Everyone wants the perfect charcuterie board, and the best way to get it is to have the right crackers for it.
Crumbs are an important part of any charcuterie board because they help balance out some of the flavors and make the meat and cheese taste better.
We’ll talk about some of the best crackers for a charcuterie board and how to pair them with other foods to get the best flavor combinations in this article.
People still have different tastes when it comes to the best cheese and crackers combination, and we all have our own favorite crackers. But on a general note, here are the top 5 crackers for your board.
This is number one on our list and arguably the most popular cracker. And the reason is pretty simple- they have a mild and bland flavor. And because of this, you can pair them with a variety of crackers.
You have to be careful not to wipe the table clean, though, because they are crumbly and break easily when you bite them.
This type of cheese goes well with water crackers. It also goes well with hard cheeses like Cheddar and extra-hard cheeses like Gruyere.
These crackers are a great addition to your charcuterie board. Usually made with whole wheat flour with varieties of fresh herbs stuffed into them. Herbs crackers give your board a depth of flavor.
The cheesey taste of these crackers comes from the spices that were used to make them. They go well with a variety of charcuterie meats and cheeses. Cheeses like Goat Cheese, Pepper Jack, and Roquefort, as well as soft cheeses like Goat Cheese and Swiss Cheese, go well with herb crackers.
Multigrain crackers are the best choice for people who really want to eat healthy crackers because they are made from different grains that are full of nutrients.
Grain crackers are one of the best because they add depth of flavor to your charcuterie board, just like herb crackers do. The added flavor of the grains makes it a perfect complement to cheese and meats.
Crumbs made from different grains go well with hard cheeses like Parmesan, semi-hard cheeses like Manchego, and semi-soft cheeses like Havarti and Gouda.
Also referred to as Soda crackers, Saltine crackers have a bit of sea salt flavor in them. Usually, in a square shape, Saltines are made mostly from white flour, baking soda, and sometimes yeast. One prominent feature of these crackers is their dry and crisp texture.
Saltine Crackers go along with sharp cheeses such as sharp cheddar, semi-hard cheeses such as Gruyere cheese
What about taste? They’re neither bland nor strong; they’re somewhere in the middle, something mild. They are the perfect crackers for spreads with rich flavor.
Another popular cracker for charcuterie boards. These crackers are made from a grilled or toasted baguette ( french bread). Crostini is usually drizzled with oil until it has a crispy feel. Crostini goes well with Soft cheeses.
Even though they didn’t make our top 5, these crackers are still worth mentioning because they’re fun to try. Some of them include Buttery crackers, Fruit crackers, Wafer crackers, Artisan Crackers, and Wheat crackers.
When picking the right crackers, keep in mind that there is no one size that fits all. “What kinds of cheese do I have on my board?” is the most important thing to ask yourself. The crackers you use should only depend on the cheese you have.
You might have to explore different cheese and crackers combinations to get your perfect fit. We hope you find this article helpful and would make better choices in selecting crackers the next time.
A charcuterie board loaded with summer sausage, cheese, and crackers is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. But with so many cracker options on the market, it can be tricky to identify the best ones to complement the distinctive flavor of summer sausage.
In this article, we’ll explore classic, artisanal, gluten-free, and unique cracker pairings to truly elevate your summer sausage snacking experience. Read on for pro tips on crafting crave-worthy charcuterie boards that will have your guests begging for more!
An Overview of Summer Sausage
Before diving into cracker pairings, let’s first understand what defines summer sausage. Summer sausage is a fermented, semi-dry sausage that can be served cooked or uncooked. It has a tangy, smoky flavor and typically contains beef and/or pork.
Summer sausage can range from soft and spreadable to dense and chewy. Popular varieties include beef summer sausage, Cajun summer sausage venison summer sausage and more. This versatility makes it a charcuterie board staple.
Classic Crackers: Reliable Pairings for Summer Sausage Platters
When it comes to choosing a classic cracker to serve alongside summer sausage, you can’t go wrong with these time-tested options:
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Saltines – The light, flaky quality of these crackers makes them an ideal base for summer sausage without overpowering the flavor
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Water crackers – With a subtle saltiness and mild taste, these crackers complement summer sausage beautifully.
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Stone ground wheat crackers – A touch of nuttiness from the whole wheat pairs nicely with smoky summer sausage.
