Wine, Cheese, And Crackers: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Wine, cheese, and crackers are a classic combination, but what else can you serve to elevate your snack? For a simple option, try a cheeseboard with a variety of cheeses, crackers, cured meats, fruits, and nuts. If you want to get creative, add some cornichon, gluten-free snack mix, candied nuts, dark chocolate, berries, honey-sweetened jams, hummus, or mustard. For a real showstopper, create a structured cheeseboard with bowls of dips and decorations like fresh herbs and flowers.

Salty, hard cheeses

Cheese Selection

When selecting salty, hard cheeses, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some popular choices:

• Parmesan: Known for its strong flavour and granular texture, Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can enhance many dishes.
• Manchego: This sheep milk-based cheese is perfect for those sensitive to cow's milk. It pairs beautifully with a sparkling wine like a red Rioja.
• Aged Cheddar: A classic, sharp-tasting cheese that pairs well with a Malbec.
• Gouda: Gouda has a rich, nutty flavour and is the perfect complement to a glass of Cabernet.

Crackers

When it comes to crackers, opt for neutral options that won't overpower the flavour of the cheese. Water crackers, wheat crackers, or gluten-free crackers are excellent choices. Look for crackers with a thin, crispy texture that can provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

Additional Pairings

While cheese and crackers are delicious on their own, you can elevate your wine and cheese nights by including some additional pairings:

• Fresh fruits: Grapes, apple slices, and berries can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of the cheese.
• Dried fruits: Figs, apricots, and oranges add a touch of sweetness.
• Nuts: Walnuts and almonds not only provide a crunchy texture but also a boost of flavour.
• Meat: Artisanal meats, such as uncured salami or prosciutto, can complement the salty, hard cheeses.
• Condiments: Honey-sweetened jams, mustards, or pepper jelly can add a touch of sweetness or spice to your cheese and cracker combinations.

Remember, when creating a wine and cheese board, it's essential to include a variety of textures, flavours, and sources of cheese. Cut the cheese into different sizes and shapes to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Most importantly, enjoy the process and savour the delicious combinations of wine, cheese, and crackers!

Soft cheeses

If you want to stick to just wine and cheese, a soft goat cheese is a good match for a Sauvignon Blanc, while a cream cheese goes well with a Merlot.

For a more complex combination, add some fruit, like figs, apricots, or cranberry chutney, to complement the soft cheese and wine.

Crackers

Types of Crackers

When selecting crackers for your wine and cheese night, consider choosing a variety of crackers with different textures and flavours. Here are some options:

• Water crackers: These crackers are thin and crispy, making them perfect for pairing with cheese and charcuterie. They are usually unseasoned, so they won't overpower the other flavours on your platter.
• Butter crackers: These crackers have a rich, buttery flavour and a delicate texture. They can add a nice contrast to stronger-tasting cheeses.
• Wheat crackers: Wheat crackers come in various forms, from dry and crispy to denser, seedy varieties. They often have a nutty flavour that pairs well with cheeses.
• Gluten-free crackers: For guests with gluten intolerance or allergies, gluten-free crackers made from rice, quinoa, flax, amaranth, and chia seeds are a great option. These crackers can be just as tasty as their glutenous counterparts.

Presentation Tips

When presenting your crackers, consider the following tips:

• Create structure: Start by adding any large items, such as bowls or decorations, to the board to create a sense of structure.
• Add the largest items first: Place the largest items that can stand on their own on the board first. This could include blocks of cheese, stacks of crackers, or bowls of dips or spreads.
• Fill in the gaps: Use the remaining ingredients, such as crackers, to fill in any empty spaces on the board. Your goal is to make the board look abundant and hide any gaps.
• Focus on colours and combinations: For a visually appealing board, pair items with complementary colours. For example, group red and orange items like meat and fruit together, and then group green and yellow items like pickles, olives, nuts, and dips.

Pairing Crackers with Cheese

When pairing crackers with cheese, consider the following tips:

• Texture: Choose a variety of crackers with different textures. Include crispy, thin crackers like water crackers, as well as denser, heartier crackers like wheat crackers. This will provide a range of textures for your guests to enjoy.
• Flavour: Select crackers that will complement the flavours of the cheese. For example, plain crackers like water crackers won't compete with strongly flavoured cheeses. On the other hand, wheat crackers or crackers with added ingredients like seeds or herbs can stand up to stronger cheeses.
• Ingredients: Think about the types of cheese you'll be serving and choose crackers that will complement them. For example, wheat crackers go well with sharp cheddar cheese, while water crackers are versatile and can be paired with a variety of cheeses.

Cured meats

When arranging your board, cured meats should be placed in different areas to contrast with the cheeses. Start by placing the cheeses on the board first, as they are the star of the platter. Then, add the cured meats, followed by the crackers or breadsticks, and finally, fill in the gaps with fruits, nuts, and other additions. The goal is to create a full and abundant board that your guests will devour.

In terms of wine pairings, cured meats tend to go well with medium-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or fruity reds like Pinot Noir. These wines complement the saltiness and richness of the cured meats while also pairing nicely with a variety of cheeses.

So, if you're looking to elevate your wine and cheese board, be sure to include an assortment of cured meats to create a well-rounded and delicious spread.

Fruits and nuts

When it comes to fruit, there are a few classic combinations that are sure to impress. Apples and cheddar is a crisp, satisfying combination, with the sharpness of the cheese complementing the apple's sweetness. Another fresh and tangy pairing is grapes and brie, where the creamy, tangy cheese meets the sweetness of the grapes.

For a more unusual combination, try peaches and gouda. The smooth, nutty flavour of the gouda is a perfect match for the fragrant, juicy peach. Or, for a truly indulgent pairing, try figs with blue cheese. The creamy, pungent cheese is beautifully balanced by the sweet, jammy, earthy notes of the fig.

If you're looking for a more savoury option, pears and gorgonzola is a great choice. The sweet, slightly grainy texture of the pear is a nice contrast to the pungent, creamy cheese.

As for nuts, there are a few key combinations to consider. Firstly, pecans and brie are a classic pairing, especially when the pecans are spiced or honey-roasted. The crunch of the pecan adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy cheese. Another option is walnuts with blue cheese, especially gorgonzola. The earthy, nutty flavour of the walnuts complements the bold, pungent flavour of the cheese.

For a lighter option, almonds are a great choice, especially with brie. The subtle sweetness and crunch of the almond enhance the mild, creamy flavour of the cheese. Finally, for a truly indulgent pairing, try cashews with blue cheese. The creamy, buttery flavour of the cashews is a perfect match for the bold, tangy blue cheese.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and there are endless combinations to explore! Feel free to experiment and find your own favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions