Dairy Farmers of Canada

Cheese, Cracker And Topping Pairings

Cheese and crackers are a classic combination with endless variations. Grab your favourite cheeses made with high-quality Canadian milk and get creative. Spruce up a timeless combination with delicious toppings and serve as an impressive appetizer. David Beaudoin, a Canadian cheese ambassador, curated these tasty combinations.

By David Beaudoin, The Canadian Cheese Ambassador of Dairy Farmers of Canada
  • Prep: 10 minutes
Yields 45 g to 250 g per person, depending on when it's served
HOLIDAY-CRACKER-CHEESE-PAIRING

Ingredients

  • Paring 1: Fresh Spreadable Canadian cheese with Pretzel and Prosciutto
  • Fresh Canadian Spreadable Cheese
  • Pretzels
  • Prosciutto
  • Pairing 2: Canadian Brie with Nut and Fruit Cracker and Strawberries
  • Canadian Brie Cheese
  • Strawberries
  • Nut and Fruit Crackers
  • Pairing 3: Canadian Alpine Cheese with Roasted Pecans and Fresh Basil
  • Canadian Alpine Cheese
  • Roasted Pecans
  • Fresh Basil
  • Pairing 4: Canadian Blue Cheese with Fresh Apples and Honey
  • Canadian Blue Cheese
  • Honey
  • Fresh Apple Slices
  • Pairing 5: Canadian Smoked Gouda with Dark Chocolate and Roasted Almonds
  • Canadian Smoked Gouda
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Roasted Almonds
Placeholder alt

READY FOR REWARDS?

Sign up for our new More Goodness program for exclusive offers, recipes, contests and more.

SUBSCRIBE

Preparation

Cheese and crackers are a classic snack - easily elevated and customized for an effortless appetizer. Similar to how you might pair wine with cheese, there is an art to choosing the right toppings to compliment your cheeses. Our ultimate pairing combinations, curated by our cheese ambassador, David Beaudoin, will help you craft an impressive cheese spread. The key to crafting the perfect cheese and cracker pairing is straightforward: it revolves around the cheese. For cheeses made with 100% Canadian milk, remember to opt for cheeses with the Quality Milk Logo!

Paring 1: Fresh Spreadable Canadian cheese with Pretzel and Prosciutto

Lay your pretzel on a serving platter

Add a slice of prosciutto

Top with a generous spread of fresh spreadable Canadian cheese of your choice

Pairing 2: Canadian Brie with Nut and Fruit Cracker and Strawberries

Lay your nut and fruit cracker on a serving platter

Add a thick slice of Canadian brie cheese

Top with slices of fresh strawberries

Pairing 3: Canadian Alpine Cheese with Roasted Pecans and Fresh Basil

Cut a thick slice of Canadian Alpine Cheese

Lay a leaf or two of of fresh basil on top of the cheese

Top with roasted pecans

Pairing 4: Canadian Blue Cheese with Fresh Apples and Honey

Lay a fresh slice of apple on a serving platter

Top with a generous portion of Canadian Blue Cheese

Drizzle with honey

Pairing 5: Canadian Smoked Gouda with Dark Chocolate and Roasted Almonds

Cut a thick slice of Canadian Smoked Gouda

Top with a piece of decadent dark chocolate

Top with roasted almonds

Tips

  • For a tasting that’s only cheese, crackers and fruit, anticipate 250 g of cheese per person. When being served as an appetizer, plan 90 to 100 g per person. If the cheese is served after dinner, allow for 45 to 60 g per person.
  • You can also make your charcuterie board extra festive with decorative mini-lights, mini-ornaments, or holly/ivy. Make sure to take the cheeses out of the refrigerator at least 45 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. Happy holidays!

Learn more about