There is nothing quite like some good food and a cold beer to end a long day, unwind, and relax.
Who doesn’t love cracking open a cold beer after a long day at work or on a hot summer day? But let’s take that love for a beer one step further by pairing it with some delicious foods.
But, when it comes to pairing the perfect food with the perfect beer, many people get lost in the sauce. Luckily, we’re here to help!
In this blog, we’ll be sharing some of the best food to pair with beer. We’ve put together a list that is informative, helpful, inviting and incredibly creative, guaranteed to make your next beer and food pairing a success.
Whether you’re a foodie or a beer enthusiast, you’ll find something that tickles your taste buds. So, let’s dive in!
Best Food to Pair with Beer
1. Burgers and IPA
If you’re a beer and burger lover, this pairing is for you. The perfect beer to pair with a juicy burger is an IPA (India Pale Ale).
The hoppy bitterness of the IPA cuts through the rich, juicy flavor of the burger while complimenting the flavors of the toppings.
2. Grilled Steak and Brown Ale
A classic steak and ale pairing, any kind of grilled meat, especially steak, pairs perfectly with a brown ale.
The roasted malts in brown ale add a depth of flavor to the meat, while the beer’s subtle sweetness and nuttiness also complement the steak.
3. Spicy Food and Wheat Beer pairing
If you’re someone who likes it spicy, then opt for a wheat beer or hefeweizen instead of a pilsner or lager.
The spices in your favorite curry, wing sauce or anything spicy will be balanced by the refreshing wheat beer; take the heat off your tongue a bit as it cools your taste buds.
4. Fish Tacos and Pilsner
Fish tacos and pilsner make a match made in heaven. The light and refreshing taste of the beer complements the fish’s delicate flavors and the tacos’ citrusy flavors.
A pilsner is also a great beer to pair with other seafood and shellfish.
Discover More: Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
5. Cheese and Stout
Stout is a rich and creamy beer, and what better to pair it with than some rich, creamy cheese.
The slightly bitter finish of a stout not only gives a nice contrast to the fattiness of the cheese. Instead, it balances the flavors with the cheese.
6. Spicy Foods with IPA
There’s something about spicy food that pairs well with beer, particularly IPA. The heat of the spices complements the strong hop flavors of the IPA.
One great option is pairing spicy chicken wings with an IPA. The bitterness of the IPA balances out the spiciness of the wings.
Moreover, a cold beer will help extinguish the fire of the heat in your mouth.
7. BBQ with Lager
Beer and BBQ are the perfect combination. A lager, with its crisp and refreshing taste, is a great pairing with barbecue chicken and ribs.
It also helps cut through the richness of the barbecue sauce. Another great pairing would be to pair a pilsner with a smoked brisket.
This beer is light enough to balance the flavor combination without overpowering the taste of the meat.
8. Seafood with Wheat Beer
Seafood lovers can elevate their experience by pairing their favorite dish with a wheat beer.
The light wheat beer pairs well with the flavors of fresh seafood such as shrimp, lobster and crab legs.
The pairing balances out the umami flavors of the seafood with the delicate sweetness of the beer, resulting in a complex yet harmonious flavor.
Explore More: Best Drinks Must pair with Seafood Boil
9. Chocolates with Stout
A full-bodied stout can pair beautifully with rich chocolate desserts. The creamy chocolate complements the roasted and nutty flavors of the beer.
Additionally, coffee or vanilla-flavored stouts can elevate the taste of chocolate even more.
So, next time you’re enjoying a chocolate dessert, try sipping a stout along with it for a memorable experience.
10. Cheese and Ale Pairing
Cheese and beer are an excellent combination. Strong ales, like barley wines or Belgian strong ales, pair perfectly with a variety of cheeses.
The complex flavors of the beer are a perfect match for the sharp and pungent flavors of the cheese. Some popular pairings include strong Belgian ales with blue cheese and barley wine with aged cheddar.
What snacks pair with beer?
A classic favorite is pretzels and mustard, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Try adding some spicier choices, such as spicy nuts, chili lime popcorn, or queso dip.
For sweet treats, try pairing your beer with cookies, brownies, or doughnuts. And you can’t forget the savory snacks like potato chips, popcorn shrimp and Buffalo chicken wings!
With so many delicious options to pick from, you can’t go wrong when it comes to pairing snacks with your favorite beer. So, grab a cold one and get snacking!
For even more creative snack pairings for beer, consider trying some international flavors. Go for an Asian flavor by mixing a variety of flavorful sauces like soy sauce and sriracha with some edamame or egg rolls.
Or why not try a Latin American flavor with empanadas, tamales, or even fried plantains?
