Andy Montoya
Cheese and crackers are a classic pairing, but is it acceptable to serve them without meat? The answer is yes! While meat is a popular addition to a cheese and cracker spread, it is not necessary. Cheese and crackers can be a delicious and satisfying combination on their own, especially when paired with other toppings such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, and spreads. In fact, for vegetarians or those who do not eat meat, a cheese and cracker platter can be a perfect option. So, if you're wondering whether to serve crackers and cheese without meat, go for it! Get creative with different types of crackers, cheeses, and toppings, and enjoy the perfect snack or lunch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of crackers | At least two for every board |
| Cracker type | Robust and flavorful/plain |
| Cracker shape | Different shapes and sizes |
| Cracker flavor | Sweet, buttery, salty, fruity, herby |
| Number of cheeses | 2-3 oz per person; 3, 5, or 7 types |
| Cheese type | Hard, soft, sharp, mild, stinky, triple cream, soft rind, goat, sheep, herbed |
| Number of meats | 2-3 slices/oz per person; 1-1.5 lbs for 8-10 people |
| Meat type | Cured, cooked, ground, sliced, spreadable |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Suggestions for vegetarian options
While crackers and cheese are often served with meat, it is perfectly acceptable to serve them without it. Here are some suggestions for vegetarian options to serve with crackers and cheese:
Cheese
When selecting cheeses for your platter, consider including a variety of textures and flavours. Choose a mix of hard and soft cheeses, as well as cheeses made from different types of milk (cow, sheep, goat). Here are some specific types of cheese to consider:
- Goat cheese: This type of cheese pairs well with sweet and juicy fruits like grapes or apples. You can also try a vegan cashew-based goat cheese alternative, such as the "Goatless Cheese" from Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen.
- Brie or Camembert: These soft, creamy cheeses go well with sweet preserves like fig butter, orange marmalade, or blackberry jam. They also pair nicely with candied nuts, grapes, or apples. For a vegan option, try the vegan brie from Miyokos or Boursin.
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar pairs well with cured meats, but for a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with apples and sweet bacon jam. You can also try a vegan cheddar option, such as the chipotle cheddar from Nuts For Cheese.
- Gouda: This sweet, aged cheese goes well with dried figs. For a more savoury option, try truffle gouda with buttery crackers.
- Gruyère: This nutty cheese is delicious with spinach or leafy greens. It also pairs well with salami or ham, but for a vegetarian option, consider serving it with grapes, figs, honey, or mustard.
Crackers
When selecting crackers, look for ones that will complement the cheeses you have chosen. Here are some specific types of crackers to consider:
- Water crackers: These pair well with triple cream and soft rind cheeses like brie, camembert, and Comté.
- Sweet or fruited crackers: These go well with strong, "stinky" cheeses like blue cheese or limburger.
- Buttery crackers: Try these with sharp cheeses like cheddar. Ritz crackers are a good option and happen to be vegan-friendly.
- Herby crackers: These pair nicely with goat and sheep cheeses like chevre, Humboldt Fog, or roquefort.
- Flatbreads or wafer crackers: These are a good choice for herbed cheeses like Boursin or havarti dill. Breadsticks and crostini are also creative options that can elevate your platter.
Other Vegetarian Options
In addition to cheese and crackers, you can include a variety of other vegetarian options on your platter:
- Nuts: Cashews, almonds, or candied pecans.
- Dried fruit: Dried apricots, figs, or cranberries.
- Fresh fruit: Apples, grapes, or berries.
- Spreads: Honey, mustard, or jam.
- Veggies: Pickled or cured vegetables, such as watermelon radishes.
- Dips: Hummus, guacamole, or nut butter.
The Ultimate Guide to Serving Cauliflower Cheese
You may want to see also
How to choose the right crackers
Crackers are the silent heroes of any cheese board, providing the perfect vehicle for a variety of cheeses and toppings. It is important to pair them thoughtfully—mild crackers with strong cheeses and robust crackers with milder options. Here are some tips on how to choose the right crackers:
Variety is the Spice of Life
It is fun to have different shapes, sizes, and flavors of crackers on your board. You can include mini toasts, sliced baguettes, or breadsticks. Breadsticks can even be turned into prosciutto "lollipops" for a creative touch. For a more elegant affair, consider thin croccantini crackers, pita crackers, or raisin rosemary crisps.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options
For guests with dietary preferences, be sure to include gluten-free and/or low-carb crackers. Rice crackers from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods are a good option, or you can even make your own Parmesan crisps.
Complementary Flavors
When selecting crackers, it is important to consider the types of cheeses you will be serving. Here are some flavor combinations to consider:
- Triple cream and soft rind cheeses (like brie, camembert, and Comte) pair well with water crackers, fruited crackers, or crostini.
- Stinky cheeses (like blue cheese and limburger) go well with sweet and/or fruited crackers, wafer crackers, or croccantini.
- Sharp cheeses (like cheddar) are delicious with club crackers, Ritz, or anything buttery.
- Goat and sheep cheeses (like chevre, Humboldt Fog, and roquefort) are complemented by fruited crackers or herby crackers.
- Herbed cheeses (like Boursin and havarti dill) are tasty with flatbreads, wafer crackers, or olive oil crackers.
- Truffle gouda tastes great with buttery crackers.
- White cheddar and ham are a classic combination.
- Chèvre, pickled chipotle peppers, and any cured meat are a match made in heaven.
- Manchego and dried apricots are a subtle sweet delight.
- For a dessert-like option, try gouda with dried figs.
- Moonshot crackers are a good choice if you're looking for something organic and sustainable. Their sourdough sea salt flavor is mild and won't overpower your cheese.
