Rosemary Crackers: Which Cheeses Make The Perfect Pair?

Rosemary crackers are a versatile snack that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. The distinct pine, lemon, and floral notes of rosemary complement the citrus tang of lactic cheeses such as Valençay, Cerney Ash, and goat's curd. For a sweet and salty treat, top a cracker with goat's cheese and drizzle with honey, or replace the honey with cranberry sauce for a festive twist.

When it comes to creating a Mediterranean-inspired snack, rosemary crackers are an excellent choice. The herbaceous notes of Manchego cheese are enhanced when served on a rosemary cracker. Anchovy fillets, olives, and a cold glass of Manzanilla sherry complete this flavourful combination.

Rosemary crackers and goat's cheese canapés

Rosemary Crackers and Goats Cheese Canapés

Ingredients

• Rosemary crackers (shop-bought or homemade)
• Goats cheese
• Honey
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Method

• Place a slice of goats cheese on each cracker.
• Drizzle with honey.
• Sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary.
• Enjoy as a simple, sweet and savoury canapé!

Tips

• For a festive twist, replace the honey with a dab of cranberry sauce and serve with a glass of fizz.
• For a more substantial snack, stud a whole Camembert with garlic cloves and bake in its wooden box for 20 minutes. Serve with rosemary crackers for dipping.
• If you want to make your own rosemary crackers, simply combine flour, olive oil, water, salt, and rosemary. Roll out the dough as thinly as possible, cut into squares, and bake in a hot oven until golden.

Rosemary crackers and whipped cream cheese

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, try serving the whipped cream cheese with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives on a rosemary cracker. This dish is sure to impress your guests with its delicate balance of flavours. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect combination.

If you're feeling adventurous, why not create a sweet and savoury canapé by topping a rosemary cracker with a slice of goat's cheese and a drizzle of honey? The creamy cheese and sweet honey complement the aromatic rosemary, creating a delightful flavour profile. For an extra festive touch, replace the honey with a dab of cranberry sauce and serve with a glass of sparkling wine.

Rosemary crackers also pair exceptionally well with baked Camembert. Simply stud a whole Camembert with garlic slivers, bake it in its wooden box for 20 minutes, and dip in your rosemary crackers. This indulgent treat is perfect for festive entertaining, especially when paired with a few malty Dunkelweizens (dark wheat beers).

When it comes to making your own rosemary crackers at home, the process is surprisingly simple. All you need is a mix of flour, water, oil, and of course, rosemary. You can also add sea salt to enhance the flavour and create a delightful savoury treat. The dough can be easily rolled out and cut into your desired shape, whether cute little rounds or classic squares.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious snack or appetiser, remember the dynamic duo of rosemary crackers and whipped cream cheese. With their complementary flavours and endless versatility, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Rosemary crackers and blue cheese dip

Ingredients:

• For the rosemary crackers:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• Extra sea salt for topping (optional)
• For the blue cheese dip:
• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the rosemary crackers:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and rosemary. Whisk to mix well.
• Add the water and olive oil. Stir until fully combined and a dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper (slightly larger than your baking sheet).
• Roll the dough until it is very thin, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) in thickness. Sprinkle a little flour if the dough becomes sticky.
• Cut the dough into squares or desired shapes using a pizza cutter or cookie cutters.
• Brush the crackers with a little water and sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired.
• Use a fork to prick each cracker a few times. This will help them bake evenly and prevent bubbles from forming.
• Transfer the parchment paper with the crackers onto a baking sheet and place it in the oven.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake for 12-17 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown.
• Let the crackers cool completely before serving or storing.

For the blue cheese dip:

• In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
• Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture has a creamy consistency.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives (optional).
• Serve the dip with the rosemary crackers on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• You can adjust the amount of blue cheese in the dip to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavour, start with 3/4 cup of blue cheese and adjust from there.
• For a lighter dip, you can replace the sour cream with plain Greek yoghurt.
• If you want to make the dip ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• The rosemary crackers can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a festive touch, add some dried cranberries or chopped walnuts to the blue cheese dip.

