The 10 Best Cheeses for Crackers and Wine

Are you planning a wine and cheese night with friends or loved ones?

One of the keys to a successful cheese plate is pairing the right cheese with the right cracker and wine.

But with so many cheese varieties available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to serve.

In this article, we will explore the best cheese for crackers and wine, offering insights and suggestions for the perfect combinations.

Whether you prefer soft, hard, blue, or aged cheeses, we’ve got you covered with recommendations for wine and crackers to complement the flavors of your cheese.

So, let’s dive in and discover the best cheese for crackers and wine to make your next gathering a memorable one!

Read Also: The Best Cheese for Cabernet Sauvignon (+ 10 Alternatives)

Soft Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Soft cheeses are a crowd-pleasing option for cheese platters due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. These cheeses range from delicate white-rinded soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie to tangy cream cheeses. Pairing soft cheeses with the right wine and cracker can elevate their taste profile and make for a memorable snack or appetizer.

When it comes to wine pairing, red and fruity wines like Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are a classic match for soft cheeses. The tannins in red wine help cut through the richness of the cheese, while the fruity notes provide a complementary flavor. A refreshing Rose’ can also be a delightful choice to pair with soft cheeses.

When it comes to crackers, pairing plain or lightly salted crackers with soft cheeses can help balance out the richness and provide a neutral base to showcase the cheese’s flavors. The crackers’ texture should be crisp enough to hold the cheese without overpowering it. Some options include water crackers, thin wheat crisps, or buttery crackers.

Here are a few suggestions for soft cheese and wine pairings to try at your next gathering:

• Camembert with Pinot Noir and water crackers
• Brie with Beaujolais and thin wheat crisps
• Cream cheese with Rose’ and buttery crackers

Hard Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Hard cheeses have a firmer texture and a sharper flavor compared to their soft cheese counterparts. These cheeses, such as cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan, are perfect for snacking and pairing with crackers and wine. Finding the right wine and cracker to complement the flavor and texture of hard cheeses can enhance the tasting experience.

When it comes to wine pairing, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are excellent choices to pair with hard cheeses. The bold flavors of the wine match well with the sharpness of the cheese, creating a balanced taste. A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can also be a great option to pair with aged cheddar or Parmesan, as it can help cut through the cheese’s intense flavor.

For crackers, pairing whole wheat or multigrain crackers with hard cheeses can add depth and texture to the snack. The nutty flavor and crunch of the crackers complement the cheese’s sharpness and bring out its unique taste. Some great options include rye crackers, sesame crackers, and whole wheat crackers.

Here are a few suggestions for hard cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Aged cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon and sesame crackers
• Gouda with Merlot and whole wheat crackers
• Parmesan with Sauvignon Blanc and rye crackers

Blue Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Blue cheeses are known for their bold and pungent flavor and are a popular choice for cheese platters. These cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton, can be an acquired taste due to their intense flavor. However, when paired with the right wine and cracker, blue cheeses can offer a delightful taste experience.

When it comes to wine pairing, sweet wines such as port or dessert wine are the go-to choice for blue cheeses. The sweetness in the wine helps balance out the pungent flavor of the cheese, creating a perfect combination. Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon can also be a great option to pair with blue cheeses.

For crackers, neutral crackers such as water crackers or plain crackers work well to allow the flavor of the cheese to stand out. The texture of the cracker should be crisp but not too crunchy to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Here are a few suggestions for blue cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Gorgonzola with port wine and water crackers
• Roquefort with Cabernet Sauvignon and plain crackers
• Stilton with dessert wine and crackers with a hint of honey

Cream Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Cream cheeses are soft, spreadable cheeses that can have a tangy or mild flavor. These cheeses, such as goat cheese and mascarpone, are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on their own with crackers and wine. Pairing cream cheeses with the right wine and cracker can enhance their flavor and make for a delightful snack.

When it comes to wine pairing, light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices to pair with cream cheeses. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a balanced taste. Sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco can also be a great option to pair with cream cheeses.

For crackers, pairing plain or herb-flavored crackers with cream cheeses can complement their delicate flavor. The texture of the cracker should be crisp but not too crunchy to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Here are a few suggestions for cream cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Goat cheese with Pinot Grigio and plain crackers
• Mascarpone with Champagne and herb-flavored crackers
• Cream cheese with Sauvignon Blanc and whole wheat crackers

Smoked Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Smoked cheeses are cheeses that have been smoked to add a distinct smoky flavor to their taste. These cheeses, such as smoked gouda and smoked cheddar, are a popular choice for cheese platters and can be paired with the right wine and cracker to enhance their taste.