So next time you’re enjoying an ice-cold brewski, don’t forget the snacks! With so many amazing options out there, your beer and snack pairing will be the life of the party! Cheers!
What is the healthiest food to eat with beer?
The healthiest food to eat with beer is typically fresh, whole foods. Examples include nuts and seeds, raw vegetables like celery, carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers, fresh fruits like apples, pears and oranges, lean proteins such as grilled poultry or fish, and whole grain crackers or bread.
Eating these types of foods can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream while providing essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.
Additionally, drinking plenty of water between each beer will help you remain hydrated and reduce the negative impacts of alcohol on your body.
Enjoying a balanced meal before consuming alcoholic beverages is also an excellent way to promote better overall health.
What sandwich goes with beer?
1. Reuben Sandwich
An iconic American favorite, the classic Reuben sandwich pairs perfectly with beer.
This delicious sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing served on toasted rye bread – all of which beautifully complement the nutty and earthy flavors of a cold beer.
2. Fish Tacos
For a light and fresh option that still works well with a cold beer, try fish tacos.
The spicy flavor of the fish is nicely balanced by crisp cabbage slaw and cooling sour cream or crema sauce, while the crunchy corn tortillas provide an exciting texture contrast to the crispness of a beer.
3. Pulled Pork Sandwich
A pulled pork sandwich is always a welcome accompaniment to beers.
The rich and savory flavor of slow-cooked pork pairs nicely with bolder craft brews, while its juicy texture keeps you wanting more as you sip your favorite beverage.
Topping off this dish with some tangy coleslaw adds another layer of flavor that will make your meal even more enjoyable.
4. Banh Mi
For those looking for something exotic to pair with their lager or IPA, banh mi sandwiches are the perfect choice!
Traditional Vietnamese street food made from grilled pork or chicken cutlets, pickled carrots and daikon radish, cucumber slices, cilantro, jalapenos and mayonnaise, all served on a French baguette – these flavors come together in harmony when consumed alongside a cold brewski.
5. Grilled Cheese
You can’t go wrong when it comes to pairing beer with grilled cheese sandwiches!
Whether you prefer your bread grilled golden brown in butter or oil and filled with oozing melted cheese such as cheddar or Swiss – crispy bacon pieces are also wonderful additions – this could very well be one of your go-to comfort food combinations for any day of the week!
Find Out More: Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Kalua Pork Sandwiches
craft beer food pairing
Craft beer is an ever-evolving and ever-growing part of the culinary world, allowing for unique and creative pairings. Here are five of the best foods to go with your craft beer:
1. Cheese
Cheese is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to food pairings with craft beer.
From a tangy cheddar to a creamy brie, there’s something for everyone when it comes to enjoying both beer and cheese together.
The sharpness of the cheese will contrast nicely with the fruitiness of certain beers, creating a very balanced flavor profile that highlights both ingredients equally.
2. Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards are growing in popularity due to their ability to be served as a light meal or a heavy appetizer.
Salami, cured meats, crackers, mustard and other accompaniments can really bring out the flavors of lighter craft beers such as Belgian Witbier or go.
Not only does this combination make for an aesthetically pleasing plate, but it also offers a range of flavors that complement each other perfectly.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide an interesting crunch factor when paired with craft beers like IPAs or pale ales—so if you’re looking for something salty and savory alongside your favorite brew, this is definitely worth trying!
Cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds and more can add texture as well as fat content, which helps balance out hoppy beers that may be too bitter on their own.
4. Seafood Dishes
If you’re looking for something light yet flavorful to enjoy alongside your craft beer selection, seafood dishes are definitely worth exploring!
Shrimp tacos or grilled salmon pair especially well with wheat ales flaunting citrusy notes or any kind of Belgian ale due to their medium body and complexity in flavor profiles.
These combinations will create dynamic taste experiences that will leave you wanting more!
5. Fruits & Berries
Sweet fruits like apricots or strawberries can provide a refreshing contrast against some darker craft beers such as Stouts or Porters — while tart options like raspberries can help cleanse your palate after sipping on hoppier ales!
So, no matter what kind of beer you’re drinking, don’t forget about how delicious fresh fruit and berries can be when pairing them together.
double ipa food pairing
Double IPAs are traditionally known for their intense hop-forward flavor, making them ideal for pairing with food that can hold up to the robustness of the beer. Here are five of the best foods you can enjoy with a double IPA:
1. Spicy Dishes
The bitterness and maltiness of a double IPA pair exceptionally well with spicy flavors like Thai curries, Buffalo wings, and Mexican dishes.
The alcohol content also helps to cut through some of the heat, offering a refreshing balance.
