Every thoughtfully curated cheese board deserves a selection of equally exceptional crackers. The right cracker doesn’t just transport cheese; it enhances its flavor, complements its texture, and elevates the entire tasting experience. From robust artisan varieties crafted with care to beloved supermarket classics and essential gluten-free options, discover our top picks for the best crackers to serve with cheese, ensuring every bite is a delightful culinary journey.
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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Crackers for Your Cheese Board
There’s an undeniable joy in assembling and savoring a magnificent cheese board. While the cheeses themselves are undoubtedly the stars, the unsung heroes that complete this gastronomic experience are the crackers. They are more than just a vehicle; they are a crucial component that can elevate or transform a cheese’s flavor profile, adding delightful textural contrasts and complementary notes. Choosing the right cracker is an art, allowing you to craft a balanced and memorable tasting adventure for your guests.
Whether your preference leans towards neutral canvases that allow the cheese to truly shine, or you enjoy exploring crackers infused with flavors and textures designed to complement and contrast, our comprehensive guide presents 15 of our absolute favorite crackers, crisps, and breadsticks to serve with cheese. We’ve thoughtfully grouped them by category to help you navigate the delightful world of cheese accompaniments.
Understanding Cracker Characteristics for Perfect Pairings
Before diving into our specific recommendations, it’s helpful to understand the various characteristics that make a cracker exceptional for cheese pairing. Considering these elements will empower you to make informed choices and create truly harmonious combinations.
Texture: The Foundation of Flavor
A cracker’s texture significantly impacts the overall eating experience. Do you prefer a delicate, crisp snap that shatters with each bite, or a hearty, robust crunch that stands up to rich, creamy cheeses? Some crackers offer a flaky, almost melt-in-your-mouth quality, while others provide a dense chewiness. Varying textures on your board adds an exciting dimension, inviting guests to explore different mouthfeels with their cheese selections.
Flavor Profile: Enhancing or Complementing
Crackers can range from utterly neutral to boldly flavored. Neutral crackers act as a blank slate, allowing the nuances of the cheese to be the sole focus. Flavored crackers, on the other hand, can introduce complementary notes such as nutty, sweet, savory, herbaceous, or spicy. Think about how a rosemary cracker might enhance a goat cheese, or a fig and olive crisp might pair with a creamy brie. The goal is to create a synergy where both the cheese and cracker shine.
Size and Shape: Presentation and Practicality
The size and shape of a cracker are often overlooked but contribute to both aesthetics and ease of eating. Smaller, bite-sized crackers are perfect for quick sampling, while larger, more substantial crackers can handle generous portions of cheese or layered spreads. Interesting shapes, like long breadsticks or intricate rounds, add visual appeal to your cheese board, making it more inviting and visually diverse.
Dietary Considerations: Inclusive Options
In today’s diverse culinary landscape, offering options for various dietary needs is a thoughtful touch. Gluten-free crackers have evolved significantly, now offering textures and flavors that rival their traditional counterparts. Including a delicious gluten-free option ensures all your guests can enjoy the full cheese board experience without compromise.
Neutrals and Classics: The Essential Canvas for Cheese
These crackers are the bedrock of any well-rounded cheese board. Designed to provide a subtle base, they let the complexity and character of your chosen cheeses truly take center stage. Their understated elegance makes them incredibly versatile, pairing effortlessly with almost any cheese you present.
01. Carr’s Table Water Crackers
Serving Carr’s Water Biscuits with cheese is a time-honored tradition and for good reason. These iconic crackers offer an incredibly neutral flavor profile, subtly enhanced by an ever-so-slight toasty undertone. This delicate balance ensures they never compete with the cheese, instead providing a clean, crisp foundation that highlights every nuance of your chosen dairy delight. They are the quintessential choice when your objective is to savor the unadulterated taste of the cheese itself. Look for them in the gourmet cheese department or specialty cracker aisle of your local grocery store, as they are a staple for discerning cheese lovers.
02. Stonewall Kitchen Sea Salt Crackers
A true pantry staple, Stonewall Kitchen’s Sea Salt Crackers are celebrated for their thin, exquisitely crispy texture and delicately balanced flavor. A mere hint of surface salt provides just enough seasoning without overpowering the palate, preventing any unwanted over-salting when combined with your favorite cheeses. Their perfect two-bite size is thoughtfully designed to fit elegantly into the natural nooks and crannies of any cheese board, making them both practical and visually appealing for guests reaching for a refined snack.