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Triscuits – The toasted wheat taste adds a subtle sweetness that brings out the tanginess of the sausage.
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Ritz crackers – The rich, buttery taste accentuates the fattiness of summer sausage in all the right ways.
Tip: Carr’s variety packs offer an assortment of classic flavors like cracked pepper, sesame, and original – perfect for adding diversity to your charcuterie spread.
Artisanal Crackers: Gourmet Options for Summer Sausage Platters
Artisanal crackers elevate sampler platters with complex flavors and textures. Here are some upscale options worth trying:
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34 Degrees Crackers – Thin and crispy, they provide a satisfying crunch without dominating the charcuterie flavors.
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Olina’s Bakehouse Wafer Crackers – Delicate and crispy, with a subtle cheese powder flavor that complements sausage and cheese.
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Craize Crackers – Unique toasted corn crackers with sweet flavors like guava and coconut to balance bold sausage.
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Rustic Bakery Crackers – Nutty, whole grain crackers with the perfect crunch factor for charcuterie boards.
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Potter’s Crackers – Also nutty and whole grained with a delicate crispness to contrast the dense sausage.
Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Crackers
Here are some excellent options for those avoiding carbs or gluten:
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Mary’s Gone Crackers – Made from gluten-free whole grains and seeds for a nutritious crunch.
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Low Karb Crackers – With only 2 net carbs per serving, they’re low-carb yet tasty.
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Homemade Flax Crackers – Simple to make with gluten-free flax meal and seasoning.
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Crispbread – Naturally low in carbs and calories, crispbread makes a fiber-rich cracker choice.
Unique Crackers to Try with Summer Sausage
Why play it safe when you can delight guests with unique cracker and sausage pairings like:
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Pretzel crackers – Salty, crunchy pretzel crackers complement the tang and smoke of summer sausage.
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Sesame crackers – Nutty sesame flavor enhances the richness of the sausage.
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Rosemary crackers – Subtle herbal notes from rosemary pair perfectly with earthy summer sausage.
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Olive oil crackers – Light, crispy texture with a touch of sophistication.
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Cheese crackers – Extra cheesy goodness never hurts a sausage and cheese platter!
Crafting the Perfect Charcuterie Board
Follow these tips for creating a visually stunning, flavorfully balanced charcuterie board:
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Choose 2-3 meat varieties like salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, and summer sausage for diverse flavors and textures.
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Select 2-3 complementary cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, gouda, and brie.
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Incorporate fresh elements like berries, cucumbers, olives, and nuts to cut the richness and add color.
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Display creatively on a wood board or slate platter with meat and cheese arranged in aesthetically pleasing groupings.
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Offer a cracker assortment with different flavors, ingredients, and textures to suit every guest’s preferences.
Final Thoughts
The crisp crunch of crackers perfectly complements the soft, savory flavor of summer sausage. While classic crackers are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to branch out with artisanal and gluten-free options. For more flavor adventure, try unique pairings like rosemary, olive oil, or pretzel crackers.
Use these tips to thoughtfully assemble charcuterie boards with delicious cracker and summer sausage combinations suited to any taste. Your guests will be thoroughly impressed by both the presentation and flavors of your epic grazing platter.
So next time you break out the summer sausage, elevate those pairings to gourmet status with the perfect cracker sidekick. Just avoid temptation to devour the entire platter yourself before the guests arrive!
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Everyone wants the perfect charcuterie board, and the best way to get it is to have the right crackers for it.
Crumbs are an important part of any charcuterie board because they help balance out some of the flavors and make the meat and cheese taste better.
We’ll talk about some of the best crackers for a charcuterie board and how to pair them with other foods to get the best flavor combinations in this article.
People still have different tastes when it comes to the best cheese and crackers combination, and we all have our own favorite crackers. But on a general note, here are the top 5 crackers for your board.
This is number one on our list and arguably the most popular cracker. And the reason is pretty simple- they have a mild and bland flavor. And because of this, you can pair them with a variety of crackers.
You have to be careful not to wipe the table clean, though, because they are crumbly and break easily when you bite them.
This type of cheese goes well with water crackers. It also goes well with hard cheeses like Cheddar and extra-hard cheeses like Gruyere.
