39 Across

NYT Daily ? September 15, 2025

Cracker often eaten with chowder

Answer:

SALTINE

Hint:

This thin, square snack gets its name from the topping that gives it a distinctively sharp flavor. You might reach for one when your soup is too rich.

Explanation:

This clue points to a thin, crisp cracker commonly paired with soups like chowder. "Saltine" fits because it’s a well-known brand of soda cracker that’s lightly salted, making it a classic match for creamy or broth-based dishes. The word "cracker" in the clue is straightforward, while "often eaten with chowder" narrows it down to this specific type. No wordplay here—just a direct reference to a popular snack.

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General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints