tasty display that your guests will surely enjoy.

Pair mild crackers with strong cheeses, and robust crackers with milder options

When it comes to creating the perfect cheese and cracker combination, it's important to remember that the role of the cracker is to complement the cheese and let it shine. The general rule of thumb is to pair mild crackers with strong cheeses, and robust crackers with milder options. Here are some tips to help you create delicious pairings:

Mild Crackers with Strong Cheeses

When choosing a mild-flavoured cracker, opt for simple, thin, and crispy varieties that will not overpower the cheese. Water crackers, rice crackers, and wafer crackers are excellent choices as they provide a light and crunchy texture that complements the cheese without being too filling. These types of crackers are perfect for showcasing strong-flavoured cheeses such as:

• Blue Cheese: This polarising cheese has a strong, tangy flavour that pairs well with sweet or savoury crackers. Try honey graham crackers or sweet and fruity crackers to balance the sharpness of the blue cheese.
• Garlic & Herb Gournay Cheese: Boursin's boldly-flavoured cheese, made with garlic, parsley, and chives, is a perfect match for plain water crackers that let the cheese take centre stage.
• Pimento Cheese: This nostalgic cheese has a strong flavour that pairs exceptionally well with bland, flat rice crackers that won't overwhelm its taste.
• Goat Cheese: Goat cheese has a distinct, tangy flavour that goes well with olive oil crackers. The saltiness of the crackers complements the cheese, and adding slices of tomatoes or cucumbers enhances the overall taste experience.

Robust Crackers with Milder Cheeses

On the other hand, when selecting a robust cracker, look for options with more flavour, texture, or thickness to stand up to milder cheeses. Wheat crackers, rye crisps, and whole grain crackers are great choices for adding interest and depth to your cheese pairings:

• Brie: This soft and creamy French cheese is a perfect match for wheat crackers, especially when paired with fresh fruit or honey for added sweetness. For a more robust option, try rye crisps or whole grain crackers to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar pairs exceptionally well with hearty rye or whole grain crackers. For an extra kick of flavour, try pairing it with spicy crackers or adding pickled onions, olives, or other savoury condiments.
• Mozzarella: Mozzarella has a delicate flavour that can be enhanced by pairing it with sweet potato crackers, creating an interesting flavour combination.
• Manchego: This aggressively salty Spanish cheese is beautifully balanced by nut-based crackers, especially those made with almond flour.

Creative Combinations

In addition to classic pairings, you can also get creative with your cheese and cracker combinations:

• Gjetost (a Norwegian cheese made from goat and cow milk) and Rye Crispbreads: The sweet and rich caramel-like flavour of the cheese is perfectly balanced by the hearty crunch of the rye crisps.
• Pepper Jack Cheese and Butter Crackers: Spicy pepper jack cheese is a delightful contrast to buttery crackers like Ritz. For an extra treat, top it with another cracker to create a DIY sandwich.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano and Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers: The rich and complex flavour of this classic cheese is a natural companion to the sweetness of dark chocolate-covered graham crackers.

Add a sweet element with dried fruit, honey or jam

Adding dried fruit, honey, or jam to a cheese and crackers combination is a great way to introduce a sweet element to your snack or appetizer. This can be done in a variety of ways and with a range of different cheeses and crackers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries can be used to add a sweet and chewy texture to your cheese and crackers. Try pairing dried apricots with a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert and some plain crackers. Alternatively, create a more intense flavor combination by using dried cranberries with a strong blue cheese and sweeter crackers, such as honey graham crackers. For a more gourmet option, pair smoked Gouda with apple slices and multigrain crackers, or go for a refreshing snack with cucumber slices, dill Havarti, and rye crackers.

Honey

Honey is a wonderful way to add sweetness to your cheese and crackers. For a classic combination, pair honey with soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese and a crunchy water cracker. You can also try drizzling honey over warm goat cheese for an extra special treat. Honey pairs particularly well with strong-flavored blue cheese and sweeter crackers like graham crackers. For a more savory option, combine honey with almonds and Brie on thin water crackers for a balanced bite.

Jam

Jam adds a burst of flavor to your cheese and crackers. For a simple yet effective combination, try adding a dollop of your favorite jam to a slice of cheese and a plain cracker. Fig jam goes well with a variety of cheeses, including Spanish varieties, Brie, blue cheese, and feta. For a more intense flavor, pair aged cheddar with tomato jam, or opt for a sweeter option with parmesan and apricot jam. If you're feeling adventurous, go for a bold combination like Camembert and cranberry jam.

Include fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano or chives

Fresh herbs can be a fantastic addition to a cheese and crackers platter, adding a burst of colour and flavour. They are simple to prepare and can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your snack. Here are some tips on how to use fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano or chives to complement your cheese and crackers:

Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb with a subtle, slightly woody aroma and a minty, slightly lemony taste. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses, particularly those with stronger flavours such as cheddar or goat's cheese. To incorporate thyme into your cheese and crackers, try making some thyme-infused crackers. Simply add some finely chopped fresh thyme leaves to your cracker dough, along with other ingredients like Parmesan cheese, butter, flour, salt and pepper. You can find recipes online for homemade thyme crackers that will impress your guests. Alternatively, sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves on top of your cheese before serving, or use thyme as a garnish on your platter for a pop of colour and flavour.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a strong, distinctive aroma and a pine-like, slightly woody taste. It goes well with cheeses such as Parmesan, blue cheese and Brie. To include rosemary in your cheese and crackers, you can make your own rosemary crackers. Simply add rosemary to a basic dough made from flour, water and oil, and bake until golden. You can also find ready-made rosemary crackers in stores. Serve your crackers with a baked Brie topped with rosemary, or sprinkle some fresh rosemary leaves over your favourite cheese. Rosemary can also be used as a decorative garnish, adding a touch of elegance to your platter.

Oregano

Oregano is a herb with a robust, earthy and slightly spicy flavour, with hints of mint and citrus. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially those with stronger flavours like Parmesan, cheddar or feta. You can find crackers infused with oregano, often combined with olive oil, which make a great base for your cheese. Alternatively, sprinkle some dried or fresh oregano leaves on top of your cheese for an added flavour boost. Oregano also works well in dips or chutneys, which you can serve alongside your cheese and crackers for a tasty contrast.

Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavour with a hint of garlic, adding a subtle sharpness to your cheese and crackers. They go particularly well with cream cheese, cheddar or fresh cheeses like ricotta or goat's cheese. You can find crackers flavoured with chives, or simply sprinkle some freshly chopped chives over your cheese. Chives can also be mixed with cream cheese to make a delicious spread for your crackers. For a more decorative touch, use whole chive stalks as a garnish, or chop them finely and sprinkle them over your platter for a bright pop of colour.

Frequently asked questions