Randy Chandler
When it comes to creating the perfect cheese spread, the crackers you choose are just as important as the cheese itself. The key to a great pairing is to match mild crackers with strong cheeses, and robust crackers with milder cheeses. For example, a simple water cracker pairs well with a bold cheese like Boursin, while a buttery baguette crisp can stand up to a more pungent cheddar. If you're feeling creative, you might try breadsticks, crostini, or themed crackers to elevate your spread. For gluten-free options, consider nut flour or seed crackers, which add a burst of flavour and texture to your spread. Remember to arrange your crackers aesthetically, fanning them around central pieces like wheels of cheese. With so many cracker options available, you're sure to find the perfect pairing for your cheese spread!
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Sweet crackers, such as graham crackers or sugar cookies, are great with soft cheeses
- For aged cheeses, like Parmigiano Reggiano, opt for seeded, multigrain, or whole wheat crackers
- Wafer crackers are a good choice for goat and sheep cheeses
- Gluten-free rice crackers are a tasty, crunchy option for salty cheese spreads
- For a classic, you can't go wrong with butter crackers and a robust cheese spread
Sweet crackers, such as graham crackers or sugar cookies, are great with soft cheeses
Sweet crackers are an excellent option for those with a sweet tooth, and they pair especially well with soft cheeses. Graham crackers, for instance, have a delicate, crunchy texture and a sweet flavour that can complement a variety of cheeses. Sugar cookies are another unconventional option that can add a unique twist to your cheese board. Their sweetness can be balanced out by stronger, more pungent cheeses.
If you're looking for a sweet cracker with a nuttier profile, Beecher's Crackers are a great option. They come in a variety of flavours, including the original, flagship, and honey oat, and their texture holds up well to spreading. Similarly, Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers have a delicate, honey-like sweetness and a thicker texture that pairs well with soft cheeses like baked Brie and creamy chèvre.
For those who enjoy thin, crisp crackers, 34 Degrees offers a range of gluten-free crisps that are perfect for buttery cheeses like Marin French Triple Crème Brie. Wafer crackers from Olina's Bakehouse are another thin and light option that enhances the umami characteristics of the cheese.
When it comes to soft cheeses, flatbreads and crostini are also excellent choices. The slightly toasted taste of flatbreads complements both soft and hard cheeses, while crostini, or toasted French baguette slices, offer a delightful combination of textures with their crusty exterior and soft interior.
Creative Quesadilla Melting Cheese Recipes
You may want to see also
For aged cheeses, like Parmigiano Reggiano, opt for seeded, multigrain, or whole wheat crackers
When it comes to aged cheeses, such as the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano, the cracker you choose can either make or break the entire tasting experience. The key is to opt for crackers that will complement the strong flavours of the cheese without overpowering them. This is where seeded, multigrain, or whole wheat crackers come into play.
Seeded crackers, such as the popular Rip Rap's variety, offer a delightful crunch and a visual appeal that pops on a cheese board. The addition of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and paprika not only enhances the cracker's flavour but also provides an intriguing contrast to the aged cheese. These crackers are an excellent choice for those who want a bit of texture and nuttiness in their snack.
Multigrain crackers are another fantastic option for aged cheeses. They provide a heartier bite and a more complex flavour profile that can stand up to the boldness of Parmigiano Reggiano. These crackers often include a variety of grains, adding depth and interest to your palate.
Whole wheat crackers, such as the classic Triscuit, offer a versatile option for aged cheeses. Their woven texture and mild, nutty flavour create a beautiful canvas for the cheese to shine. The crispness of the cracker pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of aged cheeses, providing a satisfying contrast in mouthfeel.
Additionally, flatbreads and olive oil crackers are excellent choices for aged cheeses. Flatbreads, such as La Panzanella's Mini Croccantini, offer a thin and crispy texture with a mild flavour, allowing the cheese to take centre stage. Olive oil crackers, on the other hand, provide a subtle fruity note that can enhance the flavour of the cheese without overwhelming it.
When creating a cheese board with aged cheeses, it is always a good idea to provide a variety of crackers, including seeded, multigrain, and whole wheat options. This allows your guests to explore different flavour profiles and find their preferred combinations. Remember, the key is to let the cheese shine, so choose crackers that complement rather than compete with the robust flavours of aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Cheese Sauce: Creative Ways to Use It
You may want to see also
Wafer crackers are a good choice for goat and sheep cheeses
When it comes to choosing the best crackers to accompany cheese spreads, there are numerous options available at your local supermarket. The key to a great pairing is to avoid flavour clashes, with the general rule of thumb being that the stronger the cheese, the milder the cracker, and vice versa. For instance, sharp cheeses like cheddar go well with buttery crackers like Ritz, while sturdier crackers like Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers are recommended for oozy cheeses like Brie.
When it comes to presentation, crackers can be arranged in a fan-like shape around the central pieces on your board, such as wheels of cheese or ramekins of accoutrements. It is also recommended to provide at least two types of crackers: one that is more robust and flavourful to complement plainer cheeses, and another that is simpler to pair well with more complex, strongly-flavoured cheeses.
For a special touch, consider adding a layer of jam underneath the cheese spread on your wafer crackers. This slightly tart addition can enhance the flavour of the cheese and provide a unique contrast of textures. Remember to use a cheese knife to avoid breaking the crackers, especially if you are serving softer cheeses like goat cheese or Brie.
By following these tips and choosing wafer crackers for goat and sheep cheeses, you can elevate your cheese spreads and create a delightful culinary experience for yourself and your guests.
Pats Steak's Cheese: Real or Fake?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gluten-free rice crackers are a tasty, crunchy option for salty cheese spreads
When it comes to cheese spreads, the crackers you choose can make all the difference. While there are many types of crackers available, gluten-free rice crackers stand out as a tasty and crunchy option, especially for salty cheese spreads.
Rice crackers offer a delightful contrast in texture to the creaminess of cheese spreads. They are often thin, crisp, and dry, providing a satisfying bite that complements the smoothness of the spread. The crunchiness of rice crackers is further enhanced by their gluten-free nature, as the absence of gluten results in a crispier texture. This makes them ideal for those seeking a satisfying bite without the gluten.
In terms of flavour, gluten-free rice crackers tend to have a nutty taste that pairs exceptionally well with salty cheese spreads. The sweetness of the crackers balances the saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious combination. This nutty flavour is especially prominent in brown rice crackers, which are made with brown rice flour and can include additional ingredients like guar gum and palm shortening.
When creating a cheese board, it's important to consider the placement of the crackers. While they may not be the star of the show, crackers play a crucial supporting role. Arrange them in a fan-like shape or on a separate plate or bowl to ensure easy access and a visually appealing presentation.
Gluten-free rice crackers are a versatile choice that can accommodate various toppings. In addition to cheese spreads, they pair well with peanut butter, apples, honey, and hummus. Their mild flavour ensures that they won't overpower the other flavours on your cheese board.
By choosing gluten-free rice crackers, you not only cater to those with gluten sensitivities but also provide a tasty and crunchy option that enhances the overall cheese spread experience.
Cheese Lovers' Debate: One or Two Slices?
You may want to see also
For a classic, you can't go wrong with butter crackers and a robust cheese spread
When it comes to creating a classic cheese and cracker combination, a safe bet is to go with butter crackers and a strong cheese spread. Butter crackers, such as Cabaret, are richer in flavour than other plain crackers and offer a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with mature cheddar or a robust spread like pimento cheese. Butter crackers are a crowd-pleaser and provide a nice crunch to showcase the cheese.
If you're looking for a more elegant presentation, consider thin, crisp olive oil Grissini breadsticks. These rustic-yet-elegant crackers can be displayed upright in a tall glass, adding a unique touch to your spread. They also pair well with aged Italian cheeses and prosciutto for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
For a heartier option, Triscuits are a versatile choice that can accompany soft and spreadable cheeses as well as crumbly ones. Their crisp texture and mild, nutty flavour make them a great pairing with sharp cheddar, apples, and salami. Triscuits offer a familiar, comforting taste that many people enjoy.
When creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to offer at least two types of crackers: one that is more robust and flavourful to complement plainer cheeses, and another that is simpler to pair with more complex, strongly-flavoured cheeses. This way, you cater to a variety of tastes and allow the cheeses to shine.
Cheese and crackers are a classic combination, and by choosing butter crackers, you're sure to create a delightful spread that your guests will love.
Cheddar Cheese on Pizza: A Good Choice?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many crackers that can be used for cheese spreads, depending on the type of cheese and your personal preference. For soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, or goat cheese, consider using pretzel crisps, nut-based crackers, or rice crackers. For aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan, pretzel crisps, taralli, or whole wheat crackers are a good option. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try Mary's Gone Crackers or 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps.
Here are some specific cracker recommendations for cheese spreads:
- Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers: These crackers are thicker and slightly sweet, pairing well with baked brie or creamy cheeses.
- Triscuit: These whole wheat crackers have a crisp texture and mild flavour, making them versatile for pairing with various cheeses.
- Mediterranean Sea Salt Crackers: These sturdy crackers can be paired with semi-soft cheeses, cheese dips, or spreads.
- Raincoast Crisps: The fig and olive variety of these crackers offers a salty-sweet combination that complements salty cheeses like Manchego.
Yes, there are some unconventional options that can be used for cheese spreads. Buttered baguette crisps, graham crackers, or sugar cookies can be paired with certain cheeses. Crostini, which are toasted French baguette slices, are also a great choice for soft and creamy cheeses.
When choosing crackers for cheese spreads, consider the flavour and texture of both the cheese and the cracker. As a general rule, stronger-flavoured cheeses pair well with milder crackers, and vice versa. Also, consider the cracker's ability to hold up when spreading cheese on it, especially for softer cheeses. Additionally, think about the presentation and how the crackers will look on your cheese board or plate.
