The Perfect Cheese And Cracker Pairing Guide

Cheese and crackers are a classic American food pairing. There are endless varieties of cheese and a dizzying array of crackers to pair them with. The key to optimising your cheese and cracker experience is to add more cheese. The salty, wheaty Triscuit is a popular choice, especially when paired with Old Croc Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Ritz crackers are also a popular choice, especially when served with brie. For those who want to be able to share with their gluten-free and/or vegan friends, Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Roasted Garlic crackers are a good option, and can be paired with Follow Your Heart Smoked Gouda. For those who like their crackers plain and mild, Carr's water crackers are a good choice.

Sweet and savoury combinations

• A slice of apple, pear, or mango alongside a slice of cheese makes for the ultimate sweet and savoury snack. You can also try dried figs or dates.
• For a more indulgent option, a slice of cheese topped with a dollop of preserves, such as chutney or jam, can be a delicious combination.
• Honey is another sweet addition to a cheese and cracker combination. Try drizzling some on top of your cheese, or opt for a honey graham cracker to pair with your cheese.
• Nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts also pair well with cheese and crackers, and can add a nice crunchy texture. You can even use candied nuts for an extra sweet touch.
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, or chives can also enhance the flavour of your cheese and crackers, adding a savoury touch to balance out the sweetness of the other additions.

When creating your cheese and cracker combinations, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures. The options are endless!

Crackers for soft cheeses

When it comes to pairing soft cheeses with crackers, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to remember that the cracker's role is often to provide a base for the cheese to shine, so a plainer cracker can be a good choice. Water crackers are a popular option for this reason, as they are mild and do not overwhelm the flavour of the cheese.

However, there are also ways to complement soft cheeses with crackers that provide a contrasting texture or a flavour combination. For instance, a soft cheese like brie could be paired with crackers that have a sweet element, such as a fig and olive variety, or crackers with cranberries and toasted hazelnuts. The salty-sweet combination can be very appealing.

For those who enjoy a more herby flavour profile, rosemary crackers can be a great choice to accompany a soft goat's cheese. The savoury, well-seasoned crackers complement the mild flavour and creamy texture of the cheese.

If you're looking for a more unusual option, rye crispbreads can be a good choice to accompany a soft, sweet and rich cheese like Gjetost, a Norwegian cheese made from goat and cow's milk. The key to this pairing is to slice the cheese very thinly so that it balances the hearty crunch of the rye.

Finally, for those who enjoy a classic combination, a soft blue cheese can be paired with honey graham crackers. This pairing is a bold choice that offers a dynamic contrast between the funky flavour of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the graham crackers.

Crackers for hard cheeses

When it comes to pairing hard cheeses with crackers, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you want a cracker that will complement the cheese without overwhelming it. Plain crackers are a classic choice, as they let the cheese be the star of the show. Carr's Table Water Crackers are a popular option in this category, known for their neutral flavour and slight toastiness that pairs well with any cheese.

However, if you're looking for something with a bit more flavour, there are plenty of options that can complement the sharpness of a hard cheese. For a sweet and nutty option to contrast the saltiness of the cheese, Effie's Homemade Oatcakes are a great choice. For something more savoury, Firehook Sea Salt Mediterranean Crackers offer a salty, crisp bite that can stand up to hard cheeses.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try a flavoured wafer cracker. Craize, for example, offers a line of round, thin, toasted corn crackers in both sweet and savoury flavours. The sweet varieties, such as Plantain, Sweet Corn, Guava, and Coconut, pair surprisingly well with strong and pungent blue cheeses.

For a heartier option, whole wheat crackers can provide a nice balance to the sharpness of a hard cheese. Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers are thicker and slightly sweet, similar to a digestive biscuit, and pair well with oozy baked brie or a range of blues.

Lastly, seed, fruit, and nut crackers can add a nice crunch and flavour to your hard cheese. Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps, for example, are studded with dried fruits, seeds, and nuts, making them a great all-in-one bite to pair with a variety of cheeses.

Flavoured crackers

For example, a strong, salty cheese like Manchego is best served with a nut-based cracker to balance out the intensity of the cheese. Similarly, a pungent blue cheese is best served with a sweet cracker, like a Craize cracker in the sweet flavours of plantain, sweet corn, guava or coconut.

If you're looking for a pairing for a soft, pungent cheese, try making your own crackers with sourdough discard. The strong sour flavour of the crackers will be the perfect match for a Roquefort or Camembert.

For a sharp cheddar, try a bold cracker like a cheese crisp or a water cracker coated in cracked black pepper. The thick slice of smoked gouda will be a perfect match for the black pepper.

For a milder cheese, like mozzarella, try RW Garcia 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers. The crackers have a more delicate flavour than some of their longer-aged neighbours, so they won't overpower the cheese.

If you're looking for a sweet and savoury combination, try a graham cracker or sugar cookie with Trillium and pepper jelly.

Gluten-free crackers

There are many gluten-free crackers available on the market that can be paired with cheese. Here are some options:

Simple Mills

Simple Mills offers a range of gluten-free crackers that are perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Their Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers are described as "cheesy bites," while their Rosemary & Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers have a mild, buttery crunch and pair well with smooth chevre.

Absolutely Gluten Free

Absolutely Gluten Free offers Original Flatbreads made from potatoes with a crunchy texture, perfect for cheese plates. Their All Natural Crackers Original is a dry, crunchy, savoury GF water cracker that can be added to a cheese board or used as a base for easy appetizers.

Mary's Gone Crackers

Mary's Gone Crackers offers a range of gluten-free options, including their Original Crackers, which are full of nuts and seeds and taste "healthy, but in a good way!" Their Real Thin Crackers are buttery and rich in flavour.

Blue Diamond Almonds

Blue Diamond Almonds has a range of nut-based crackers. Their Almond Nut Thins are perfect for those sensitive to salt, and their Pecan Nut-Thins have a nutty flavour that pairs well with blue cheese.

Milton's Craft Bakers

Milton's Craft Bakers Cheddar Cheese Baked Crackers are so mild in flavour that even cheese haters will enjoy them. They have a super thin, shattering texture.

Ka-Me

Ka-Me Gluten Free Sesame Rice Crackers are crisp, salty, and airy bites best enjoyed on their own.

Homemade

If you prefer to make your own gluten-free crackers, there are recipes available online for gluten-free versions of popular crackers like Cheez-Its. These recipes typically use gluten-free flour, butter, cheese, and spices.

When creating a cheese plate or snack board, it's essential to consider the flavours and textures of the crackers and cheeses to ensure a delightful taste experience.

Frequently asked questions