Kamil Perry
When it comes to cheese and crackers, there are endless combinations to try. But what about adding meat to the mix? From salami to prosciutto, there are plenty of options to choose from when creating a mouth-watering meat, cheese and cracker combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Ham, prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, bacon, mortadella, coppa, bresaola, Italian pancetta |
| Cheese | Cream cheese, havarti |
| Crackers | Ritz, club crackers, 34 Degrees crackers, thin crisps |
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What You'll Learn
Salami
When choosing a salami to serve with cheese and crackers, consider the flavour and texture of the other components. A mild, creamy cheese like havarti or brie would pair well with a more strongly flavoured salami, like Genoa salami. The saltiness of the salami will complement the creaminess of the cheese, and the crackers will provide a crunchy texture to balance the softer textures of the meat and cheese.
Alternatively, if you're serving a stronger, more pungent cheese like blue cheese or aged cheddar, a milder salami like Italian pancetta or mortadella would be a good choice. These salamis have a more delicate flavour that won't overpower the cheese, while still providing a savoury note to the dish.
When assembling your cheese and crackers with salami, consider adding some additional ingredients to enhance the flavours and textures. Pickles, olives, and dates are all great options that will complement the savoury notes of the salami. You could also add a drizzle of honey or some fruit preserves to provide a sweet contrast to the savoury meats and cheeses.
Finally, don't forget the crackers! Thin, crispy crackers like 34 Degrees or similar crisps are a good choice, as they provide a crunchy texture without overwhelming the other flavours. Heartier crackers like rye or whole wheat can also work well, especially if you're serving a variety of toppings and want something that can hold up to the weight.
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Ham
When choosing a ham to serve with cheese and crackers, consider a cured ham such as prosciutto. Cured hams tend to have a more intense flavour than cooked hams, which can stand up to the strong taste of many cheeses. They also have a firmer texture, making them easier to slice thinly and arrange attractively on a platter.
If you're serving a whole ham, consider baking it with a glaze to add extra flavour and moisture. A honey glaze, for example, will complement the salty flavour of the ham and provide a nice contrast to the sharpness of some cheeses.
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with ham, there are many options. A mild, creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert will let the flavour of the ham shine through, while a stronger, more pungent cheese like a mature Cheddar or Blue Cheese will create a more intense flavour combination.
To assemble your platter, start by arranging the ham slices on a bed of crackers. Then, add small piles of cheese, either sliced or cubed, in between the ham slices. Fill in any gaps with complementary ingredients like cornichons, olives, or fresh or dried fruit. A drizzle of honey or a smear of mustard on the crackers can also add extra flavour and interest to your platter.
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Prosciutto
There are two types of prosciutto: prosciutto crudo, which is raw, air-dried pork, and prosciutto cotto, which is cooked ham. Prosciutto crudo is the more traditional version, dating back to pre-Roman times, when villagers in Italy would dry-age pork legs to extend their meat supply during the long winters. The most famous type of prosciutto crudo is prosciutto di Parma, or Parma ham, which is salted and air-dried for at least eight months and up to two years. Other regions in Italy have their own variations of prosciutto crudo, each with degrees of protected status, but the most prized are Prosciutto di Parma DOP, from Emilia-Romagna, and Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP, from Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
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Mortadella
When choosing crackers to serve with Mortadella and cheese, opt for thin, crispy crackers that will add a little crunch without overwhelming the other flavours. This will ensure that the Mortadella and cheese remain the stars of the show.
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Coppa and Bresaola
Coppa is a cured pork cold cut with a tangy and subtly sweet flavour. It is made from the neck and shoulder of a pig and is typically aged for several months. This ageing process gives it its distinctive flavour and texture. Coppa is often sliced thinly and served as part of an antipasto platter or charcuterie board. It can also be used in sandwiches or chopped and added to pasta dishes.
Bresaola, on the other hand, is a dried, cured beef product made from top-round beef. It has a bold, savoury flavour and a deep red colour. Bresaola is typically aged for several months, during which time it develops its characteristic flavour and texture. Like Coppa, it is often served as part of a charcuterie board or antipasto platter. It can also be used in salads or as a topping for pizzas.
When pairing Coppa and Bresaola with cheese and crackers, look for crackers that are thin and crispy, as these will provide a nice contrast in texture without overwhelming the flavours of the meats and cheeses. As for cheese, a mild or creamy variety would pair well with the stronger flavours of the meats. Some options could include a mild cheddar, a creamy Brie, or a fresh mozzarella.
In addition to cheese and crackers, consider adding some other accompaniments to your charcuterie board. Items such as olives, cornichons, and mustards can provide a nice contrast in flavour and texture. Fresh or dried fruits, such as grapes, apples, or figs, can also complement the meats nicely.
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Frequently asked questions
Cured meats are a great option for a cheese and crackers platter. You could try salami, pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, bacon, or mortadella.
You can add other foods such as olives, pickles, dates, and mustard to your platter.
You could try pairing a slice of aged havarti with prosciutto and marmalade on a buttery cracker. Or, if you're looking for a centrepiece, try pairing the tang and subtle sweetness of coppa with the bold flavour of bresaola.
Try using thin, crispy crackers such as 34 Degrees crackers, as these add a little crunch without filling you up.
