Serve two to three varieties of crackers with your cheese tray.
The cheese plate is a time-honored classic at any dinner party. It's versatile, easy to put together and, with so many cheeses to choose from, you can come up with an original platter every time. Although you can simply serve chunks of cheese for guests to nibble on, accompany crumbly cheddar, creamy Brie and zesty blue cheese with crackers to lend a bit of elegance and additional texture to your platter. Crackers should complement the flavor of the cheese -- not overwhelm it.
Neutral Crackers
Strongly flavored cheeses, such as an aged mushroomy brie, should be allowed to revel in their true earthiness. Sharp cheddar cheese, which may be aged for five years or more, and nutty chevre -- fresh goat's cheese -- are also at their best when served with a plain, crispy cracker. Water crackers, which are made from simply water, flour and salt, hold up well when soft cheeses are spread on them. Thin rice crackers also have a neutral flavor and crisp texture. Since they're made with rice, not wheat, they're also a good alternative for guests who have allergies or food sensitivities.
Savory Crackers
Serve flavored crackers with mild cheeses, such as mozzarella or cream cheese. Water crackers studded with cracked pepper lend a bit of bite to Gouda or Gruyere, without actually imparting an extra flavor to the cheese itself. You can almost think of this cracker as a condiment. Sesame crackers are nutty, naturally, but subtle, making them another good choice for pairing with delicately flavored cheeses.
Crackers with Fruit
Dried fruits are a natural accompaniment to cheeses. Dates, apricots, cherries and even apples and pears have deep, sweet flavors and aromas that elevate even the richest cheeses. Blue cheeses, such as Roquefort and Stilton, can stand up to a rustic cracker that has some dates or apricots baked right inside. The chewy texture of the fruit and cracker lends another dimension to creamy blue cheeses. This pairing is a classic, updated.
Nut Crackers
Similar to dried fruits, nuts are a great cheese paring. The flavor of the nuts bring out similar qualities in cheeses. Nut crackers are a great choice if you don't have dried nuts on hand. Find artisan crackers that are filled with toasted hazelnuts and other seeds like flax. You can also find crackers made from nuts, such as almond crackers, at grocery stores. These crackers have a crunchy texture and the almond flavor is present but not overwhelming, so it simply enhances the cheese. Almond crackers are often made of almond flour, so they're another wheat-free alternative.
Tags: cheeses such, Crackers Serve, crackers with, flavor cheese, flavored cheeses, made from