Elevate Your Summer Sausage: The Best Crackers for Snack Platters

Summer sausage and cheese platters are a classic crowd-pleasing snack. But the right crackers can take your summer sausage to the next level. With so many options from bland and basic to artisanal and adventurous, which crackers truly complement and enhance summer sausage best?

As a busy mom who loves throwing together impromptu snacks for my family and friends, I’ve experimented with many cracker and summer sausage combinations over the years. In this article, I’ll share my favorites to elevate your summer sausage pairings and platters.

Balancing Flavors is Key

The first step in choosing the ideal cracker is considering how it will balance and complement the robust flavor of summer sausage. You want a cracker sturdy enough not to get overwhelmed But too bland or neutral risks the cracker distracting from that smoky sausage goodness.

I like to pick crackers with a subtle complexity from whole grains or savory seeds. They highlight the sausage’s flavor without competing. Artisanal crackers often fit the bill nicely here.

My Go-To: Nutty Whole Grain Crackers

For me, nutty whole grain crackers are a match made in summer sausage heaven. Brands like 34 Degrees, Rustic Bakery, and Potter’s make thin crispy crackers with a rich nuttiness from whole wheat flour, rolled oats and touches of seeds

These crackers have an earthiness that echoes the deep smoky essence of summer sausage. The nutty flavor also pairs beautifully with aged cheddars and Swiss. I like to arrange summer sausage slices between crackers for an impromptu sandwich.

Whole grain crackers also supply more nutrients and fiber than basic white flour crackers. That makes me feel a little less guilty about our occasional summer sausage binges!

Classic Options: Subtle Crunch Without Distraction

Sometimes you just can’t beat the simple perfection of a classic cracker with summer sausage. Brands like Nabisco Premium, Keebler Townhouse, and Sunshine Cheez-It offer nostalgic flavors many love.

Saltine and oyster crackers have a light salty taste that lets the summer sausage shine. Stone ground wheat crackers like Wheat Thins add subtle toasted notes without overpowering. And Cheez-Its lend a comforting cheesy richness that enhances sausage and cheese pairings.

These classic crackers may seem basic, but their mild flavor allows the star ingredients of sausage and cheese to take center stage while providing a neutral crunchy base. Their simplicity just works beautifully.

Seeking Adventure: Unexpected Crackers to Try

Feeling adventurous? Some surprising crackers pair remarkably well with summer sausage by playing on contrasting textures and flavors. Here are a few unexpected yet delectable pairings to try:

• Pretzel crackers – The crunchy salty pretzel taste plays nicely against the sausage.

• Olive oil crackers – Light and crisp with a fruity olive oil flavor to balance the richness.

• Rosemary crackers – Herbaceous notes pair nicely with the sausage’s earthiness.

• Whole wheat flatbread crackers – Hearty flatbread creates a nice base for sausage and cheese slices.

• Flavored sweet crackers – For instance, guava or coconut flavors complement pungent cheeses.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder crackers to liven up your sampler platter!

Gluten-Free: Crackers for Special Diets

If you or your guests follow a gluten-free or low-carb diet, there are still plenty of tasty cracker options to accompany your summer sausage. Some of my favorites include:

• Mary’s Gone Crackers – Nutty, gluten-free crackers made from whole grain rice, seeds and beans.

• Flackers – Flax seed crackers packed with nutrients and fiber.

• Blue Diamond Nut Thins – With almonds as the main ingredient, they’re packed with protein.

• Veggie crackers – Brands like Garden Veggie Snacks make crackers from vegetables and seeds.

With so many specialty diet crackers now available, you can craft a summer sausage platter that suits any preference.

Craft Your Own Charcuterie Masterpiece

While the crackers are important, don’t forget the cheese! I like to offer 2-3 varieties of cheese along with cured meats like salami or prosciutto. Fresh fruits, nuts and olives can round out your charcuterie board.

With an array of crackers, cheese, meats and other accoutrements artfully arranged, your summer sausage platter becomes a true appetizer masterpiece. Just beware – your beautiful charcuterie board may disappear faster than you expect!

The next time you break out the summer sausage, avoid boring crackers that blend into the background. With an artful selection of crackers that draw out and highlight that smoky sausage flavor, you can craft a sophisticated snack platter suited for your most discerning guests.