Rosemary crackers and fig chutney

Rosemary crackers and fig are a match made in heaven, and when you add fig chutney into the mix, you've got a delicious, sweet, and sophisticated snack. The crackers' savory, aromatic notes complement the sweetness of the figs, creating a delightful flavor combination. Here's how you can elevate your next cheese board or appetizer spread with rosemary crackers and fig chutney.

Rosemary Crackers:

Rosemary crackers are surprisingly easy to make and can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes. The key to getting them right is to roll out the dough as thinly as possible to achieve that desired crispness. Here's a simple recipe to guide you:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• Extra sea salt for topping (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 500°F degrees.
• In a bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and rosemary. Whisk to mix well.
• Add water and olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper, slightly larger than your baking sheet.
• Roll the dough until it is about 1/8th of an inch thick. You may need to add a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
• Cut the dough into your desired shape. Squares are recommended to minimize waste and maximize yield.
• Brush the crackers with a little water and sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired.
• Use a fork to prick each cracker a few times to prevent bubbling.
• Transfer the dough, still on the parchment paper, onto a baking sheet and place it in the oven.
• Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 425°F.
• Bake for 12-17 minutes, or until the crackers start to turn golden.
• Let them cool before serving or storing.

Fig Chutney:

Fig chutney is the perfect partner for rosemary crackers, offering a sweet and sticky contrast to the crackers' savory crunch. This condiment is especially delightful when figs are in season. Here's a simple recipe for a delicious fig chutney:

Ingredients:

• 100g light brown soft sugar
• 120ml apple cider vinegar
• 300g chopped fresh figs, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a pan and give them a gentle stir.
• Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for about an hour. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes sticky and jammy.
• Spoon the chutney into clean jars and seal them.

Cheese Pairings:

Now, for the star of the show – the cheese! When it comes to cheese pairings with rosemary crackers and fig chutney, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Here are some recommended cheeses to create a well-rounded and delectable cheese board:

• Blue Cheese: The strong, tangy flavor of blue cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetness of fig chutney and the aromatic rosemary crackers.
• Brie: Baked brie is a classic choice for crackers and chutney. Its creamy texture and mild flavor create a harmonious bite.
• Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese complements the sweetness of figs, and its creamy texture adds a delightful contrast to the crunchy crackers.
• Aged Cheddar: A sharp, aged cheddar adds a nice depth of flavor to the combination, especially if you're looking for a more robust cheese option.
• Cream Cheese: For a simpler, yet still delicious option, cream cheese provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the rosemary and fig to shine through.

Presentation:

When presenting your rosemary crackers, fig chutney, and cheese, feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to make your spread visually appealing:

• Arrange the crackers on a wooden board or platter, stacking them neatly or fanning them out.
• Place the fig chutney in a small bowl, allowing guests to spread it onto the crackers themselves.
• For the cheese, you can cut or crumble it into smaller portions and arrange them around the chutney.
• Garnish your board with fresh rosemary sprigs and fig slices for added visual appeal.
• Include other complementary items such as nuts, dried fruits, or honey to enhance the flavor profile.

Storage:

Both the rosemary crackers and fig chutney can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use. The crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Meanwhile, the fig chutney, once sealed in jars, can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.

Rosemary crackers and chicken liver pâté

Rosemary Crackers

To make the rosemary crackers, preheat the oven to 425°F. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and rosemary. Stir in water and olive oil until fully combined. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured piece of parchment paper and roll it out until it is about 1/8th of an inch thick. Cut the dough into squares using a pizza cutter and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-17 minutes or until the crackers are golden.

Chicken Liver Pâté

To make the chicken liver pâté, sear the chicken livers in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, apples, and garlic with thyme. Add the chicken livers back into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Add brandy and flambé or let the alcohol cook off. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add softened butter and blend until the pâté is very smooth. Transfer the pâté to ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

The rosemary crackers and chicken liver pâté can be served together as a delicious appetizer or snack. The pâté can be spread on the crackers and topped with sweet or savory garnishes, such as jam, thinly sliced cucumbers, pickled beets, fried onions, or bacon. The combination of savory pâté and crunchy, rosemary-infused crackers is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.

Frequently asked questions