Simply The Best Crackers For Your Charcuterie Board

What Are The Elements Of A Well-Crafted Charcuterie Board?

Charcuterie boards are more popular than ever and have become a culinary trend that shows no signs of slowing down. What makes these beautifully curated boards so appealing is their ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a meat lover, a cheese connoisseur, or a fan of savory and sweet pairings, there is something for everyone on a well-crafted charcuterie board.

Some of the essential elements of a great charcuterie board include an assortment of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, pickled delights, fresh fruit, and an array of delectable sauces, dips, and spreads.

And while not necessarily the star of the show, crackers provide the backdrop that sets the stage for all of the other flavors and textures to shine. These little bites of crunchy goodness are the perfect canvas for all your favorite charcuterie and cheese board nibbles.

The Best Types of Crackers For Charcuterie Boards

So if you’re looking to find the perfect crackers for your next charcuterie board, we’re here to help with our hand-picked list of the absolute best crackers to pair with your charcuterie board meats and cheeses. From the classics that never fail to impress to the trendy artisanal crackers stealing the spotlight, we’ve got you covered.

But hold on, that’s not all—we’re also bringing you some less traditional crackers and gluten-free options to cater to everyone’s tastes.

And we’ve verified that most if not all of the crackers on our list can easily be found in the cracker aisle at your local grocery store or online via Amazon.

So let’s dive into our list of the best cheese board crackers and charcuterie board crackers and inspire you to discover some perfect pairings!

For more helpful tips on how to build your best board – check out our guides for choosing the best meats for charcuterie boards, best charcuterie cheeses, best jams for a charcuterie board, best charcuterie pickles, and our step-by-step guide on how to make a beautiful simple charcuterie board.

Classic Charcuterie Board Crackers

Whether you’re a fan of delicate and crisp water crackers that let the flavors of the cheese shine or crave the nutty texture of multigrain crackers, these classics are the perfect foundation for your cheese board and charcuterie pairings.

Water crackers

Probably the most “classic” classic cracker on our list, Carr’s Table Water crackers have been gracing host and hostesses’ tables since 1832. A type of savory cracker, water crackers are the epitome of simplicity. They have a neutral taste and a light, crispy texture that allows the flavors of the cheese and charcuterie to shine.

Multigrain crackers

Multigrain crackers are a versatile choice, offering a blend of flavors and textures from various grains and seeds. Their slightly denser texture and subtle flavors provide a wholesome complement to various kinds of cheese and cured meats including gouda, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoky sliced ham.

Butter crackers

These delicate and buttery crackers have a rich flavor that complements a wide range of cheeses and are one of the best crackers for cheese. They provide a melt-in-your-mouth experience and add a touch of indulgence to your charcuterie board. Probably the most well-known butter crackers are the long-time popular favorite Ritz crackers.

Whole wheat crackers

Whole wheat crackers offer a slightly nutty taste and a heartier texture that complements hard and semi-hard cheeses nicely. The robustness of the crackers can stand up to the firmness and flavors of the cheese. They include some of the most well-loved American crackers like Wheat Thins and Triscuits.

Rye crackers

Rye crackers bring a distinctively robust and strong flavor to the table. Their firm texture and unique taste complement soft cheeses, hard cheeses, and salty meats, adding depth and character to the pairings. The Wasa brand is one of the most popular varieties.

Artisan Charcuterie Board Crackers

A variety of cheeses and meats find their match in the rustic charm and textural contrast of artisan crackers. These crackers provide a more elevated canvas for showcasing the myriad flavors and textures of their culinary companions.

Wafer crackers

Wafer crackers are thin, delicate, and crispy crackers. They have a light and airy texture, similar to that of a wafer, hence the name. The company 34 Degrees Crisps offers a variety of flavors that pair wonderfully with soft cheeses like Brie cheese, Camembert, and fresh goat cheese and meats like prosciutto and thinly sliced turkey and ham.

