If your family is anything like mine, charcuterie boards are a staple. We have them often and never seem to get tired of them! If you aren't a stickler about the only meat rule, you may be wondering what the best crackers for a charcuterie board are. Let me share some of my favorites for you to try.
While we love the meat and cheese, we also love to break up the boards with other things as well, especially carbs.
I have a few charcuterie board ideas already on the site- check out this small charcuterie board idea, a hot cocoa board, fall charcuterie board, and breakfast charcuterie board.
What kinds of crackers are best for charcuterie boards
I can tell you right off, my favorite cracker is always multigrain crackers. They are easy to find and you know that grains are my thing, so adding them to each board is a must. Let me share other ideas as well. The type of cracker depends on your preference and what you are serving on your board. The right crackers are what is right for you. Keep in mind, if you are feeding a large crowd, it is a good idea to have a wide variety of crackers.
- Crunchmaster is whole grain, crunchy crackers, and delicious. I buy them at Costco and they are a decent price for what you get. They have a tasty nutty flavor.
- Buttery crackers- these are my husband's favorite kind. I would include Club crackers, Ritz crackers, etc. for these crackers.
- Whole wheat crackers- these are made with whole wheat flour. If you are feeling ambitious and want to make them on your own, try this healthy cracker recipe I developed. It is made with nuts, seeds, and poppy seeds. Mary's crackers are my go-to when I don't feel like making my own. They are filled with healthy goodness and natural ingredients.
- Herb crackers- These La Panzella rosemary crackers are the ones I love. The rosemary flavor is there, but not overwhelming. It is also made with olive oil making it a crispy cracker.
- Water crackers- these are the lowest on my list of preferred crackers as they have very little substance and flavor. You want something that will hold its own against the cheese and meats you will use. Carr's table water crackers are probably the most common.
How to put together a beautiful charcuterie board
There are so many ways to put together a beautiful board, but it will never be amazing if you don't start with a good selection of delicious meats and cheese. Having a wide variety of foods is crucial for crafting the perfect charcuterie board.
If you have a Fred Meyer (my local grocery store) near you, hopefully, they have a good cheese section like mine does. Their cheese is reasonably priced and of great quality.
Let me share a variety of cheeses and you can choose.
Soft cheeses- Chevre (the French word for goat cheese), brie cheese is probably the most common soft cheese used in charcuterie boards, fresh mozzarella, and Boursin. These creamy cheeses are a must. Havarti cheese is a semi-soft cheese.
Hard cheese- These can also be aged cheese like cheddar cheese (safe if you aren't used to stronger flavored cheese), gruyere, gouda, Manchego, etc.
Bleu Cheese or blue cheese- I gave them their own category as people either love or hate them. They have a strong flavor, which I think is an acquired taste. Gorgonzola Dolce happens to be one of my favorite cheeses. It is a milder, creamy flavor. Roquefort is also delicious as is blue stilton.
Venturing outside cheese, add in your favorite meat products. Different types of salami, prosciutto, summer sausage, chorizo, etc. Lots of great options.
Other foods to add to a charcuterie board
I LOVE using fresh fruit, especially slice apples, pears, and grapes.
Dried fruit is also a must on my boards. Dried apricots, figs, raisins, etc are all so good.
Jam and preserves- fig jam is delicious. The sweet and salty combo is really good. Pepper jellies are also ones we love to add to our boards.
Nuts and seeds- you can place them in small bowls around the board.
Olives- I know olives aren't for everyone, but we love them. Castelvetrano is among my favorites and they will make a great addition to your board.
Sprigs of fresh herbs- these are just for presentation and should not be eaten with the foods. Rosemary and thyme are both beautiful additions.
What you need to put together the best board
Boards- choosing the right board is just the start. This board I bought this from a friend and I love it! It is the perfect shape and I love the handles.
One of my favorite places to get boards for charcuterie is World Market. They have a great variety and decent prices. There are so many that are the perfect canvas for a memorable charcuterie board.
You can also use a wooden cutting board if you don't want to buy another one.
Cheese knives- I have one for cutting my soft cheese. While isn't necessary, it is nice to have.
I hope these ideas will help you plan the best charcuterie platter for your next party or family get-together. The sky is the limit and be sure to have a good selection.
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