Crackers and soup are a classic pairing, but can you actually put the crackers in the soup itself? The quick answer is yes, you can put crackers in soup. However, whether you should add crackers directly to soup depends on the type of cracker and soup. There are also some tips for getting the best results when adding crackers to soup.
Can all types of crackers go in soup?
Not all crackers are well-suited for adding directly to soup. Crackers come in a wide variety of textures, from soft and chewy to crispy and crunchy. The best crackers to put in soup are those that can stand up to moisture and heat without becoming a mushy mess.
Some examples of good crackers to add to soup include:
- Oyster crackers – These small, round crackers are specifically made for soup. They have a subtle flavor and hold their shape and crunch.
- Water crackers – Sturdy water crackers add texture and bite to hearty soups and stews.
- Croutons – Cubed bread croutons provide crunch and soak up broth nicely.
- Pretzel croutons or sticks – Mini pretzel pieces or sticks add salty crunch without getting soggy.
Crackers that are best avoided when adding directly to soup include:
- Saltine crackers – Saltines and similar soda crackers tend to fall apart and dissolve quickly in soup.
- Graham crackers – These are too sweet and soft to hold up well in soups.
- Flaky crackers – The layers in crackers like Ritz tend to separate and disintegrate when immersed in liquid.
- Oily crackers – Crackers with oil or butter, like Ritz or Town House, can create an unappetizing greasy layer on top of soup.
What types of soup work well with added crackers?
Heartier soups and stews that are broth-based or have chunks of vegetables, beans, meat, or grains are best for adding crackers. Some specific soups that crackers complement nicely include:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Vegetable soup
- Minestrone
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Clam chowder
- Broccoli cheddar soup
Cream-based soups can be too thick and heavy for adding most crackers. Very smooth pureed soups also don’t have enough texture and body for crackers to add much. Clear broth soups can work with very lightweight croutons or oyster crackers.
When should you add crackers to soup?
For best results, wait to add crackers to soup until right before eating. If crackers sit in hot soup for too long they will eventually get saturated and lose their crunch. Add crackers just before serving so they retain their texture.
If the soup will be refrigerated and eaten as leftovers, store crackers separately and add them only when reheating individual portions. Otherwise the crackers left in the soup will turn soft and mushy.
How to add crackers to soup
There are a couple methods for adding crackers to soup:
- Add crackers to the bowl first – Place crackers in the bottom of the bowl before ladling hot soup over top. This helps keep some of the crackers above the broth line so they stay crispy.
- Add crackers on top – Ladle soup into bowls first, then sprinkle crackers over the top. This prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
- Mix crackers into the pot – For soups with lots of chunks like chili or stew, you can mix oyster crackers, croutons, or other sturdy crackers right into the pot. Stir gently to distribute evenly and submerge in the liquid.
Avoid dumping a pile of crackers in the bottom of the soup bowl, as they’ll end up a gummy mess on the bottom underneath all the soup. Sprinkle them evenly across the top or mix gently through the soup instead.
Cracker soup pairings
Certain crackers complement different soup styles and ingredients nicely. Here are some recommended cracker and soup pairings:
Soup | Recommended Crackers |
---|---|
Chicken Noodle Soup | Oyster crackers, croutons, snipped herb crackers |
Vegetable Soup | Multi-grain crackers, whole wheat crackers, croutons |
Tomato Soup | Oyster crackers, cheese crackers |
Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Cheese crackers, croutons, pretzel sticks |
Beef Stew | Oyster crackers, pita chips, croutons |
Clam Chowder | Oyster crackers, saltines, water crackers |
Minestrone | Garlic croutons, breadsticks, flatbread crackers |
Chili | Oyster crackers, tortilla chips, cornbread croutons |
Cracker soup recipes
Here are some delicious soup recipes that are perfect for adding crackers:
Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken and broth to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the pot and add the onions, carrots, celery and egg noodles.
- Cook over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve piping hot with oyster crackers.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- dash cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- In a large pot, saute onions in butter until translucent.
- Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook 2 minutes.
- Whisk in chicken broth and stir until thickened.
- Add broccoli, carrots, cheddar, salt and cayenne.
- Simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Top with oyster crackers, croutons or cheese crackers.
Shortcut Minestrone Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp basil
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in oil for 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, beans and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
- Serve with parmesan cheese and crackers on top.
Conclusion
Adding crackers to soup can provide texture and a burst of flavor. Sturdy crackers like oyster, cheese, croutons, and pretzels hold up best when mixed directly into soups and stews. Save more delicate crackers to add just before eating or crush them on top as a garnish. Match the cracker style to the soup, and avoid soggy crackers by adding them at the end. With the right crackers and preparation, you can put crackers in your soup for a satisfying crunch in every spoonful.