7 Foods to Pair

with Craft Beer

We often hear about the benefits of pairing wine with certain meals, but not beer. Recent data indicates there are more than 5,300 American brewers today with more and more breweries opening every year. Whether you’re having a large party or a just few friends over, pairing the perfect dish with the right craft beer can make both more enjoyable. Are you looking for food that goes with beer? Check out these seven craft beer food pairing options from us at Pottery Barn to try at your next party.

1. Lobster and avocado salad with wheat beer

Usually whitish yellow, wheat beer contains a substantially larger amount of wheat than other beers. This is why wheat beers tend to be lighter, fruitier and easier to drink. Serving lobster and avocado salad with a wheat beer helps bring out the flavors of each - especially when the beer is served in an appropriate beer glass and garnished with a lemon or orange slice. The wheat beer’s smooth finish will be nicely complemented by the creamy taste of the salad. Also, the vinegars in the salad will help unlock the wheat beer’s full fruitiness. If you’re looking for a food pairing with beer that your guests won’t soon forget, give this combination a whirl.

2. Carne Asada with imperial IPA

Whether you’re serving it on its own or in fajitas, you can bring out the full flavor of Carne Asada by pairing it with a double IPA. The herbal and citrusy elements of the full-bodied beer will highlight the spicy and charred nature of the seared steak, while also accenting it with its sweeter notes.

3. Cheese curds with pilsner

Fill up a serving tray with fresh cheese curds and leave them out for your guests and you’re certain to become their favorite host. Serve curds with the perfect beer and you’re sure to have a hit. Pilsners, often referred to as “pils”, are medium-bodied, refreshing beers that help wash down the mild taste of fresh cheese curds.  Stockpile enough of each ingredient so you don’t run out of this popular combination!

4. Sushi with Kӧlsch

No matter which set of plates you choose to serve sushi on, make sure your guests have a light beer to refresh their palates with. Kӧlsch beers, which are like pilsners but a bit lighter, are a great option. The transparent yellow beers are crisp and easy to drink. Yeasty undertones help bring subtle fruitiness to the surface when the beer is paired with sushi.   

5. Profiteroles with chocolate stout

Few desserts are as timeless and crowd-pleasing as the classic profiterole. As soon as you take that first bite into the crispy, flaky puff pastry, best accompanied with cool vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce, all of your worries drift away. When it comes time to decide which craft beer to pair with this dessert, there is no better choice than a rich chocolate stout. The mellow flavor stems from a blend of oats and chocolate malts, as well as the addition of real chocolate to the brewing process. Chocolate stouts are typically less carbonated than other beers, making them an even better choice for dessert.

6. Sliders with pale ale

If hamburger sliders are on the menu at your next gathering, there’s no better beer to pair with them than a pale ale. A typical pale ale has a nice balance of bitterness and fruitiness. The bitterness helps to cut through the fat of the meat, cheese, bacon and any other decadent topping guests may choose to add. The fruitiness of the beer also complements the grilled or charred flavor of the meat. This helps cleanse the palate of bitter flavors, like red onion or tomato.

7. Grilled vegetables and amber lagers

The grilling process intensifies both the sweetness and bitterness of your favorite vegetables. This beckons the call for a slightly heavier beer than you might enjoy with a salad, which is why amber lagers are the perfect accompaniment. The bitterness from the hops coupled with toasted malty sweetness makes the amber lager the perfect choice to pair with grilled asparagus, onions, zucchini and more.

Get your guests excited to chow down on some delicious food by pairing them with the right craft beer!