Do crackers go with soup?

Whether crackers pair well with soup is a question that many people have when planning meals. The quick answer is that yes, crackers can absolutely complement soup nicely and add more texture and flavor to the dish.

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Why Do Crackers Go Well with Soup?

There are a few main reasons why crackers are commonly served alongside soup:

Crackers add crunch – Soup on its own tends to be soft, smooth, and wet. Crackers provide a nice contrasting crunch and texture.
Crackers soak up broth – Crackers help sop up and absorb some of the tasty broth or sauce from the soup.
Crackers add flavor – Many crackers have distinct flavors from seasonings that complement the soup. For example, buttery crackers pair nicely with creamy soups.

Crackers make it a more filling meal – The combination of soup and crackers makes the meal more substantial and satisfying.

Serving crackers alongside soup helps balance the textures and flavors to make it more enjoyable to eat. The crunch makes each bite more interesting.

What Types of Crackers Pair Best with Soup?

There are many types of crackers that can accent soup nicely. Some top options include:

Oyster crackers – Small, round buttery crackers that are a classic soup accompaniment, especially for chowders.
Club crackers – Larger rectangular crackers with a flaky texture and mild flavor.
Whole wheat crackers – Hearty, whole grain crackers that pair well with hearty soups.

Water crackers – Thin, crispy crackers that have a clean, light taste.
Sesame crackers – Crunchy crackers with nutty, toasted sesame seeds on top.
Herb or garlic crackers – Crackers seasoned with complementary herbs or garlic.

Pretzel crackers – Square crackers with a pretzel-like flavor and crunch.

The best type of cracker to serve depends on the flavor profile of the soup. Lighter soups pair better with water crackers or oyster crackers. Hearty soups call for a whole wheat or herbed cracker. The options are diverse to match the soup.

What Soups Go Well with Crackers?

Many different soup varieties nicely complement crackers. Some soups that are especially suited to serving with crackers include:

Chicken noodle soup – Classic, comforting chicken noodle pairs well with oyster or club crackers.
Tomato soup – The rich, tangy flavor of tomato soup is nicely balanced by wheat crackers.
Baked potato soup – Earthy potato soup loves a sprinkle of crispy bacon or herb crackers.

New England clam chowder – Chopped clams and creamy broth in clam chowder calls for oyster crackers.
Broccoli cheese soup – The cheesy richness of broccoli cheese soup loves the crunch of club, wheat, or pretzel crackers.
Minestrone – Hearty minestrone packed with beans and veggies tastes great with garlic or herbed Italian-style crackers.

French onion soup – Sweet caramelized onions and broth in French onion soup pair nicely with toasted croutons or baguette crisps.

The options are limitless! Consider the main ingredients and flavors in the soup and pick crackers that will complement them.

How Should Crackers Be Served with Soup?

There are a few ways that crackers can be served alongside soup:

Crushed over top – Sprinkling crushed crackers over the soup adds texture and flavor to each spoonful.
Whole on the side – Serving a small plate or basket of whole crackers lets people take bites between spoonfuls.
On the bowl rim – Perching crackers over the rim of the bowl keeps them crisp but handy for eating.

In the bottom – Putting a layer of crackers in the bottom of the bowl lets them soak up broth.

The most popular option is serving crackers whole on a small plate or napkin so they can be eaten separately with the soup. But feel free to get creative with plating and serving style!

Cracker Pairings for Specific Soups

Here are some more specific examples of crackers that make excellent pairings with particular soup varieties:

Soup	Cracker Pairings
Chicken Noodle Soup	Oyster crackers, Club crackers, Herb-flavored crackers
Tomato Soup	Whole wheat crackers, Water crackers, Parmesan goldfish crackers
Broccoli Cheddar Soup	Club crackers, Pretzel crackers, Whole wheat crackers
French Onion Soup	Garlic croutons, Baguette crisps, Club crackers
Clam Chowder	Oyster crackers, Club crackers, Water crackers
Minestrone Soup	Garlic crackers, Herb crackers, Whole wheat crackers
Cream of Mushroom Soup	Water crackers, Whole wheat crackers, Pretzel crackers

This table demonstrates some classic cracker and soup pairings that complement each other beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other combinations as well!

Tips for Serving Crackers with Soup

Here are some helpful tips for serving crackers with soup:

Go for contrast – Pick crackers that contrast the soup for more interest. For example, choose crunchy crackers to complement smooth, creamy soups.

Match strength – Light soups pair best with light crackers. Hearty soups call for something more robust.
Season to complement – Pick crackers with herbs, garlic, etc. that build on soup flavors.
Consider textures – Crunchy crackers add pleasant texture. Soft or oyster crackers melt into the soup.

Stay crisp – Store crackers separately and add just before eating so they stay crisp.
Portion crackers – Allow 1-2 oz of crackers per serving of soup for balance.
Think beyond saltines – Expand horizons beyond just saltine crackers and discover new pairings.

Make it a meal – Add cheese, fruit, or rolls to soup and crackers for a heartier meal.

Following these tips will ensure crackers enhance soup rather than overpower it for a tasty combo!

Healthy Cracker Options

While many crackers are made from refined grains and are higher in carbs, there are some healthier options for pairing with soup:

Whole grain crackers – Look for whole wheat, whole grain, or multi-grain varieties.
Seed crackers – Crackers studded with seeds like flax, sesame, or poppy.
Low-sodium crackers – For alternatives lower in sodium.

Vegetable crackers – Crackers made with veggies like spinach or sweet potato.
Reduced fat crackers – Pay attention to fat content if crackers will be eaten often.
Gluten-free crackers – For people avoiding gluten, look for gluten-free options.

Whole grain pretzel crisps – Pretzel crackers can make a lighter alternative to croutons.

Reading nutrition labels is key to finding healthier cracker options to pair with soup. Look for crackers with more fiber, protein, and nutrients.

Conclusion

Crackers can be the perfect accompaniment to complement and enhance the flavor of soup. From oyster crackers with clam chowder to herbed croutons with minestrone, the options are endless for delicious cracker and soup pairings. Pay attention to textures and seasonings to balance flavors and make the meal even more satisfying. Whether you prefer light or hearty soups, thin crisps or large crackers, there’s a cracker match made perfectly for your favorite bowl of soup.