Delicious Pairings For Crackers And Cheese: Exploring Perfect Matches

Cheese and crackers are a timeless, classic combination that works for any occasion, whether it's a party, picnic, or a simple snack. While it's a delicious pairing on its own, there are endless possibilities and combinations to elevate your cheese and crackers. From different types of crackers to various cheeses and creative toppings, you can easily customize this snack to make it more fun and exciting.

Fresh and dried fruit, like apples, pears, and figs

Fresh and dried fruit is a fantastic pairing with cheese and crackers. The sweetness of the fruit—whether fresh or dried—is a beautiful balance to the rich and creamy cheese.

Apples are a classic choice, and for good reason. The crisp, juicy texture and sweet flavour of an apple slice pairs perfectly with a sharp cheddar. For a fun twist on the traditional apple and cheese combination, try spreading some nut butter on your cracker and topping it with thin slices of apple. You could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra kick of flavour.

Pears are another excellent option for a fresh fruit choice. Their juicy, sweet flavour is a wonderful complement to cheese and crackers.

Figs, whether fresh or dried, are also a great choice to pair with cheese and crackers. Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them a delicious addition to your platter. For an extra special treat, try spreading some fig preserves on your crackers before adding your cheese.

In addition to these fruits, you could also consider adding some dried apricots to your platter. Their tangy sweetness will delight your taste buds when paired with a variety of cheeses and crackers.

Meat and cheese, such as prosciutto and parmesan

Meat and cheese is a protein-filled combination that always hits the spot. This pairing works especially well with sliced deli and cured meats, such as prosciutto and parmesan.

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that is usually sliced very thinly. It is a salty and savoury meat that pairs well with the nutty and complex flavour of parmesan cheese. When serving prosciutto and parmesan, it is best to slice them thinly and place them on a platter with crackers. This allows your guests to create their own bite-sized snacks.

To elevate this pairing, consider adding some fresh herbs such as rosemary or chives. You could also provide a variety of crackers, such as classic butter crackers, water crackers, or wheat crackers. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own crackers!

In addition to the meat and cheese, you can include some fruit on your platter. Sliced apples, pears, or mango will provide a sweet and savoury contrast to the prosciutto and parmesan. Dried fruits such as figs or dates also work well.

For an extra touch of sweetness, add some preserves or honey to your platter. A drizzle of honey over parmesan cheese is a delicious combination. You could also provide some nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts, to add a crunchy texture to your bites.

By combining prosciutto and parmesan with crackers and a few simple accompaniments, you can create a delicious and elegant appetizer that your guests will love.

Briny olives with creamy cheese

Briny olives and creamy cheese are a match made in heaven. This combination is a perfect addition to your cheese and crackers platter, offering a burst of salty, creamy goodness. Here are some tips and ideas to elevate your next snack session:

Choosing the Right Olives and Cheese

The beauty of this pairing lies in the contrast between the briny, salty olives and the creamy, rich cheese. When selecting olives, consider a mix of green and kalamata olives, or go for black or green olives based on your preference. For the cheese, opt for a creamy variety such as feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a tangy twist.

Preparation and Presentation Ideas

You can serve the olives and cheese in various ways. One option is to load them onto a skewer, creating snack kabobs that are easy to grab and go. Alternatively, you can serve them side by side on a platter. If you're feeling creative, try stuffing the olives with blue cheese and coating them in breadcrumbs before frying them to golden perfection. Don't forget to add some crackers or bread on the side to complete the trio!

Taking It Up a Notch

To enhance the flavour and presentation, consider adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs such as oregano, thyme, and mint. You can also include other complementary ingredients on your platter, such as fresh or dried fruit (think sliced apples or pears), nuts, and cured meats.

Storage and Serving Tips

If you're preparing this combo ahead of time, store the olives and cheese dip separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When serving, allow the dip to come to room temperature or serve it chilled, depending on your preference.

So, the next time you're looking for a tasty snack or wanting to impress your guests, remember the dynamic duo of briny olives and creamy cheese. With their contrasting flavours and textures, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Granola with soft cheese

Granola and cheese may seem like an unlikely combination, but granola's crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavour make it a perfect pairing. Here are some ideas for serving granola with soft cheese:

Swirl Your Favourite Granola into Mascarpone

Try swirling granola into mascarpone, a soft Italian cream cheese. The granola will add a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness to the rich, creamy cheese.

Top a Round of Soft Goat Cheese with Granola

The tanginess of soft goat cheese pairs beautifully with granola. Simply top a round of goat cheese with granola for a delicious and elegant appetiser.

Pair Granola with Nutty Gouda or Manchego

Granola can also be paired with softer, nuttier cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego. The combination of flavours and textures is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Make a Savoury Granola with Cheese

For a unique twist, try making savoury granola bars or crackers using rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds, all bound together with crisp cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano. These savoury granola treats can be enjoyed on their own or used as a base for other toppings, such as honey ricotta or fig preserves.

Customise Your Granola

When making your own granola, you can customise it to your taste preferences. For example, you can add nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin spice blends.

Breads, including baguettes, pita, and naan

• Baguettes are a classic choice for cheese. Sliced baguette can be a neutral base for stronger-flavoured cheeses, or you could choose a flavoured baguette, such as olive or rosemary, to complement your cheese selection.
• When it comes to pairing cheese with pita bread, consider a soft and spreadable cheese like chèvre or fromage blanc. The mild flavour of these cheeses will complement the pita without overwhelming it.
• Naan bread, with its chewy texture and subtle flavour, can be a good match for stronger cheeses like blue cheese or a sharp cheddar. You could also try pairing naan with a soft and creamy cheese like brie.
• If you're serving an aged cheese, look for a heartier bread, such as a dense rye or a multigrain loaf with seeds or whole grains. These breads can stand up to the stronger flavour and texture of aged cheeses.
• For mild and fresh cheeses, choose a delicately flavoured bread. A simple baguette or a soft pita bread would be ideal. You could also try olive focaccia, which would pair well with a mild, fresh cheese like chèvre.
• If you're serving a salty cheese like feta or Pecorino Romano, opt for an unsalted bread or pita to avoid overwhelming the palate.
• Stinky, washed-rind cheeses go well with fruit- or nut-studded breads. The sweetness of the fruit or nuts can help balance the strong flavour of these cheeses.
• When in doubt, a plain baguette or pita bread is a safe choice that will let the flavour of your cheese shine through.

Frequently asked questions