Pairing craft beer with the right food is like matching wine with a gourmet meal—it enhances the flavors of both. Whether you’re sipping on a hoppy IPA or a dark stout, the right dish can elevate your entire experience. Let’s explore what foods go best with the main craft beer styles, so your next beer and food pairing will be nothing short of amazing.
1. IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPAs are bold, hoppy, and often bitter. They need food that can stand up to their intense flavors.
Best paired with: Spicy foods like buffalo wings, curry, or tacos. The hops in the IPA can cut through the heat, balancing the spice while enhancing the beer’s fruity or citrusy notes. Cheddar cheese or blue cheese are also great choices, as their sharpness pairs well with the bitterness of the beer.
2. Pilsner
Crisp, light, and refreshing, pilsners work well with foods that are equally clean and simple.
Best paired with: Grilled chicken, fish, or seafood dishes. Pilsners are excellent with sushi or shellfish, as they won’t overpower the delicate flavors. Salads with vinaigrette and light cheeses like mozzarella also make for perfect companions.
3. Stout
Rich and roasty, stouts are full of flavors like coffee, chocolate, and toasted malt. These beers love hearty, indulgent dishes.
Best paired with: Grilled steak, BBQ ribs, or rich stews. The depth of a stout can handle smoky or charred flavors, while its sweetness complements dessert-like flavors, making it great with chocolate cake or brownies. For cheese lovers, a creamy brie or gouda pairs beautifully.
4. Porter
Porters are slightly lighter than stouts but still rich with roasted malt flavors. They pair well with a range of comforting dishes.
Best paired with: Smoked meats, burgers, or sausages. The roasted notes in a porter complement smoky BBQ dishes perfectly. For dessert, try pairing with a chocolate tart or a caramel dessert to highlight the malt sweetness.
5. Saison
Saisons are dry, fruity, and slightly spicy, making them incredibly versatile with food.
Best paired with: Farm-fresh dishes like roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses. The beer’s spice and citrus notes make it perfect for tangy goat cheese or dishes seasoned with herbs. You can even pair it with mussels or oysters for a fresh, coastal vibe.
6. Wheat Beer
Hazy, smooth, and often fruity, wheat beers pair well with light, citrusy foods.
Best paired with: Salads with citrus dressing, seafood tacos, or grilled shrimp. Wheat beers, like hefeweizens, go well with spicy dishes because their sweetness can balance out the heat. For a sweet treat, pair with a citrus sorbet or lemon tart to complement the beer’s fruity notes.
7. Sour Beer
Tart and often fruity, sour beers need food that can handle their bold, acidic profile.
Best paired with: Salty and fatty foods like fried chicken, salty fries, or rich cheeses like camembert. The acidity of a sour cuts through the richness of fried or fatty dishes, balancing the flavors. Sours also pair well with fruity desserts like berry tarts or cheesecake.
8. Lager
Clean, crisp, and highly drinkable, lagers are a perfect match for a wide variety of foods.
Best paired with: Pizza, burgers, and bratwurst. Lagers love anything that’s easygoing and classic. They also go well with Mexican dishes like tacos or nachos, as the carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites. Soft pretzels with mustard are another great match for a lager.
9. Amber Ale
With its malty sweetness and balanced hop bitterness, amber ales are perfect for foods with a little caramelization or char.
Best paired with: Grilled meats, BBQ chicken, or roasted vegetables. The maltiness of amber ales works wonderfully with the charred and smoky flavors of grilled foods. For dessert, try it with pecan pie or crème brûlée to bring out the caramel flavors.
10. Belgian Dubbel
Rich, malty, and slightly sweet, Belgian dubbels pair well with flavorful, robust dishes.
Best paired with: Roasted lamb, beef stew, or anything with a rich sauce. The dark fruit and caramel flavors in the beer work well with the richness of the meat. For dessert, think bread pudding or spiced cakes, which highlight the beer’s sweet, malty character.
The beauty of craft beer is its incredible versatility when it comes to pairing with food. From the sharp, spicy kick of IPAs to the rich, roasted goodness of stouts, there’s a perfect beer to match whatever you’re eating. Next time you crack open a brew, consider pairing it with one of these dishes to truly enhance the flavors of both your beer and your meal. Cheers!