When it comes to wine pairing, medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot or Zinfandel are great choices to pair with smoked cheeses. The boldness of the wine complements the smokiness of the cheese, creating a unique and flavorful taste. A bold white wine, such as Viognier or Gewurztraminer, can also be an excellent option to pair with smoked cheese.

For crackers, pairing whole wheat or nut-based crackers with smoked cheeses can add depth and texture to the snack. The nuttiness of the crackers complements the smokiness of the cheese and enhances its unique flavor.

Here are a few suggestions for smoked cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Smoked gouda with Merlot and whole wheat crackers
• Smoked cheddar with Viognier and nut-based crackers
• Smoked cheese with Gewurztraminer and sesame crackers

Aged Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Aged cheeses are cheeses that have been allowed to age for an extended period, resulting in a firmer texture and a stronger flavor.

These cheeses, such as aged cheddar and Parmesan, are a popular choice for cheese platters and can be paired with the right wine and cracker to enhance their taste.

When it comes to wine pairing, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are the perfect match for aged cheeses.

The bold flavors of the wine pair well with the sharpness of the cheese, creating a balanced and delicious taste. A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can also be a great option to pair with aged cheddar or Parmesan, as it can help cut through the cheese’s intense flavor.

For crackers, pairing a plain cracker or a cracker with a hint of spice can complement the nutty and sharp flavors of aged cheeses. The cracker’s texture should be crisp but not too crunchy to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Here are a few suggestions for aged cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Aged cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon and plain crackers
• Parmesan with Sauvignon Blanc and crackers with a hint of spice
• Aged cheese with Syrah and wheat crackers

Fresh Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Fresh cheeses are cheeses that are not aged and have a mild, tangy flavor. These cheeses, such as feta and mozzarella, are a popular choice for salads and sandwiches and can also be paired with crackers and wine for a delicious snack.

When it comes to wine pairing, light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices to pair with fresh cheeses. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the tanginess of the cheese, creating a balanced taste. Sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco can also be a great option to pair with fresh cheese.

For crackers, pairing a plain or herb-flavored cracker can complement the tangy and mild flavors of fresh cheeses. The cracker’s texture should be crisp but not too crunchy to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Here are a few suggestions for fresh cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Feta with Pinot Grigio and herb-flavored crackers
• Mozzarella with Champagne and plain crackers
• Fresh cheese with Sauvignon Blanc and whole wheat crackers

Goat Cheeses and Wine Pairings

Goat cheeses are cheeses made from goat’s milk and have a tangy, earthy flavor that can vary depending on the aging process. These cheeses, such as chevre and feta, can be paired with the right wine and cracker to enhance their unique flavor profile.

When it comes to wine pairing, light-bodied white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices to pair with goat cheese. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the tanginess of the cheese, creating a balanced taste. A crisp Rose’ can also be a great option to pair with goat cheese.

For crackers, pairing a plain or herb-flavored cracker can complement the tangy and earthy flavors of goat cheese. The cracker’s texture should be crisp but not too crunchy to avoid overpowering the cheese.

Here are a few suggestions for goat cheese and wine pairings to try:

• Chevre with Sauvignon Blanc and plain crackers
• Feta with Rose’ and herb-flavored crackers
• Goat cheese with Pinot Grigio and whole wheat crackers

Conclusion

Pairing the right cheese, cracker, and wine can elevate any gathering or snack to a new level. Whether you prefer soft, hard, blue, or aged cheeses, there is a perfect wine and cracker to complement its unique flavor profile.

Soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie pair well with red and fruity wines like Beaujolais and Pinot Noir, while hard cheeses like cheddar and gouda pair well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola are best paired with sweet wines like port, while fresh cheeses like feta and mozzarella pair well with light-bodied white wines like Sauvignon Blanc.

Finding the right cracker to pair with your cheese can add an extra layer of complexity and depth to your snack. Plain, herb-flavored, or nut-based crackers can complement the unique flavors of your cheese without overpowering them.

In conclusion, creating a delicious cheese platter with the right combination of cheese, wine, and crackers is easy with these suggestions. Experiment with different cheeses, wines, and crackers to discover your own favorite pairings and elevate your next gathering or snack to a new level.