Goat Cheese Crackers: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Next Party

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various toppings and crackers to create delicious snacks or appetizers. When it comes to choosing the right crackers to serve with goat cheese, it is important to consider the flavor and texture of both components to create a harmonious combination.

Some popular cracker options that go well with goat cheese include:

- Rosemary crackers

- Wheat crackers

- Sesame crackers

- Graham crackers

- Triscuits

- Pretzels

- Parmesan crackers

- Pita chips

In addition to crackers, there are also numerous toppings that can enhance the flavor of goat cheese. These toppings can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference. Sweet toppings such as honey, jam, or dried fruits can add a delightful contrast to the tangy cheese. Savory toppings such as nuts, fresh herbs, or cured meats can also be paired with goat cheese for a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Honey, pecans, and thyme

To make this appetiser, start by toasting slices of baguette in the oven. While the bread is toasting, mix the goat cheese and honey in a small bowl until relatively smooth. It's okay if the mixture is a little crumbly. Once the bread is toasted, spread the goat cheese and honey mixture on top while the bread is still warm. Finally, sprinkle on the chopped pecans, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. An extra drizzle of honey is always a welcome addition!

This appetiser is a wonderful combination of creamy, tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbal thyme. It is a perfect choice for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime snacking. It is also a great option for those with gluten intolerance, as you can use gluten-free crackers or bread.

You can also get creative and add your own twist to this recipe. For a spicy kick, try using hot honey instead of regular honey. You can also substitute the thyme with fresh basil, sage, or rosemary, or add some red pepper flakes for an extra punch of heat. If you're looking for a sweeter variation, you can incorporate fruit like pear slices, apple slices, or dried cranberries on top of the crostini.

So, the next time you're looking for an elegant and easy appetiser to serve your guests, give this combination of honey, pecans, and thyme on crackers with goat cheese a try! It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Cherry preserves and pistachios

To make this delicious treat, start by spreading goat cheese onto crackers of your choice. You can use plain goat cheese or mix it with honey for a touch of sweetness. Next, top the goat cheese with cherry preserves. If you don't have cherry preserves, you can also use apricot or blackberry preserves. Finally, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for that extra crunch. You can use other nuts like walnuts or pecans as well.

If you're feeling creative, you can also make a pistachio and cherry-crusted goat cheese log to serve with your crackers. Simply chop pistachios and dried cherries, mix them with orange zest, salt, and pepper, and roll a cold goat cheese log in the mixture until well coated. This beautiful and tasty dish will surely impress your guests!

Olive oil, sea salt, and toast

A drizzle of olive oil can add a fruity or peppery flavour to your crackers, depending on the type of olive oil you choose. Extra virgin olive oil is a good option for its strong flavour and health benefits. Toasting your crackers or bread before adding the toppings gives them a pleasant crunch and makes it easier to spread the goat cheese. A pinch of sea salt enhances the other flavours and adds a sophisticated touch to your snack.

Additional Toppings

You can further elevate your crackers by adding a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. Honey, for example, pairs well with goat cheese, providing a sweet contrast to the tangy cheese. You could also try jam, such as cherry, apricot, or blackberry preserves, for a similar effect. Fresh or dried fruits, such as apples, pears, or cranberries, also complement the cheese nicely. Nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or pecans, add a crunchy texture and extra flavour. Finally, herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary can be used to garnish your creation and add a fresh, herbal touch.

Recipe Ideas

• Goat Cheese and Jam Crackers: Spread goat cheese on crackers, top with your choice of jam, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts.
• Goat Cheese Crostini: Mix goat cheese with honey and spread on toasted baguette slices. Top with chopped pecans, thyme leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
• Goat Cheese and Avocado Toast: Toast bread until golden brown, spread with smashed avocado, and top with crumbled goat cheese, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
• Fig and Goat Cheese Toast: Combine goat cheese, fig preserves, arugula, olive oil, black pepper, and sea salt on a baguette for a sweet and savoury treat.

With these ideas in mind, you can create delicious and elegant snacks or appetizers that are sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own cravings!

Pepper jelly and graham crackers

If you're looking for a unique and delicious snack, why not try making some pepper jelly and graham crackers with goat cheese? This tasty treat combines the creamy tanginess of goat cheese with the sweet and spicy flavours of pepper jelly, all on a crunchy graham cracker base. Here's a step-by-step guide to making these mouth-watering bites:

Ingredients:

• Goat cheese
• Red pepper jelly (or any other flavour of your choice)
• Graham crackers
• Cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by spreading a layer of goat cheese on top of each graham cracker. You can use a knife or a small spatula to coat the crackers evenly.
• Place a dollop of pepper jelly in the centre of each cracker. You can adjust the amount of jelly to your preference, but a small spoonful should be enough.
• If you'd like, add a cilantro leaf on top of the jelly as a garnish. It will not only add a pop of colour but also a fresh herbal flavour.
• Take a bite and enjoy the combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours!

Tips and Variations:

• You can find goat cheese in most grocery stores, and it usually comes in a log shape or a tub. Softened goat cheese will be easier to spread on the crackers.
• If you don't like red pepper jelly, you can switch it up and use any other type of jelly or jam that suits your taste. Some options include cherry, apricot, or blackberry preserves.
• For an extra crunch, you can toast the graham crackers before adding the toppings.
• If you're serving these at a party or gathering, you can prepare them ahead of time and arrange them nicely on a platter. Your guests will surely be impressed!

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy snack or appetizer, give pepper jelly and graham crackers with goat cheese a try. It's a simple yet delightful combination that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your friends and family!

Rosemary crackers

Ingredients

To make the rosemary crackers, you will need:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp butter, chopped and cold
• 3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, cold
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, cold
• 1 tbsp milk, cold
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Method

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a food processor, combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and rosemary) and pulse until combined.
• Add in the cheese and the butter, and pulse until well combined and mealy.
• Add the milk and pulse until the dough just barely comes together.
• Dump the dough onto a sheet of wax paper and lightly press it together to form a rectangle.
• Wrap the dough in the wax paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to roll out.
• Roll out the dough really thinly (aim for about 1/8 inch) and cut into your desired shape.
• Use a fork to punch two sets of holes in the top of each cracker and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
• Bake the crackers for about 15 minutes or until they are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
• Let them cool on a baking rack so they stay crispy.

Toppings

Now, for the fun part: toppings! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Honey and pecans
• Honey and thyme
• Jam (cherry, apricot, or blackberry) and pistachios or walnuts
• Cucumber slices
• Salami
• Hummus
• Marinara sauce and grilled prawns
• Sliced fresh tomatoes and caramelized onions
• Sliced fresh tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a basil leaf
• Marcona almond and honey
• Pepper jelly

Get creative and experiment with different combinations! You can also serve these crackers with a dip on the side. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions