Cheese and crackers are a classic snack pairing, but are all cheeses equally tasty with saltine crackers? Let’s take a look at the factors that impact how well different cheeses pair with these crispy, salty crackers.
The Saltiness of Saltine Crackers
Saltine crackers get their name from their most prominent characteristic – their saltiness. Saltine crackers contain between 230-290 mg of sodium per serving, making them a very salty snack.
This high salt content is both a pro and a con when pairing with cheese. The saltiness can overpower milder cheeses and nuanced flavors. However, the saltiness can complement stronger, more pungent cheeses by balancing their sharpness.
Moisture Content of Cheese
The moisture content of a cheese impacts how well it pairs with dry, crunchy crackers like saltines. In general, drier, firmer cheeses stand up best to saltines without becoming overpowered.
Very soft, moist cheeses like brie and camembert can taste overly damp and milky when paired with crackers. The dry texture of the cracker only accentuates the softness of the cheese.
Medium-soft cheeses like havarti and Monterey jack can go either way – the moderate moisture content allows the flavor to come through but doesn’t clash with the cracker texture.
Hard, drier cheeses like aged cheddar, parmesan, and pecorino pair very nicely with saltines. The dry texture complements the crunchy cracker, allowing the strong cheese flavors to shine.
Strong vs. Mild Cheese Flavors
Strong, pungent cheeses tend to stand up best to the intense saltiness of saltine crackers. Their robust flavors aren’t easily overpowered. Cheeses like aged gouda, gruyere, blue cheese, and sharp cheddar have enough flavor complexity to balance the saltiness.
On the other hand, mild-flavored cheeses can easily get lost alongside salty crackers. Their subtleties are masked by the strong salt taste. Fresh mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, and young gouda don’t make ideal pairings.
Here’s a chart summarizing how some popular cheeses pair with saltine crackers based on moisture content and flavor strength:
| Cheese Type | Moisture Content | Flavor Strength | Pairs Well with Saltines? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brie | High moisture | Mild | No |
| Cheddar | Low moisture | Strong, sharp | Yes |
| Cottage cheese | High moisture | Mild | No |
| Gruyere | Low moisture | Strong | Yes |
| Mozzarella | High moisture | Mild | No |
| Parmesan | Low moisture | Strong | Yes |
Other Cheese Characteristics
Beyond moisture content and flavor strength, a few other cheese traits impact pairings with saltine crackers:
Aged vs. Fresh
Aged cheeses tend to have more concentrated, sharper flavors that stand up well to saltines. The aging process evaporates moisture and intensifies the flavor. Fresh cheeses are generally too mild and moist.
Type of Milk
Cheeses made from goat’s or sheep’s milk (feta, pecorino) often have a sharper tang that complements crackers. The bolder flavors hold their own against the saltiness.
Hard Texture
Harder cheeses like parmesan have a nice crunch that provides textural contrast and satisfying bite alongside the crisp crackers.
Cheese Add-Ins
Cheese with add-ins like herbs, peppers, nuts, or fruit tend to pair tastily with crackers by adding flavor layers. Try pepper jack, herbed goat cheese, or fig-studded cheese.
Cracker Characteristics
It’s not just the cheese that impacts pairings – the type of cracker matters too. Here are some ways the cracker can influence cheese pairings:
Cracker Texture
Crunchy, dry crackers like saltines contrast nicely with firm, moist cheese. Soft crackers can clash texturally with softer cheeses.
Cracker Flavor
Plain crackers allow the cheese flavor to shine. Flavored crackers like rosemary or cracked pepper complement cheeses with similar flavors.
Cracker Shape
Small, delicate crackers let you experience subtler cheese flavors in clean, individual bites rather than piling on a large cracker. Sturdy crackers can handle larger chunks or slices of firm cheeses.
Whole Grain vs Refined
Whole grain crackers add a touch of nutty, earthy sweetness that enhances cheese flavor. Refined crackers like saltines are neutral backdrops that let cheese take center stage.
Tips for Serving Cheese with Saltine Crackers
Here are some tips for successfully pairing and serving cheese with saltine crackers:
Pick cheese with pronounced, sharp flavors that won’t get drowned out.
Aged cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, and blue cheese hold their own against the saltiness.
Cut firm cheeses into thin slices for even coverage and crispy texture.
Thinner slices ensure you get cheese in every bite without breaking the cracker.
Leave rinds on for added flavor, saltiness and contrast.
The outer cheese rind can provide a nice texture contrast to the cracker.
Serve at room temperature so flavors are rounded and aromatic.
Let refrigerated cheese warm up for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Provide a cheese knife for spreading soft cheeses.
A spreader makes it easy to get the right amount of soft cheese like brie on crackers.
Pair with cured meats, nuts, or dried fruit for textural interest.
Prosciutto, salami, pistachios, figs or apricots complement cheese and crackers.
Offer a cheese board with multiple varieties to suit different tastes.
Provide strong, mild, soft and hard cheeses so guests have options.
Best Cheeses to Pair with Saltine Crackers
Based on their dry, firm texture and robust flavor, here are some of the best cheeses to enjoy with salty saltine crackers:
Aged Cheddar
Sharp cheddar has concentrated flavor that balances the crackers’ saltiness. Its firm texture contrasts nicely.
Gruyere
Nutty, slightly fruity gruyere has a hard texture and strong flavor to complement the crackers.
Parmesan
Crumbly, crunchy parmesan with its savory umami taste and granular texture is delicious with crackers.
Manchego
Spanish manchego has a pleasing sheep’s milk tang and comes in varied aging levels to suit different saltiness preferences.
Aged Gouda
Gouda’s caramel notes shine through the crackers’ saltiness. Aged gouda is drier and more crumbly than young gouda.
Blue Cheese
The bold flavor and crumbly texture of blue cheeses pair perfectly with the crunchy crackers.
Asiago
The firm texture and sharp, nutty flavor of aged Asiago cheese can stand up to saltine crackers.
Feta
Salty feta complements the cracker saltiness. Its crumbles provide nice contrasting texture.
Pecorino
Sharp pecorino cheese made from sheep’s milk has enough flavor intensity to balance saltine crackers.
Cheeses to Avoid with Saltines
On the flip side, the following moist, mild cheeses tend to get overpowered and clash texture-wise with salty crackers:
Brie
Smooth, creamy brie is too soft and mild-tasting for the bold crackers.
Camembert
Like brie, supple camembert lacks the flavor and texture for saltines.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, but too moist and delicate for crackers.
Ricotta
The creamy, fresh taste of ricotta cannot contend with the intense saltiness.
Burrata
Ultra-creamy, soft burrata falls apart on crackers and lacks sharpness.
Cottage Cheese
The curds of cottage cheese have a mushy texture and milky flavor lost alongside crackers.
Mascarpone
Sweet, rich mascarpone overpowers and slides off the crackers.
Young Gouda
Gouda needs aging to develop the flavor to complement crackers. Young gouda is too mild.
Fresh Goat Cheese
Mild fresh goat cheese lacks the tang and firmness for the saltines.
Cracker Alternatives to Enjoy Mild Cheeses
While they may not pair well with saltines, mild fresh cheeses still deserve to be enjoyed! They go beautifully with some other crackers and breads:
Buttery Crackers
The rich taste of butter crackers highlights subtle cheese flavors.
Water Crackers
Their airy, absorbent texture balances soft cheese without overpowering.
Baguette
The French bread has a light crunch to contrast creamy cheese.
Flatbread
The pillowy softness complements moist cheeses.
Pita Chips
Sturdy enough for scooping cheese but not too salty.
Crostini
Crisp, olive oil-brushed bread slices allow cheese to melt deliciously.
Conclusion
While all cheese and crackers provide tasty snack options, dry, firm, sharp cheeses with robust flavors tend to complement the intense saltiness of saltine crackers best. Moist, fresh, mild cheeses often get overpowered. But by selecting the right cheese variety and serving it thoughtfully sliced or crumbled, you can create a perfect salty-crunchy-creamy bite.