While cheese tastes great on its own, there are some really amazing flavours that can be created when different types of cheese are combined with crackers. The ability to carefully choose the appropriate pairings transforms the flavour of cheese and satisfies the palate.
The story behind what cheese to choose. Always remember that "what grows together, goes together." It is very helpful to know the locations of the cheeses and crackers you want to pair them with, as foods grown and produced in the same region typically go very well together. For instance, aged Manchego from Spain pairs wonderfully with Almond Flour Crackers, and Tuscan cheese pairs wonderfully with other Italian crackers.
Without the ubiquitous cheese board, a girls' night out, movie night, or weekend barbecue would not be complete. Putting together the ideal spread takes skill, but often overlooked, the right crackers can elevate your cheese board from good to exceptional. Try these combinations that you might not have thought of.
7 Crackers And Cheese Pairings To Try For Midnight Cravings
1. Garlic & Herb Gournay Cheese and Water Crackers
There are moments when the cracker serves only to highlight the cheese. It is perfect for occasions like movie night and is easy to make. Spreading this strongly flavoured cheese in the centre of a crisp and unquestionably plain cracker brings out its slightly crumbly but mostly creamy texture. It is made with garlic, parsley, and chives.
2. Cheddar Cheese and Pretzel Crackers
This is the classic cheese dip and warm pretzel version, served with crackers. Try this tasty cheese with grass-fed cow's milk. The flavour is stronger and can stand alone when combined with a pretzel on one side and a cracker on the other because it has been aged for longer than two years.
3. Brie and Crisps
Brie, with its rich and creamy texture, is one of the most popular soft cheeses worldwide. It is served with "the finest quality" crackers, rind and all. It goes really well with those crackers, which are made with toasted hazelnuts and cranberries. You can also pair the fig and olive variety, especially if you want to add a fun salty-meets-sweet mix to the party.
4. Manchego and Almond Flour Crackers
Made in La Mancha, Spain, from milk from Manchega sheep, Manchego is a name-protected cheese. It's a tasty cheese with an intense saltiness. Almond-based crackers, in particular, counterbalance the sharp taste of the cheese. These are the best crackers if your store sells cracked black pepper.
5. Pepper Jack Cheese and Butter Crackers
Before anyone talks cheese, here's a quick quiz: Do individuals finish a whole package of crackers before placing even one on a plate? Even better than these buttery crackers by themselves, these go well with a smooth, spicy, thinly sliced cube of Pepper Jack, another well-known cheese. For a homemade sandwich, think about adding another cracker on top of the pair.
6. Gouda and Everything Seasoning Crackers
It's not just the crackers that make this next combo so great. These Everything Crackers, with their unique buttery taste from gouda cheese, combine perfectly with caraway, poppy and sesame seeds, garlic, and onion. If you're looking for a simple snack for movie night, this might be a good option.
7. Parmigiano-Reggiano and Dark Chocolate-Covered Graham Crackers
Finally, you could consider succumbing to decadence. This traditional cheese's flavour is as nuanced and complex as its centuries-old past. It goes well with the equally rich dark chocolate-covered graham crackers because it is nutty, savoury, and slightly sweet from caramel. You can break off pieces of Graham crackers and place a Parmesan nubbin on top of each one.
Cheese pairings are highly regarded. As tastes vary widely, it is very difficult to determine which flavour combinations work best. Still, check out these fantastic combinations.