Before you plan your charcuterie board you might want to know the best crackers to buy. With so many different types and varieties in the grocery store, cheese shops, and online you could be overwhelmed. How do you know what crackers work best with different charcuterie boards?
We have some favorites and have found the best charcuterie board crackers for our tastes. Some of these crackers work better with certain cheeses, some pair better with different spreads. Because the choices seem to be endless, these are some of our favorites. We will also tell you how we like to pair them with our food.
Best Simple Charcuterie Board Crackers
These are crackers that do not have lots of flavors or are too heavy. Think of water crackers. They work well if you need a light, airy cracker without too much of a distinctive flavor. Why do they work so well?
- Works as a blank canvas
- Emphasizes flavors of meats, cheeses, fruits
- Lacks strong flavors of their own
- Tastes well with salty foods
- Are readily available
Best Artisan Crackers
With more flavor these crackers add another depth to a charcuterie board. Why is that?
- Usually made with whole grains
- Often have a nutty flavor profile
- Contrasts meats and cheeses
- Adds an extra layer of flavor
- Works with salty as well as sweet foods
- Are readily available
Crostini
These small, toasted slices of bread or baguette are always a good idea on a charcuterie board. While not technically crackers they can function as a cracker for many foods. Why do they work?
- Slightly heavier than traditional crackers
- Works with spreads and jams
- Crispy texture pairs with creamy cheeses
- Can be easily toasted in the oven
Best Charcuterie Board Herbed Crackers
Most of the time these crackers have spices and herbs that are quite noticeable. For that reason, you would want to use them in addition to other crackers. Why do these work on a charcuterie board?
- Provide a depth of flavor
- Works with hummus or simple spreads
- Compliments meats and cheeses
- Offer a savory addition to a charcuterie board
- Available in a wide variety of tastes
Buttery Crackers
As their name implies, these crackers add a buttery addition to a charcuterie board. You might like them to round out the flavors of your cheeses.
- Rich, buttery taste
- Works with many meats and cheeses
- Do not have an overwhelming flavor
- Are readily available
Best Multi-Grain Crackers for Charcuterie Board
These are one of the best charcuterie board crackers, in our opinion. We like them due to several reasons.
- Provides a healthier option
- Adds a depth of flavor to the food
- Tastes more robust than many crackers
- Pairs well with both salty foods and sweet foods
- Contrasts meats and cheeses
- Compliments jams, jellies, spreads
- Works well with fruits and vegetables
- Can be found in many stores
Some Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some of the questions we get asked the most.
How many types of crackers should we use on a charcuterie board?
For us, we recommend serving a variety of crackers. Why? This depends on what kinds of cheeses, meats, spreads, and fruits we serve on a charcuterie board. For instance if we only have a cheese charcuterie board, our crackers will need to pair well with those cheeses.
If we have several spreads or jams, we probably will have two kinds of heavier crackers. Even with a simple charcuterie board, we like to serve more than one type of cracker.
What kinds of crackers pair well with salami or salty meats?
We like to pair a simple cracker with salty meats or salami. Water crackers work well as their taste does not compete with the meat.
Do we have a favorite brand or type of cracker?
We like Milton’s Organic Crackers. Their flavors pair well with most foods. In addition, they are sturdy enough for goat cheese and jam, heavier spreads, and fruits and vegetables.
With enough whole grains, seeds, herbs, and spices they offer a palette-pleasing addition to a charcuterie board. Because they use organic products in their crackers, we feel this is an additional plus.
Also, we like to support local companies. Milton’s, founded 20 years ago, is located in Carlsbad, California.
Because crackers are an important part of a charcuterie board, take some time to explore your options. Taste several different types. Try ones you may not have had before.
Now that you know the best charcuterie board crackers to use, here are our suggestions on the best kind of cheese to use.
Have you figured out what’s missing here? If you’re thinking WINE then we could be friends. Here is what wine goes well with charcuterie. We’re here to help if you have questions.