Kamil Perry
Cheese and crackers are a classic food pairing, and cheese balls are a popular choice for parties and holidays. When it comes to choosing the right crackers to serve with a cheese ball, there are several options to consider. Thin and crispy crackers, such as 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps or wafer crackers from Olina's Bakehouse, are ideal for showcasing the cheese by adding a bit of crunch without overwhelming the flavour of the cheese. For those who prefer a heartier cracker, Carr's Whole Wheat crackers offer a sturdy, slightly sweet biscuit-like texture that pairs well with strong cheddars and blues. La Panzanella crackers are another crispy option that complements softer cheeses. When serving a cheese ball, it is recommended to provide a cheese spreading knife to prevent the cracker from breaking when dipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cracker | Thin, crispy crackers |
| Flavour | Unflavoured or mildly flavoured |
| Texture | Sturdy, slightly sweet, biscuit-like |
| Brands | Carr's Whole Wheat, 34 Degrees, Potter's Crackers, La Panzanella |
| Serving suggestion | Use a cheese spreading knife to spread the cheese onto crackers |
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What You'll Learn
Thin and crispy crackers
When it comes to thin and crispy crackers, there are several options that can be served with a cheese ball. Here are some suggestions:
34 Degrees Crackers
Ariel Bredlau, a former Murray's/Kroger Cheesemaster, recommends 34 Degrees crackers or similar thin crisps to pair with cheese. These crackers add a slight crunch without overwhelming the taste of the cheese. They are perfect for showcasing the cheese and ensuring that you can savour its flavour with each bite. This suggestion is also endorsed by Felice Thorpe of RIANS and the past president of the California Artisan Cheese Guild. She specifically recommends the 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps, which pair well with buttery cheeses like Marin French Triple Crème Brie.
La Panzanella Crackers
Leslie Jacobs of Jacobs and Brichford Farmstead Cheese suggests La Panzanella crackers, which are known for their crisp texture. These crackers come in various flavours or plain, allowing the cheese to take centre stage. The crunch of these crackers complements softer cheeses, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
Rip Rap Baking Crackers
Alexandra Jones, contributor and author of 'Stuff Every Cheese Lover Should Know', recommends Rip Rap Baking crackers. These Pennsylvania-based crackers offer a unique take on the traditional cracker, positioning them as a snack to enjoy alongside cheeses. Their long, thin shape and sturdiness make them ideal for dipping. The Real Salt and Rosemary Sea Salt flavours are particularly well-suited for pairing with cheeses or dips.
Stonewall's Sea Salt Crackers
Stonewall's thin and crispy sea salt crackers are a delightful addition to any cheese board. The delicate hint of surface salt provides just the right amount of savouriness without overwhelming the other flavours. Their two-bite size makes them perfect for fitting into the nooks and crannies of a cheese board, offering a crunchy complement to the creamy cheese ball.
Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers
Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers are a classic choice for cheese lovers. They are thicker than some of the other options, similar in texture to a digestive biscuit, with a delicate honey-like sweetness. This slight sweetness pairs beautifully with oozy baked Brie, creamy chèvre, and a range of blue cheeses. They also provide a sturdy base for robust spreads like Pimento Cheese.
When selecting thin and crispy crackers to serve with a cheese ball, it's important to consider the flavour and texture combinations that will enhance your overall tasting experience.
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Wafer crackers
If you are looking for a more unconventional option, you can try wafer crackers with a dip made from chevre or fromage blanc blended with fresh herbs. These crackers are also great for dipping and snacking alongside cheeses. The Real Salt and Rosemary Sea Salt flavours pair particularly well with cheese.
When serving wafer crackers with a cheese ball, it is recommended to use a large plate with a deep rim to keep the crackers in place. You can also use a classic cheese board, such as the Arcadia wood board, to showcase the cheese and crackers.
Additionally, you can find recipes online for making your own cheese wafers or crackers. These homemade wafers can be extra crunchy by adding rice cereal or spicy by adding cayenne pepper. They are a fun and unique option to serve with a cheese ball and can be made into different shapes and sizes.
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Crispy crackers
La Panzanella crackers are a good choice, as they come in a variety of flavours or plain. These crackers are especially suitable for softer cheeses, as the crunch of the cracker complements the softness of the cheese. For example, La Panzanella crackers go well with Ameribella or JQ cheese.
Thin, crispy crackers, such as 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps, are also a good option to accompany a cheese ball. These crackers are perfect for buttery cheeses, like Marin French Triple Crème Brie, and can be served with sliced apples for a family-friendly snack. Thin crisps are also recommended by experts for showcasing the cheese, as they add a little crunch without becoming tiresome to chew.
Potter's Crackers are another crispy option with many fans. Their Cranberry Hazelnut crisps and caramelized onion crisps are particularly recommended to serve with a cheese ball. These crackers have a sturdy, slightly sweet, biscuit-like quality that pairs well with strong cheddars or blues with nuts.
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Whole wheat crackers
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Butter
- Cold water
Instructions:
- Grate the sharp cheddar cheese in a food processor.
- Sprinkle the cheese with salt and onion powder, then add in the butter.
- Pulse until the butter is distributed throughout the cheese mixture, which should resemble coarse sand.
- Add the whole wheat flour and process until the dough comes together.
- With the food processor running, slowly add cold water through the opening in the lid and mix until just combined.
- Scoop the dough onto parchment paper or wax paper and form it into a flattened circle.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut the dough into 1/2 inch strips lengthwise and then width-wise to create 1/2 inch squares.
- Place the dough squares onto a baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the crackers are set and the edges are slightly browned. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
- Let the crackers cool completely before serving them with your favourite cheese ball.
You can also get creative and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for your crackers. Just remember that the thickness of the dough and the temperature of your oven can affect the baking time, so adjust as needed. Enjoy your delicious whole wheat crackers with a cheesy treat!
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Gluten-free crackers
Gluten-free cheese crackers are a great option to serve with a cheese ball. They can be made at home with a few simple ingredients, including gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, salt, cheese, butter, and water. The dough can be made in a food processor by pulsing the dry ingredients and butter, then adding water until a ball forms. The dough is then rolled out between sheets of parchment paper and cut into individual crackers. These crackers are deliciously crisp, flaky, and have a salty, cheesy flavour.
There are several tips to keep in mind when making gluten-free cheese crackers. Firstly, different brands of gluten-free flour blends absorb different amounts of moisture, so adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired dough consistency. It is also important to use extra mature or extra sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavour and texture, although mature cheddar can also be used. Additionally, poking holes in the crackers with a fork before baking helps prevent over-puffing.
For those who prefer to buy pre-made crackers, there are gluten-free options available. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, for example, offer a good balance of crunch and saltiness, making them a perfect pairing for cheese. They are light, flavourful, and can also be enjoyed plain or with toppings such as cheese or hummus. However, some gluten-free crackers may be dry and less appealing as a standalone snack.
Gluten-free cheese crackers have multiple serving suggestions. They can be served as a standalone snack, paired with dips such as marinara sauce or pesto, or topped with spreads, cheeses, or cured meats like prosciutto. They also make a tasty addition to lunchboxes, pairing well with fresh fruits, vegetables, or a small serving of cheese. Additionally, these crackers can be used as a crunchy topping for soups, providing a delicious gluten-free alternative to croutons.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of crackers that can be served with a cheese ball. Some people prefer thin and crispy crackers, such as 34 Degrees Gluten-Free Crisps, wafer crackers from Olina's Bakehouse, or La Panzanella. Others might opt for crackers with a slightly sweet taste, like Carr's Whole Wheat.
Yes, cheese balls can also be served with pretzels or veggies.
It is recommended to coat the cheese ball with nuts closer to serving so that they don't get soft.