- Gruyere cheese, water crackers, whole grain mustard, and pecans.
- Water Crackers + Sharp Cheddar + Sliced Pickles
These crackers are a great addition to your charcuterie board. Usually made with whole wheat flour with varieties of fresh herbs stuffed into them. Herbs crackers give your board a depth of flavor.
The cheesey taste of these crackers comes from the spices that were used to make them. They go well with a variety of charcuterie meats and cheeses. Cheeses like Goat Cheese, Pepper Jack, and Roquefort, as well as soft cheeses like Goat Cheese and Swiss Cheese, go well with herb crackers.
- Herb Crackers + Pepper Jack Cheese + Pepperoni
Multigrain crackers are the best choice for people who really want to eat healthy crackers because they are made from different grains that are full of nutrients.
Grain crackers are one of the best because they add depth of flavor to your charcuterie board, just like herb crackers do. The added flavor of the grains makes it a perfect complement to cheese and meats.
Crumbs made from different grains go well with hard cheeses like Parmesan, semi-hard cheeses like Manchego, and semi-soft cheeses like Havarti and Gouda.
- Multigrain Crackers + Strawberry + Slice of Pickle
- Multigrain Crackers + Havarti Cheese + Slice of Turkey
Also referred to as Soda crackers, Saltine crackers have a bit of sea salt flavor in them. Usually, in a square shape, Saltines are made mostly from white flour, baking soda, and sometimes yeast. One prominent feature of these crackers is their dry and crisp texture.
Saltine Crackers go along with sharp cheeses such as sharp cheddar, semi-hard cheeses such as Gruyere cheese
What about taste? They’re neither bland nor strong; they’re somewhere in the middle, something mild. They are the perfect crackers for spreads with rich flavor.
- Cut up pickles, saltines, and whole grain mustard with sharp cheddar.
- Saltines, sliced pickles, gruyere cheese, pecans, and red pepper jelly
Another popular cracker for charcuterie boards. These crackers are made from a grilled or toasted baguette ( french bread). Crostini is usually drizzled with oil until it has a crispy feel. Crostini goes well with Soft cheeses.
- Crostini + Boursin + Salami + Walnuts
- Crostini + Goat Cheese + Drizzled Honey
- Crostini with fig jam, brie cheese, and prosciutto ad argual
Even though they didn’t make our top 5, these crackers are still worth mentioning because they’re fun to try. Some of them include Buttery crackers, Fruit crackers, Wafer crackers, Artisan Crackers, and Wheat crackers.
When picking the right crackers, keep in mind that there is no one size that fits all. “What kinds of cheese do I have on my board?” is the most important thing to ask yourself. The crackers you use should only depend on the cheese you have.
You might have to explore different cheese and crackers combinations to get your perfect fit. We hope you find this article helpful and would make better choices in selecting crackers the next time.
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THE BEST Venison Summer Sausage – CRACKER SIZE!
FAQ
What goes well with summer sausage?
How to cut summer sausage for crackers?
What kind of crackers do you use for cheese & sausage?
For the crackers, go with a mildly flavored cracker that actually allows the flavor of both the sausage and the cheese to come through. Saltines, water crackers, and stone ground wheat crackers are all great choices for a cheese and sausage platter, and they are the ones I typically use for entertaining.
Are Graham crackers gluten free?
No, Graham crackers are not gluten free. The ingredient list on the label clearly mentions wheat flour as the primary component. As gluten is the key element in wheat, barley and rye, these cereals and its products contains gluten in considerable amounts. Besides, gluten-free products which are processed in the same unit where wheat, barley and rye products are processed also contain gluten due to cross-contamination, though the amounts may be negligible.
What can I substitute for summer sausage?
If you aren’t a fan of summer sausage you could always substitute an assortment of Italian cured meats such as salami and soppressata or throw on a link of grilled sausage. However, in the defense of the summer sausage, I’ll say this: Summer sausage is inexpensive (which is great for entertaining), and also, easier to chew than cured meats.
What can I add to summer sausage?
Using freshly-cracked mustard seeds also adds a wonderful fresh flavor, giving it that tangy old-fashioned taste, plus it looks so pretty! If your family enjoys a spicy sausage, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños. Adding chunks of cheese to the summer sausage is also very popular, as is serving it with wine.