03. Cabaret Buttery Original Crackers
Guests consistently appreciate the rich, crisp texture of buttery crackers on a cheese plate, and Cabaret Buttery Original Crackers certainly deliver. With a more richly-flavored profile than many other plain crackers, and a subtle sweetness, these crackers are a delightful companion. We particularly enjoy arranging them alongside cheeses that can stand up to their flavor, such as mature cheddar, where their richness provides a beautiful contrast. They are also exceptionally good with robust and creamy spreads, like a classic homemade Pimento Cheese, offering a sturdy yet delicious base.
04. Grissini Breadsticks
For a touch of rustic elegance on your cheese display, look no further than thin, crisp olive oil Grissini breadsticks. These Italian-inspired delights offer a satisfying snap and a subtle olive oil aroma that pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses. Grissini can be presented in several striking ways: arrange them upright in a tall glass for an impressive centerpiece, or for a Mediterranean-inspired spread, wrap them with delicate slices of Prosciutto di Parma and serve alongside marinated olives and an array of aged Italian cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. Their elongated shape and crisp texture make them a sophisticated and engaging addition.
Wholesome Wheat Crackers: Hearty and Flavorful
Wheat crackers offer a slightly more robust flavor and texture compared to their neutral counterparts. Often possessing a nutty undertone or a touch of sweetness, they provide a wholesome base that can beautifully complement a wide range of cheeses, from soft and creamy to firm and crumbly.
05. Carr’s Whole Wheat
These delightful crackers straddle the border between a traditional cracker and a delicate cookie. Carr’s Whole Wheat Crackers are notably thicker than many other varieties on this list, akin to a digestive biscuit, and boast a delicate, honey-like sweetness reminiscent of graham crackers. Their unique profile makes them an exquisite match for oozy, rich cheeses. We particularly love to pair them with warm baked Brie, creamy chèvre, and a range of blues, finding them especially harmonious with the mild creaminess of Cambozola. The sweetness provides a lovely counterpoint to the savory and tangy notes of these cheeses.
Want to try making whole wheat crackers from scratch at home? Achieve a similar delightful experience by trying this recipe from the culinary experts at Serious Eats!
06. Triscuit Original
When it comes to the wheat cracker category, few are as iconic and universally recognized as the Triscuit Original. These hearty, robustly woven crackers are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for virtually any type of cheese you might feature on your board. Their sturdy construction means they can easily handle both soft, spreadable cheeses and crumbly, aged varieties without breaking. We especially enjoy their earthy flavor paired with sharp cheddar, crisp apple slices, and savory salami, creating a satisfying and well-rounded bite that delivers on both texture and taste.
07. Breton Original
Crafted with a blend of whole wheat flour and wheat germ, Breton Original crackers are distinct for their wonderfully crisp texture and mild, nutty flavor. These cracker rounds offer a versatile canvas for pairing with a diverse array of cheeses. Compared to Carr’s Whole Wheat, Breton crackers are typically thinner and possess a flakier texture, providing a different mouthfeel, and they present a less pronounced sweetness, making them ideal for those who prefer a more savory wheat cracker experience without overwhelming the delicate flavors of accompanying cheeses.
Seed, Fruit, & Nut Crackers: Flavorful and Textured Additions
For those looking to add a layer of complexity, texture, and natural sweetness or savoriness to their cheese pairings, crackers studded with seeds, dried fruits, and nuts are an excellent choice. These varieties often act as a mini-meal in themselves, offering an all-in-one bite of flavor and crunch.
08. Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps
Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps are artisan, small-batch crackers that truly stand out, resembling miniature, elegant slices of fruit and nut bread. Generously studded with a medley of dried fruits, crunchy seeds, and wholesome nuts, they offer a sophisticated and satisfying all-in-one bite. These crisps are designed to be paired with a wide range of cheeses, providing a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes. Our personal favorites include the aromatic Rosemary Raisin Pecan, which marries herbaceousness with fruit and nut, and the uniquely delicious Fig and Olive, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired pairing.
