Smoked Gruyere: Best Cracker Pairings For A Flavorful Bite

There are many types of crackers that can go well with smoked Gruyere cheese. Gruyere is a creamy yet nutty Swiss cheese with a spicy taste and a unique smell. It is a popular ingredient in dishes like French onion soup, Croque Monsieur, and quiche. When it comes to crackers, a freshly baked baguette or crunchy toasts, crackers, or chips are often recommended to go with Gruyere. However, there are also specific types of crackers that can enhance the flavour of the cheese. For example, wafer crackers are simple, light, and airy, and can complement the texture of the cheese without taking away from its natural expression. On the other hand, fruity and hearty crackers can also be a good option, such as those with rosemary, raisin, and pecan flavours.

Gruyere cheese crackers with cracked black pepper

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cold
• 6 ounces of Gruyere or Comte grated (about 1 1/4 cups)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a food processor, combine the butter, Gruyere, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Pulse until the butter breaks down (about 6-7 quick pulses). Add the flour and pulse until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Use a small cookie cutter (1 or 1 1/4 inch round) and place the cut-out dough on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle each cracker with freshly cracked black pepper. Bake for 6 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

These homemade cheese crackers are a fun and easy appetizer to serve at holiday gatherings or cocktail parties. They pair well with wine and can be part of a charcuterie board. The black pepper adds a nice kick to the crackers, making them a tasty snack that your guests will surely enjoy!

Pairing with a baguette

A freshly baked baguette is a perfect companion to smoked Gruyère cheese. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the baguette provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, nutty flavour of the cheese.

When selecting a baguette, opt for one with a thin, golden crust and a light, airy interior. This type of baguette will provide a neutral base that allows the flavour of the cheese to shine. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also choose a baguette with a hint of whole grain or rye flour, which will add a touch of earthy flavour to the pairing.

To prepare the baguette for serving, slice it into pieces that are roughly 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. This thickness will ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cheese without becoming too bulky or difficult to bite into. Lightly toasting the baguette slices is also an option, as it can enhance the texture and bring out subtle flavours in the bread.

When assembling the pairing, consider adding a thin layer of butter or a drizzle of honey to the baguette slice before topping it with the smoked Gruyère. These additions can enhance the flavour of the cheese and create a more complex tasting experience. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower or clover, to find flavour combinations that particularly appeal to your palate.

For a more substantial pairing, consider adding some complementary ingredients to the baguette and cheese. Thinly sliced apples or pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese, while a handful of walnuts or pecans will add a satisfying crunch. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can also be used to garnish the pairing, brightening the flavours and adding a touch of elegance to the dish.

Crackers for a cheese plate

When crafting the perfect cheese plate, it's important to consider the different textures, flavours, and profiles of the cheeses and crackers you'll be serving. Here are some recommendations and tips for selecting crackers to serve alongside a cheese plate featuring smoked Gruyère cheese:

Flavour and Texture

When selecting a cracker to pair with smoked Gruyère, it's essential to consider the flavour and texture of the cheese. Gruyère is a Swiss cheese known for its dense and homogeneous consistency, unique smell, and spicy taste with characteristic nutty notes. It has excellent melting properties and a creamy, nutty flavour.

To complement the creaminess of the cheese, a crispy, crunchy cracker is ideal. Consider thin, crispy crackers that provide a textural contrast without overwhelming the flavour of the cheese. Wafer crackers, such as those from Olina's Bakehouse, are a good option as they are light, airy, and won't take away from the cheese's natural expression.

If you want to add a sweet element to your cheese plate, consider a sweeter cracker. Craize offers a line of round, thin, toasted corn crackers in various flavours, including Plantain, Sweet Corn, Guava, and Coconut. These sweet crackers can pair surprisingly well with strong and pungent cheeses like blue cheese and may also work well with the nutty notes of smoked Gruyère.

For a more savoury option, crackers with a hint of black pepper can add a kick to your cheese plate. You can either look for crackers that include black pepper or make your own cheese crackers with freshly cracked black pepper on top.

Accompanying Foods

When creating a cheese plate, consider including other foods that will complement the crackers and cheese. Fresh or dried fruits, such as apples, grapes, and berries, can help refresh the palate after the rich, salty taste of Gruyère. Walnuts are another excellent addition to a cheese plate featuring Gruyère, as they provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavour that pairs well with the cheese.

