Best Cheeses To Pair With Water Crackers

Water crackers are a versatile option for cheese pairings, as their mild flavour and crisp texture complement a variety of cheeses without overwhelming them. Their simplicity makes them a popular choice for showcasing the flavour of the cheese. When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with water crackers, the possibilities are endless, but some popular options include soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese, which can be enhanced with additions like honey, nuts, or jams. Harder cheeses such as cheddar or gouda also go well with water crackers, and for those who enjoy a stronger flavour, blue cheese or smoked gouda are excellent choices.

Goat's cheese and crackers

A popular choice is to pair goat's cheese with honey, perhaps with an additional sprinkle of sea salt. This combination is a nod to the traditional French way of enjoying goat's cheese. The sweetness of the honey balances the rich, tangy flavour of the cheese.

For a more savoury option, a garlicky dressing can be drizzled over the goat's cheese. A simple dressing can be made by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and chopped parsley. The dressing is then poured over the goat's cheese, which has been scored to allow the flavours to absorb. This combination of flavours is a real crowd-pleaser and is perfect for entertaining.

So, the next time you're looking for a simple yet delicious snack or appetiser, why not try goat's cheese and crackers? With so many flavour combinations to explore, you're sure to find a combination that suits your taste!

Brie and crackers

Choosing the Right Crackers

The type of cracker you choose can enhance the flavour and texture of Brie. Water crackers, such as Carr's Table Water Crackers, are a popular choice as they are plain without being bland. Their delicate crispness and subtle toastiness complement the Brie without overwhelming its flavour. Alternatively, Ritz crackers are also a good option, adding a buttery and salty contrast to the Brie. For a healthier option, consider multigrain crackers, which provide a nutritious base while still showcasing the cheese.

Toppings and Accompaniments

To elevate your Brie and crackers, consider adding toppings or accompaniments. Jam is a classic pairing, with fig, raspberry, and apricot jams being popular choices. These jams add a sweet contrast to the savoury Brie, creating a delightful flavour combination. Fresh rosemary can also be added for a savoury touch. If you're feeling more adventurous, try honey, nuts, or even wrap your Brie and cracker in puff pastry and bake it for a warm, indulgent treat.

Presentation and Occasions

Carr's Table Water Crackers

Carrs Table Water Crackers are the perfect crackers to serve with cheese. They are plain without being bland, delicately crispy, and with a faint toastiness that won't upstage your fancy cheeses. They are mild and won't overwhelm the flavour of the cheese.

Carrs Table Water Crackers are a great canvas for your favourite toppings, including cheese, hummus, deli meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. They are also delicious on their own.

The crackers are thin and crispy and are baked in a traditional brick oven. They are made with no artificial colours or flavours. They are non-GMO and are made with RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil. They may contain milk, wheat, sesame seeds, and soy.

Carrs Table Water Crackers are a great staple for any cheese or charcuterie board and are perfect for any occasion, from elegant holiday celebrations to casual get-togethers.

Cheese and crackers pairings with wine

Water crackers are a versatile choice that won't overpower the flavours of delicate cheeses like Brie or fresh goat's cheese. They are also a good pairing with soft double cream Brie and fig jam. Water crackers are also good for pretty much any cheese, but they are best with cheeses you want the person tasting to realise are great.

When it comes to wine, the easiest pairing with hard cheeses is probably a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon – a red, medium-bodied wine. However, don't pass up an opportunity to combine Chardonnay and cheddar.

Soft cheeses, such as Camembert and Brie, go well with a red Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, or a rosé.

Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort and Stilton, tend to work well with sweet wines, such as port or sloe gin.

Pinot Noir is versatile and goes well with most things on a board, but is great with soft, ripe cheese like Brie and Camembert or semi-hard cheese like Gouda, Swiss and Provolone.

Riesling, sparkling wine and rosé pair well with the saltiness of fresh cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, feta and mascarpone.

Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and other light-bodied white wines complement the acidity and tangy flavours of semi-soft cheeses like Asiago, Fontina and Havarti.

Sparkling wine, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon (light-bodied whites and full-bodied reds) go well with hard cheese with salty, sharp and nutty flavours like cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Making your own crackers

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of all-purpose and whole grain flours)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil, melted butter, bacon drippings, melted coconut oil, or melted ghee)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Coarsely ground sea salt, for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 450°F, depending on the recipe variation).
• In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Pulse to mix the dry ingredients.
• Add the cubed butter and pulse again to combine.
• Add the vegetable oil and pulse once more to incorporate.
• With the food processor on low speed, slowly drizzle in water until the dough starts to come together in a ball.
• Remove the dough from the food processor and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough as thinly as possible (aim for thinner than pie crust, similar to the thickness of a crepe).
• Cut the dough into your desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. You can make rectangles, squares, or any fun shape you like! Just remember to poke some holes in each cracker with a toothpick or fork.
• Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining dough. Gather the scraps and re-roll until all the dough is used.
• Place the cut-out crackers on a baking sheet lined with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper.
• Bake the crackers for 7-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
• Remove the crackers from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle with coarsely ground sea salt.
• Let the crackers cool completely on a wire rack.

Your homemade crackers are now ready to be enjoyed! They pair well with a variety of cheeses, such as herbed goat cheese, soft double cream brie, or a sharp cheddar. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of crackers and cheeses.

Frequently asked questions