2. Burgers
The boldness of a double IPA holds up well against all the flavors found in an umami-packed burger, whether beef or vegetarian.
To complete this classic pairing, try adding grilled onions and peppers to your burger for an extra boost of flavor.
3. Barbecue
Double IPAs stand up to all kinds of barbecue, from pulled pork sandwiches to open pit ribs and brisket. Balance out the smoky sweetness with a glass of hoppy brew for a one-of-a-kind meal experience.
4. Hearty Salads
A hearty salad full of strong ingredients like roasted beets, feta cheese, and olives is perfect for pairing with a flavorful double IPA.
The beer will bring out earthy notes in the vegetables while its hop bitterness will provide contrast against creamier ingredients like goat cheese or hard-boiled eggs.
5. Soft Cheese
Double IPAs can offer an exquisite experience when paired with soft cheeses, including Brie and Camembert, which have distinct aromas and creamy textures.
This combination helps neutralize some of the maltiness found in many IPAs while bringing out subtle notes in both flavors at once.
Wrap Up
Beer pairing is an art that can elevate your meal to the next level. By pairing the right beer with the right food, both the flavors are enhanced, and the overall experience is enhanced.
I hope that my guide has been helpful and inviting by sharing some of the best food to pair with beer.
Experiment and see what pairs well with each other as per your taste buds once you take the help of this guide. So, crack open a cold one, fire up the grill or stove, and bon appetit!
FAQs
What doesn’t go well with beer?
While beer may pair well with many types of food, there are some foods that don’t go so well with it. These include strongly flavored or spicy dishes, as well as very sweet desserts.
Additionally, acidic foods like lemons and limes can be too overpowering when paired with a light-tasting beer.
Fried foods such as battered fish and chips can also distract from the flavor of the beer itself.
Finally, any type of fatty food (especially greasy meals) should be avoided when pairing your food with beer – the combination could lead to an unpleasant stomachache!
Beer is a great beverage to enjoy with friends, but there are some things that don’t mix well when it comes to beer.
Beer should not be mixed with any kind of hard liquor, as this can lead to very dangerous consequences.
Additionally, you should avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking certain medications or suffer from any type of medical condition.
Beer also doesn’t pair well with highly caffeinated drinks like energy drinks or soda; instead, opt for lighter alternatives such as sparkling water or tea.
Lastly, try to refrain from mixing beer with sugary foods and drinks since this can significantly increase the amount of calories you consume in one sitting.
Enjoying beer responsibly is important for staying healthy and safe!
What are the golden rules of beer and food pairing?
1. Balance
Whenever possible, try to match the intensity of flavors between your beer and food. A light beer with a light dish or a hoppy beer with a spicy dish can help bring out subtle nuances in both.
2. Complementary Flavors
Look for pairings that draw upon similar flavor profiles for the best results. This could mean pairing a malty porter with chocolate desserts to highlight their sweetness or matching an IPA with aged cheeses to emphasize their bitterness.
3. Contrasting Flavors
Opposites attract when it comes to beer and food pairings! Try contrasting flavors such as sweet/sour, bitter/sweet, crisp/creamy, etc., to create an interplay between the food and beer.
4. Consider Texture
The texture of both the food and beer is important to consider when matching flavors.
A thick, creamy stout is a great choice for richer dishes like stew or steak, while a light wheat beer can be perfect with lighter foods such as salads or seafood.
5. Experiment
Above all else, don’t be afraid to experiment and find out what works best!
Try different combinations until you find something that takes your taste buds on a delicious journey. With so many styles of beers and types of food out there, the possibilities are endless!
**Note: This article has been written to provide a general overview of beer and food pairing. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice or guidance. Always consult a qualified expert before attempting any pairing, and always drink responsibly. Cheers!
What are the 3 C’s of beer pairing?
The three C’s of beer pairing are Complementarity, Contrast, and Compatibility.
Complementarity describes the idea that when two components of a dish or drink are similar in flavor, they can work together to create a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
For example, pairing a light beer with grilled fish can enhance the natural flavors of both elements.
Contrast is another element of beer pairing that involves matching beers and dishes that have contrasting characteristics. By showcasing different qualities in the same dish, the experience becomes more interesting.
An example would be matching a hoppy IPA with a creamy dessert such as ice cream – the bitter hops from the beer bring out the sweetness of the dessert and provide an unexpected balance between sweet and savory.
Finally, Compatibility focuses on choosing beers and dishes that share similar flavors. This is done to create harmony between two components that already have some similarities in terms of the taste profile.
A great example is pairing nutty brown ale with smoked meats like brisket – both contain notes of caramelized sugar and wood smoke, which combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