09. Rip Rap Bakery Seeded Crackers
For a cracker that makes a visual statement while delivering on taste, Rip Rap Bakery’s seeded crackers are an exceptional choice. Sprinkled generously with distinct bands of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and a touch of paprika, these crackers truly pop visually on any cheese board, adding vibrant color and intriguing texture. The pretty strips offer a delightful crunch and a nuanced flavor that stands up beautifully to robust, aged cheeses, enhancing their deep, complex notes without overpowering them. Handcrafted with care in Central Pennsylvania, they bring an artisan quality to your spread.
10. Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Sea Salt (Gluten-Free)
Meeting the demand for delicious gluten-free options, these crunchy Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Sea Salt crackers are a fantastic discovery. Made from a blend of rice flour, corn, and four different seeds, they offer a satisfying crispness that rivals traditional crackers. Originally recommended by a friend who follows a gluten-free diet, we found that when tucked into our cheese board, they were universally enjoyed by all our guests – both gluten-free and not. Their mild flavor and sturdy structure make them versatile for pairing with a wide array of cheeses and spreads, ensuring everyone can partake in the culinary joy.
11. Castleton Crackers Multi-Seeded Rye
Hailing from Vermont, Castleton’s Multi-Seeded Rye crackers offer a unique and memorable treat for your cheese board. Infused with the distinct flavors of caraway, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and hearty rye flour, they bring a wonderful complexity. While they possess a delicate, flaky texture, they are robust enough to stand up to the richest and creamiest of cheesy dips, making them incredibly versatile. Their handcrafted quality and thoughtfully chosen ingredients ensure they can accompany just about any cheese on your board, adding a touch of artisanal flair and depth of flavor.
Flatbreads, Crisps, and Tortas: Distinctive and Elegant Choices
Beyond traditional crackers, these selections offer unique shapes, textures, and flavor profiles that can transform your cheese board into a gourmet spectacle. From light and airy tortas to sturdy, artisanal flatbreads, these options provide a sophisticated edge to your cheese pairings.
12. Ines Rosales Olive Oil Tortas
A true testament to tradition and craftsmanship, Ines Rosales (named after their founder, Ines Rosales Cabello) has been handcrafting these exquisite, crispy, and flaky olive oil tortas in Seville, Spain, for over a century. Each thin, airy round is individually wrapped in waxed paper, preserving its delicate texture and freshness. These tortas make for a truly unique and delightful pairing, particularly with creamy and fresh cheeses, as their light crispness and subtle olive oil notes beautifully complement the richness. Available in both sweet and savory varieties, we especially adore the Original (infused with sesame seed and anise for a classic flavor) and the vibrant Seville Orange tortas, which are an absolute dream with tangy chèvre, offering a burst of citrus that brightens the cheese.
13. Firehook Mediterranean Sea Salt Crackers
These crisp, artisan flatbread-like crackers are a versatile and visually appealing choice for any cheese spread. Cut into long, elegant strips and generously topped with crunchy sea salt flakes, Firehook Mediterranean Sea Salt Crackers are remarkably sturdy. This robust quality means they can confidently support anything from a semi-soft Swiss cheese slice to a hearty dollop of cheese dip or spread. They are even strong enough to stand up to the intense richness of an oozy Epoisses, providing a firm, flavorful counterpoint that allows the cheese’s complexity to shine without being overshadowed.
14. La Panzanella Mini Croccantini
La Panzanella’s Mini Croccantini are the delightful miniature version of their acclaimed Croccantini flatbreads, offering a light and exquisitely crispy texture that makes them incredibly versatile. These crackers pair beautifully with virtually any cheese you might feature on your board, from creamy blues to firm aged cheddars. Their delicate structure also makes them perfect for elegant presentations; they layer beautifully when fanned out on a platter, adding a touch of sophistication. We particularly favor the original Mini Croccantini with sea salt for its purity, the cracked pepper for a subtle spice, and the sesame variety for a nutty aroma, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every palate.
15. Rustic Bakery Sweet Onion & Crème Fraîche Flatbread
While our usual preference for a cheese board leans towards neutral-flavored crackers, last summer we discovered a new, irresistible favorite in these sweet-savory handmade flatbreads from Rustic Bakery. They offer a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out without overwhelming your cheeses. The rich creaminess of crème fraîche, perfectly caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds are harmoniously balanced on a sourdough base. The result is a delicate yet complex flavor that complements a wide array of cheeses, providing a unique sweet and savory counterpoint that enhances the tasting experience in a truly memorable way.
What’s your go-to cracker for serving with cheese? We’d love to hear your favorites and discover new recommendations! Tell us in the comments below!