Texture
In addition to flavor, consider the texture of your crackers. For example, Potter's Crackers have a dense pie crust-like texture that pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the best crackers are the ones you enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations!
The Art of Serving Bloomy Rind Cheese
You may want to see also
How to select the best cheeses
It is perfectly acceptable to serve crackers and cheese without meat. In fact, crackers and cheese are often considered the dynamic duo of party food. When selecting cheeses for a cracker and cheese board, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to choose an odd number of cheeses, such as 3, 5, or 7, depending on the number of guests. It is also a good idea to select a variety of cheeses, including different types such as hard and soft cheeses, and cheeses made from different kinds of milk (cow, sheep, or goat milk).
When it comes to specific cheese recommendations, there are several options that pair well with crackers. For example, mild crackers such as water crackers or thin crisps are versatile options that pair well with stronger-tasting cheeses. On the other hand, more robust and flavorful crackers, such as fruited crackers or herby crackers, can stand up to plainer cheeses.
Some specific cheese and cracker pairings to consider include:
- Truffle gouda with buttery crackers
- Goat cheese with sweet and juicy grapes or apples
- White cheddar with ham
- Chèvre with pickled chipotle peppers
- Manchego with dried apricots
- Gouda with dried figs
In addition to the type and flavor of the cheese and crackers, it is also important to consider the presentation. Crackers can be arranged in a fan shape around the cheese or placed on a separate plate or bowl. It is also a good idea to include a variety of crackers, such as breadsticks or gluten-free options, to accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can create a delicious and well-rounded cracker and cheese board that your guests will surely enjoy.
The Perfect Pairing: Brie and Grapes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Meat alternatives to complement the cheese and crackers
Meat is a common addition to a cheese and crackers platter, but it is not a necessity. If you are looking to replace the meat on your platter, there are several alternatives you can use to complement the cheese and crackers.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you are looking for vegetarian options, cured or pickled vegetables can be a great replacement for meat. Some options include watermelon radishes, bell peppers, avocado, and cucumber. You can also add small packs of veggie sushi, which are easily available in most supermarkets.
If you are vegan or serving vegan guests, there are several vegan "cold cuts" available in the market that can be eaten with crackers. You can also try different types of vegan cheese, which can be made from almonds, cashews, oats, nutritional yeast, coconut oil, and soy. Some popular vegan cheeses include Myokos, and Cultured Kindness.
Seafood Options
Seafood can also be a good alternative to meat. Smoked salmon pairs well with horseradish hummus on whole-grain toast. You can also add Greek yogurt to your platter, which provides protein and fat, similar to cheese. Greek yogurt pairs well with fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
Meat Alternatives
If you are specifically looking for meat alternatives, here are some options:
- Hummus with whole-grain bread or crackers
- Porridge with banana and walnuts
- Rice cakes
- Vegetable sushi
The Art of Serving Mt Tam Cheese
You may want to see also
How to assemble the board
While the term "charcuterie" refers to the preparation of cured meats, it is commonly used to refer to a snack board that may include meat, cheese, crackers, nuts, fruits, vegetables, sauces, and spreads. Here are some tips on how to assemble a delicious charcuterie board without meat:
Choose your board:
Select a board size depending on the number of people you're serving. For a large group, you can use multiple boards or a large surface like a countertop. Any type of board will work, such as a cutting board, serving tray, or butcher paper.
Select your cheeses:
Cheese is the star of the show, so choose a variety of hard and soft cheeses made from different types of milk (cow, sheep, goat). Aim for 2-3 ounces of cheese per person. Odd numbers of cheese types (3, 5, or 7) look pleasing to the eye. Some popular options include Manchego, goat cheese, Gouda, cream cheese with jalapeño jelly, Brie, Camembert, Comte, Cheddar, and Gruyère.
Choose your crackers:
Crackers are essential to any cheese board, providing texture and flavour. Include a variety of crackers with different shapes, sizes, and flavours. You can have plain crackers, such as water crackers, or more creative options like breadsticks, crostini, rice crackers, gluten-free crisps, or themed crackers for holidays. Aim for at least one cracker per slice of meat or cheese.
Arrange the board:
Start by anchoring the board with your cheeses. Arrange them in odd numbers and leave space around them for the crackers. Fan out the crackers in a variety of shapes and flavours to complement the different cheeses. Fill in any gaps with nuts, dried fruits, or other extras like pickles, spreads, or vegetables. You can also add some small bowls of sauces or jams to the board.
Pairing flavours:
Think about pairing flavours that work well together. For example, Manchego pairs well with dried apricots, cheddar with cured meats or apples, and Gruyère with salami, ham, grapes, or honey. Goat cheese goes well with sweet and juicy grapes or apples. You can also add some sliced baguette or mini toasts for variety.
Now you're ready to serve and enjoy your meatless charcuterie board!
Egypt's Karish Cheese: A Traditional Serving Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! Crackers and cheese are the dynamic duo of party food and can be a great vegetarian option. You can add extra fruit or crackers to round out the plate.
There are many great combinations to try. For mild cheeses like cheddar and Swiss, use a more robust and flavorful cracker. For strong cheeses like blue cheese, a simple, mild cracker is best. Some specific combinations include:
- Truffle gouda and buttery crackers
- Sharp cheddar and Ritz crackers
- Brie and water crackers
If serving crackers and cheese as an appetizer, plan for 2-3 oz. of cheese per person. If serving with a lot of accompaniments, people will eat less cheese. If serving as a main course, plan for 4-5 oz. of cheese per person.
You can serve cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or chorizo. You can also add fruits and vegetables, jams, honey, dips, and spreads.
