7 Best Crackers For Caviar [Updated 2023]
If you’ve treated yourself to some caviar, you will want to make sure that you’re serving it on the best type of crackers you can find.
Whether you’re including caviar as part of a gourmet appetizer, or enjoying it as a treat with a loved one, choosing the right crackers is essential to enjoy caviar at its best.
But how do you choose the right crackers for caviar? The best crackers for caviar are thin, light, yet sturdy enough to hold the caviar securely. Caviar should be served on lightly salted crackers, or paired with a cracker with a complementing flavor profile. Popular choices include Carr’s Water Crackers, RITZ crackers, and Red Oval Farms Stoned Wheat Thins.
So, if you’re new to the world of caviar, or want to try something new, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the best crackers for caviar!
What Is Caviar?
Caviar is a delicacy that many people have never tried, as it can often be prohibitively expensive!
However, a little bit of caviar goes a very long way, so if you can stretch to buying a small amount it is a treat that will please even the fussiest dinner party guest.
But what exactly is caviar? Caviar is the eggs of a type of fish called sturgeon. Although all female fish can lay eggs, it is only the eggs of the sturgeon that are called caviar.
The eggs from other fish, such as salmon and trout, are called roe. If you can’t stretch to caviar, then roe is a more affordable option.
In terms of appearance, caviar consists of minuscule balls that are deep black in color. These balls have a moist exterior, and they pop in the mouth and release an intense flavor when eaten.
There are three types, or grades, of caviar:
1. Beluga Caviar
This is the most expensive type of caviar and is highly sought after for its intense flavor and after-taste. Beluga caviar is very rare and the production of this delicacy is highly regulated.
Beluga caviar has large pea-sized roe that are light gray in color. The flavor is butter, creamy, and nutty, and is said to be the finest caviar of all.
2. Ossetra Caviar
Ossetra caviar has deep bronze-gold roe which is similar in flavor to the beluga, but slightly brinier. It is a mid-range caviar, more expensive than Sevruga but cheaper than Beluga.
3. Sevruga Caviar
Sevruga caviar is the most affordable option, but this does not mean it is any less flavorsome than the more expensive types of caviar. The roe of sevruga caviar are small and clear, with a smooth, buttery flavor.
Caviar is normally sold as a tinned, preserved product. The high cost of this product means that it is sold in very small portions, in tins as small as 30 grams.
Expect to pay a minimum of $50 for a tin of caviar, or if you’re feeling extravagant you can pay ten times as much for a premium Beluga caviar!
How To Serve Caviar
OK, so you’ve splashed out on a tin of caviar, what next? Well, to enjoy caviar at its best, it needs to be served correctly!
Some people like to eat caviar straight, using a spoon to savor it one small mouthful at a time. Eaten in this way, the flavor of caviar will be intense and highly concentrated.
However, to make more of a meal out of your caviar, it is a good idea to serve it with some accompaniments.
There is little danger of overwhelming the flavor of caviar, but it is best enjoyed with flavors that are mild and relatively simple.
Crisp toast or cold-boiled potatoes are both good options for serving with caviar, but the preferred option by far is the humble cracker!
A simple cracker is the perfect vessel to carry your caviar and means you can enjoy every single mouthful of caviar without wasting a drop.
How To Choose The Best Crackers For Caviar
There is such a wide variety of crackers for caviar available that sometimes it becomes overwhelming to choose one for your specific tastes.
Whether you prefer your crackers light and delicately salted, or dense and full-flavored, there really is a huge range to choose from!
If you are on the hunt for the best crackers for caviar, here is what you should take into consideration:
Type Of Cracker
There is a huge number of cracker types available, and fans of caviar will all have their favorite way to serve this delicate snack. But if you’ve never tried caviar before, how do you choose the right one for you?
For first-time caviar eaters, we’d suggest that you keep it simple and stick to a lightly salted plain cracker. Once you’ve got a taste for caviar, you can get a bit more adventurous and start to mix it up a bit.
Other types of crackers that pair well with caviar include wholegrain crackers or those with a seeded coating. The nutty flavor of these crackers perfectly complements the taste of caviar.
For something different, sourdough crackers with caviar are an interesting combination. If you’re serving caviar as an appetizer, try using a range of crackers in different colors and types to create a striking visual display.
