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Crackers and cheese–what’s a more classic pairing? Really, you can’t go wrong, but there is definitely a way to pair your cheese with crackers to bring out the best of the flavors on your charcuterie board. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is about my favorite crackers, so I’m going to tell you! 

Crackers are the silent heroes of most of my boards–after all, what’s charcuterie without the vehicle for all your cheese, meat, and toppings?

Want to learn more about cheese boards and cheese pairing? Check out my in-depth Charcuterie Board Guide, Honey & Cheese Pairing Guide, Wine & Cheese Pairings 101, Chocolate & Cheese Pairing Board, and Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board Ideas by Budget.

Rules for Pairing Crackers with Cheese

The general rule of thumb is: the stronger the cheese, the milder the cracker, and vice versa! Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Aged cheeses (like Parmigiano Reggiano, Gouda, and Manchego) pair well with multigrain and/or whole wheat crackers & seeded crackers because the nuttiness of the seeds complements the nuttiness of these aged cheeses.
• Triple cream and soft rind cheeses (like brie, camembert, and Comté) have 2 main pairing profiles: pair them with water crackers, crostini, or butter crackers to let the cheese shine, or pair them with a fruit or seeded cracker to add a sweet or savory contrast.
• Stinky cheeses (like blue and Limburger) pair well with neutral flavors like water crackers and wafer crackers because the flavors tend to be so strong, but you can also pair them with a sweet, fruited cracker to contrast the intense tanginess.  
• Sharp cheeses (like cheddar) pair well with butter crackers, like club crackers and Ritz, because they contrast the sharpness of the cheese.
• Goat and sheep cheeses (like chevre and roquefort) have a tangy, but highly versatile flavor profile that pairs well with a lot of crackers, including fruited crackers and herby crackers that will add additional flavor. If you get a flavored or coated goat cheese, you might want to choose a neutral cracker, like water crackers, to let the flavor of the cheese shine!
• Herbed cheeses (like Boursin and dill Havarti) are full of flavor, so they pair well with mild crackers like flatbreads, wafer crackers, and crostini. 

Gluten-Free Cracker Guide

You might not have as big a variety with gluten-free crackers, and some stores will have better options than others, but there are still great options! These are my go-to gf crackers by type:

• Multi-grain: Wasa Multi Grain Crispbread or Schär Gluten Free Multigrain Table Crackers
• Fruit crackers: Maine Crisp Cranberry Almond Buckwheat Crackers 
• Rice crackers: Trader Joe’s Savory Thin Crackers or Good Thins
• Almond flour crackers: Effie’s Homemade Lightly Sweet Almond Biscuits or Blue Diamond Nut Thins
• Seed crackers: Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Classic Crackers or Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Original Crackers
• Corn crackers: Craize Sweet Corn Toasted Corn Crackers

How To Serve Cheese & Crackers

Go For a Side Plate

I usually save my prime real estate for the more exciting stuff, but that doesn’t mean that crackers get the short end of the stick. Get them their own plate, bowl, or basket! Plus, even if I do include crackers on a board, there’s never enough room for the amount I need, so I almost always have a cracker plate.

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Fanning

When I do save room for crackers on my boards, I don’t just throw them anywhere…I place them around some of the centerpieces, like wheels of cheese and ramekins full of accoutrements. The key is to arrange the crackers in a fan-like shape. I usually do a half circle, but if there’s room, you can go all the way around!

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It Takes Two

I always make sure I have at least two kinds of crackers on every board. One should be more robust and flavorful, complementing the plainer cheeses, and one should be a neutral cracker that pairs well with the more complex cheeses.

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Get Creative

I like to switch up shapes almost as much as I like to switch up flavors! When I’m serving something super Italian, I often add breadsticks (and sometimes I even turn them into prosciutto “lollipops”). 

When I’m serving something super saucy or that might be too heavy for a cracker, like this Antipasti Board, I make crostini. 

You’ll also see a lot of Valley Lahvosh shaped crackers on my holiday-themed boards (think Stars for 4th of July, Trees for Christmas, and Hearts for Valentine’s Day).

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Know Your Guests

Be sure to be aware of who you’re serving! If you have any guests with dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or vegan, be sure to include options for them, but on a separate plate to avoid cross-contamination! 

Tips for Serving Crackers with Cheese: Video

@ainttooproudtomeg

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My Favorite Crackers for Cheese

I love getting creative with crackers, but over the years of cheese boarding I have also come to find that there are some crackers you just can’t beat. 

When I’m in a fancy mood and feeling like splurging, I love stopping by Whole Foods! They have a great selection of crackers, including great gluten-free options, that will spruce up your boards!

If you’re working on a tighter budget, Trader Joe’s is a favorite of mine–plus, they have fun seasonal options that are perfect for themed boards. And don’t forget Aldi! They have really affordable options that will stack up to your average grocery store finds.

If you’re shopping for a big group, Costco is the best! It’s my go-to for all of my big board and grazing table needs! 

No matter where you shop, these are my standbys:

Splurge

 Whole Foods 

• Raincoast crisps (I love rosemary and cranberry hazelnut)
• Organic Mini Toasts
• La Panzanella Croccantini 
• Breadsticks 
• Firehook Baked Crackers

• Rustic Bakery Flat bread bites
• Rustic Bakery artisan crisps (the apricot pistachio is my fave)
• Mary’s Gone Crackers (GF)

Specialty

• Valley Lahvosh Trees
• Valley Lahvosh Hearts 
• Valley Lahvosh Stars 

Budget-friendly

Trader Joe’s

• Fig & Olive Crisps (& Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps for fall!)
• Savory Thins (GF)
• Everything but the Bagel Seasoned Crackers
• Gluten Free Cranberry Raisin Toasts

Aldi

• Pita Crackers
• Golden Rounds (these are like Ritz!)
• Sea Salt Bagel Chips
• Melting Romano Cheese Crisps
• Scalloped Black Pepper Crackers (these are like Carr’s)

Grocery Store Classics

• Wheat Thins 
• Triscuits 
• Carr’s Table Water Crackers
• Ritz
• Club Crackers
• Bob’s Redmill Oat Crackers (GF)

Wholesale

Costco

• Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers
• The Kellogg’s Cracker Collection
• Milton’s Organic Multi-Grain Gourmet Crackers

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Cracker FAQs

Show Me Your Crackers & Cheese Boards

I hope this post inspires you to create delicious cheese & cracker trays. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads and boards you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!

And, if you liked this guide, please rate and review.