Specific Recommendations

• 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps: Thin and crispy, perfect for buttery cheeses like Brie.
• Raincoast Crisps: Nuts and dried fruit in these crackers pair well with creamy and sweeter cheeses.
• Brewer's Crackers: Big crunch makes them ideal for creamy, soft, and semi-soft cheeses.
• Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers: Thick and slightly sweet, these crackers go well with strong cheddars and aged Gouda.
• Potter's Crackers: A well-crafted, small-batch organic cracker with various flavours that work well with different cheeses.
• Effie's Homemade Oat Cakes: Pairs well with Gorgonzola and candied walnuts for a sweet and savoury combination.
• La Panzanella Crackers: Crispy crackers that come in plain or lightly flavoured options, perfect for softer cheeses.
• Ritz Crackers: A classic, buttery option that pairs well with cheese.
• Trader Joe's Red Chili Scalloped Crackers: Flavourful crackers that work well with soft, spreadable cheeses.
• Mary's Gone Crackers: Seedy crisp crackers with flavoured options that pair well with specific cheeses (e.g., aged Gouda with the Olive Oil and Black Pepper crackers).

Remember, when in doubt, a freshly baked baguette or simple crunchy toasts can also be excellent accompaniments to a cheese plate featuring smoked Gruyère.

Crackers for a charcuterie board

When creating a charcuterie board, you'll want to include a variety of crackers to bring a range of flavours, textures, and options. Here are some ideas for crackers that will pair well with smoked Gruyere cheese:

Classic Crackers

• Water crackers are a classic choice for charcuterie boards as they have a neutral taste and a light, crispy texture that allows the flavours of the cheese to shine.
• Ritz crackers are buttery and salty, making them a sturdy and popular option for cheese boards.
• Whole wheat crackers, such as Wheat Thins and Triscuits, offer a slightly nutty taste and a heartier texture that complements hard and semi-hard cheeses.

Artisan Crackers

• Wafer crackers, such as 34 Degrees Crisps, are thin, delicate, and crispy. They pair well with soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and fresh goat cheese.
• Raincoast Crisps Rosemary Raisin Pecan Crackers are artisanal herb crackers that pair well with intense and pungent blue cheese and creamy tangy goat cheese.
• Flatbread crackers, such as La Panzanella's Mini Croccantini, have a mild flavour and pair well with aged cheeses like sharp cheddar.

Non-Traditional Crackers

• Crostini, or toasted French baguette slices, can be an excellent choice for pairing with soft, creamy cheeses like Gruyere.
• Grissini, or Italian breadsticks, have a neutral flavour that allows the flavours of the cheese to shine while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Pretzel crisps provide a salty and crispy exterior that pairs well with soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese. They also complement the bold and nutty flavours of aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda.

When selecting crackers for your charcuterie board, consider the flavour and texture of the cheese and choose options that will complement and enhance its characteristics.

Crackers for wine

Crackers and cheese is a classic American food pairing. When it comes to choosing the right cracker to accompany a wine and cheese platter, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some cracker options to serve with wine, specifically with smoked Gruyère cheese, a creamy yet nutty Swiss cheese with a spicy taste and characteristic nutty notes.

Thin Crisps

Thin crisps, such as 34 Degrees crackers, are ideal for pairing with smoked Gruyère because they add a crunchy texture without overwhelming the palate. This allows the flavour of the cheese to shine through and provides a neutral vehicle to showcase the cheese.

Wafer Crackers

Wafer crackers from Olina's Bakehouse are light, airy, and simple. They have a bit of cheese powder in them to enhance the umami characteristics of the cheese. Their texture makes them a good choice for tasting and showcasing the cheese.

Fruit and Nut Crackers

Fruity and nutty crackers can add a nice contrast to the smoked Gruyère. Kii Naturals crackers, for example, come in a variety of flavours like rosemary raisin pecan and date and almond. The savoury herb and cozy fruit notes in these crackers can complement the cheese well.

Whole Wheat Crackers

Whole wheat crackers, such as Carr's Whole Wheat, have a sturdy, slightly sweet, biscuit-like quality that pairs well with strong cheeses. The slight sweetness of these crackers can also balance out the saltiness of the smoked Gruyère.

Homemade Gruyère Crackers

For a fun DIY option, you can make your own Gruyère cheese crackers to serve with wine. These crackers are simple to make and can be shaped into cute, bite-sized crisps using a cookie press or cookie cutter. They have a crunchy texture and a delicious toasted cheese flavour that will enhance your wine and cheese experience.

Frequently asked questions