Flavorings
Caviar is an intensely flavorsome snack; in fact, caviar experts say they can detect up to 15 different taste sensations in a single serving of caviar!
With food that is packed full of taste, it is vital to avoid anything that might cause a clash of flavors. Steer clear of stronger flavored crackers such as cheese, garlic, or any spiciness.
Most of the time, a simple lightly-salted cracker will work perfectly with the briny flavor of caviar. If you want to add an extra element of flavoring, look for crackers with a similar flavor profile such as olive or nuts.
Texture
One of the delights of caviar is the incredible texture sensation that happens in your mouth when you eat it. Caviar should be rolled around the mouth, and as every individual egg pops you will get a hit of flavor!
The texture of your cracker can greatly alter this sensation, so it is vital to choose crackers with the right texture. Caviar connoisseurs prefer crackers that are light and crisp and tend to avoid denser and more chewy crackers.
The 7 Best Crackers For Caviar
From a simple lightly salted cracker to a gourmet artisan bake, there are so many crackers for caviar to choose from! Below are our top picks for the 7 best crackers for caviar.
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Carr's Table Water Crackers | A simple yet classic lightly salted thin cracker that works perfectly with all types of caviar |
2. | Red Oval Farms Stoned Wheat Thins | Thin yet full-flavored wheat crackers, perfect for canapes |
3. | RITZ Original Crackers | Salty, crunchy, and perfect for serving with caviar and a spoonful of sour cream |
4. | Crunch Master 5 Seed Multi-Grain Cracker with Olive Oil | Delicately seeded rice crackers baked in an elegant hexagonal shape |
5. | Triscuit Dill, Sea Salt & Olive Oil Whole Grain Wheat Crackers | Seasoned with dill, which is the ideal herby accompaniment to caviar |
6. | RW Garcia Artisan Sweet Beet Crackers | Earthy and nutty, with a distinctive deep red color |
7. | Asturi Black & Green Olive Bruschettini | Subtle notes of olive on crisp toast, ideal for bringing out the flavor profile of caviar |
1. Carr’s Table Water Crackers
A cracker for caviar doesn’t need to be fancy, as this delicacy should speak for itself!
That is why Carr’s Table Water Crackers come top of our list today, as they are elegant, classic, and perfect for allowing the flavor profile of caviar to shine.
Carr’s water crackers have been a caviar favorite for a very long time and you really can’t go wrong. They are also fairly easy to find, however, I often just order mine on Amazon for the convenience (link above).
2. Red Oval Farms Stoned Wheat Thins
Wheat crackers are often too chunky and robust for caviar.
However, this delicate selection from Red Oval Farms is perfect for making dainty canapes and bite-size nibbles.
I personally love the texture of these crackers and because the flavor is fairly mild it allows the caviar flavor to be at the forefront of your palette.
3. RITZ Original Crackers
RITZ crackers are slightly saltier and thicker than our top pick and work well if you like a dollop of sour cream alongside your caviar.
I always have Ritz in my house because my kids love them so much, and so on occasion, I’ll use them for Caviar, however, they aren’t my first go-to cracker for caviar.
4. Crunch Master 5 Seed Multi-Grain Cracker with Olive Oil
The blend of five seeds in these crackers creates a delicious nutty flavor, ideal for all types of caviar.
They have a perfectly subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the flavor of the caviar.
5. Triscuit Dill, Sea Salt & Olive Oil Whole Grain Wheat Crackers
Dill is used as a seasoning for many fish and seafood dishes, and these herby crackers are ideal for creating a gourmet canape selection.
6. RW Garcia Artisan Sweet Beet Crackers
Many people wouldn’t consider serving caviar on sweet crackers, but the rich, earthy, nutty flavors of these artisan beet bakes are ideal for caviar.
The distinctive red color also looks incredible on a buffet table display!
7. Asturi Black & Green Olive Bruschettini
The taste of olives is one of the many flavors often attributed to caviar.
So naturally, pairing this delicacy with olive bruschettini toasts is a great way to enhance the amazing qualities of caviar!
If you’re interested in learning more about how caviar is produced, here’s a great video on the subject!