What’s Better with Cheese: Bread or Crackers?

Aged cheeses hold their own when matched with hearty bread or crackers made with seeds, whole grains, or rye flour—think bandaged cheddar with flax-and-poppyseed crisps.

Mild and fresh cheeses do well with delicately flavored bread or crackers. For example, try chèvre or fromage blanc with rosemary flatbread or olive focaccia.

For feta and other salty cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, choose a cracker or bread sans extra salt.

Stinky, washed-rind cheeses sing with fruit- or nut-studded breads and crackers.

The answer is both, neither, or either. It’s a matter of taste and occasion. Here are a few guidelines to consider when pairing bread or crackers with fromage:

Also, remember the decision is affected by the other accompaniments on offer, such as preserves, fruit, and savory toppings. Still unsure? Stick with a plain (non-sourdough) baguette or water crackers—or better yet, experiment and make your own rules.