Charcuterie boards make fantastic party platters because they offer something for everyone, and you can make them as complex or simple as you like. However, the most successful boards include a balance of flavor and texture: meat, cheeses, dips, and fruit. But the very BEST boards have an assortment of crackers, and here are the 11 best crackers for charcuterie board creations.
What is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a beautiful and delicious spread of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, dips, and crackers. Originally, “charcuterie” referred only to cured meats. Now, the word includes a variety of artisanal foods that complement meats and cheeses. A well-crafted board features a balanced collection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, sauces, and dips.
Common ingredients include prosciutto, salami, cheese wedges, cheese spreads, water crackers, baguette slices, fresh and dried fruits, mixed nuts, olives, and pickles. You can also add herbs like rosemary, mustard, jam, and honey. With this kind of variation, charcuterie boards are a fun way to snack in style.
What Kind of Crackers are the Best for a Charcuterie Board?
Select 2-3 crackers for your board ranging from crisp and thin to hardy and crunchy. The flavors should be simple or complementary to highlight the meats, cheese, and other ingredients on the board. Neutral water crackers are an excellent option or choose earthy whole grain crackers, and breadsticks or crostini are great for scooping and dipping.
The Very Best Crackers for Charcuterie Boards
1. Multigrain Crackers
Nutty multigrain crackers are an excellent choice for charcuterie boards. They are thick and sturdy, making them a perfect base for soft cheeses and spreads without being too delicate or falling apart. Create a perfect bite by piling the multigrain crackers high with cured meat and cheese.
2. Water Crackers
I love the simplicity of light and crunchy water crackers because they highlight the taste of the meat, cheese, and spreads on the table rather than competing with them.
- Carr’s Table Water Crackers are a popular choice, and they come in flavors like original and cracked pepper, or you can try 365 Water Crackers from Whole Foods.
3. Artisan Crackers
What are artisan crackers?
Artisan crackers come in various shapes and textures, from crispy and crunchy to soft and flaky. The diversity of artisan crackers provides a tasty contrast and helps to create a beautiful charcuterie board.
- Popular artisan crackers include thin and crispy la panzanella (croccantini), round taratelli, flatbread, crisp bread, lavash crackers, bagel chips, and crostini drizzled with fresh olive oil.
4. Wholegrain Crackers
The complex flavor of whole grain crackers pairs perfectly with cured meats and bold cheeses such as sharp cheddar or gouda.
- Try Breton Original Crackers, Wheat Thins, and Triscuit Crackers.
5. Buttery Crackers
It began with Lunchables when we were kids, and not much has changed; the flaky butter crackers pair perfectly with meat and cheese, and they deserve a place on your charcuterie board.
- Ritz Crackers are an easy go-to or incorporate French butter crackers like L’Apérivox or La Mère Poulard Butter Cookies for an elevated feel.
6. Sweet Crackers
Sweet and fruity crackers provide contrasting flavors to balance the rich, salty cured meats and cheeses on a charcuterie board. Pair the fruit-flavored crackers with aged, sharp cheeses or goat cheese with a drizzle of honey or agave.
7. Herb Crackers
Crackers with herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil have a tasty aroma to complement the meats, cheeses, and spreads, making them one of the best crackers for charcuterie boards.
8. Grissini or Breadstick Crackers
Breadstick crackers add texture, flavor, and height to your charcuterie board creation. The crusty breadsticks provide a sturdy base for scooping soft cheeses, flavored butter, or jams.
You can use them for dipping into olive tapenade, artichoke spinach dip, or hummus. Slim breadsticks like grissini are also an excellent vessel for wrapping slices of prosciutto, salami, or other cured meats.
9. Gluten-Free Crackers
Some gluten-free crackers are ideal for charcuterie boards without compromising taste and texture – perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Milton Gluten-Free Crackers: They come in flavors like Sea Salt, Everything, and Fire Roasted Vegetables.
- Almond Flour Crackers: I like Simple Mills, and you can choose from Sea Salt, Farmhouse Cheddar, and Sun-Dried Tomato Basil.
- Cheese Crackers: Crackers infused with parmesan, cheddar, or Asiago are a savory option for those with food allergies or who prefer to eat low-carb. Try Whisps or Moon Cheese.
- Flackers: Flackers made with flaxseeds come in a variety of flavors.
Cracker-Like Options for a Charcuterie Board
In addition to traditional crackers, crunchy, cracker-like options work well on a charcuterie board. Here are a couple of my favorites!
10. Pretzels
Pretzels are a fun, nontraditional option. Use pretzel rods or sticks as a dip-friendly vessel for scooping up spicy mustard, chutney, or spreads like beer cheese, smoky gouda dip, and beetroot dip.
11. Pita Chips
Pita chips are a sturdy scoop for popular dips on a charcuterie board like hummus, baba ganoush, zaalouk, and olive tapenade.
- Make homemade Air Fryer Pita Chips or try Sensible Portions Pita Crackers and Stacie’s Pita Chips.
How to Arrange a Charcuterie Board
Beautifully arrange the ingredients on a large wooden board; check out this article for helpful tips on choosing the best board for the perfect display. Aim for a balance of meat, cheese, fruit, nuts, and crackers.
Roll the cured meats and fan them out with cheeses. Place the crackers and breads in baskets or fan them around small clusters of fruits, nuts, and olives.
Position dips and spreads in small decorative bowls near the crackers you plan to pair them with and create height by propping the ingredients on risers. Avoid overcrowding and allow space in between so guests can easily access all the elements on the charcuterie board.
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