Herb crackers

Intense and pungent blue cheese and creamy tangy goat cheese thrive with the sturdy foundation of artisanal herb crackers like these Rosemary Pecan Raisin Raincoast Crisps. Pair them with some fig jam or mango chutney for a winning flavor combination. The earthy and bold flavors of herb crackers also complement the smokiness of cured and smoked meats like smoked ham and smoked turkey.

Flatbread crackers

Flatbread is a thin and crispy type of cracker with a mild flavor making them pair well with aged cheeses like sharp cheddar and robust salami and bold pepperoni. It often has a slightly toasted taste that complements both soft and hard cheeses. La Panzanella’s Mini Croccantini flatbread-type crackers are a popular variety.

Less Traditional Charcuterie Board Crackers

Step out of the ordinary and embrace the thrill of non-traditional charcuterie crackers for your board! These unconventional options will add an exciting twist to your spread and dazzle you with their unique flavors and textures.

Crostini

Although not technically crackers, toasted French baguette slices commonly called by their Italian name, crostini, can be an excellent choice for pairing with soft, creamy cheeses. Their crusty exterior and soft interior create a delightful combination of textures making them one of the best types of crackers for cheese. For more on that line of thinking you should try our recipe for Whipped Ricotta Crostini which pairs creamy whipped ricotta cheese with fresh herbs and antipasto toppings on top of crispy crostini.

Breadsticks (Grissini)

Grissini are slender and crisp Italian breadsticks. They pair well with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables. The neutral flavor of grissini allows the flavors of the cheeses and meats to shine while adding a satisfying crunch.

Pretzel crisps

Pretzel crisps, with their salty and crispy exterior, provide a charming contrast to the smooth and creamy texture of soft cheeses. Spread some Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese on pretzel crisps for a rich and indulgent pairing. The salty and slightly tangy nature of pretzel crisps also complements the bold and nutty flavors of aged cheeses. Try them with aged cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan.

Taralli

Taralli are a traditional Italian snack. They are small, ring-shaped crackers that are traditionally made with fennel seeds giving them a hint of anise flavor. Taralli are fantastic companions to charcuterie meats like prosciutto, salami, or coppa. Providing a satisfying crunch and flavor that harmonizes with the savory and salty nature of the meats.

Gluten-Free Charcuterie Board Crackers

Embrace the natural goodness of nut and seed crackers. Revel in the delicate crunch of rice crackers, and savor the irresistible allure of cheese crisps. These gluten-free gems are meticulously crafted to add a burst of flavor, texture, and variety to your charcuterie spread.

Nut flour and seed crackers

Nut flour and seed crackers bring an appealing nuttiness to your charcuterie board. And they complement soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, adding a crunchy element to their creaminess. They also enhance the smoky flavors of cured meats creating a lovely balance when paired with spicy dips or spreads. Nut-Thins, Simple Mills Almond Flour Sea Salt crackers, and Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Crackers are some of our favorites.

Rice flour crackers

Rice crackers with their delicate flavors and light crispy textures pair well with soft and semi-soft cheeses. Allowing the cheeses to shine while providing a crispy base. They also complement the smoky notes of cured meats, and their subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with spicy or tangy spreads. We like Good Thins Simply Salt and Whole Foods Sesame Rice Crackers.

Cheese crisps, with their rich and intense cheese flavor, add a delightful crunch to a charcuterie board. Pair them with cured meats for a nice balance of savory flavors. Or serve them alongside tangy dips and spreads to enhance their cheesiness. The briny notes of olives and pickles make a great accompaniment, while the addition of fresh fruits adds a touch of sweetness and contrast. Try these Parmesan Cheese Crisps available at Whole Foods or these Oven-Baked Cheese Bites from Trader Joe’s.

Lastly, when in doubt just pick YOUR favorite crackers and be sure to let us know in the comments about your favorite charcuterie board pairings!

If you love festive seasonal-themed boards, try our easy breezy summer charcuterie board, our cozy fall charcuterie board, and our fun DIY charcuterie bouquet recipe guides.