Better Beer Snacks Without the Wing Routine
Gather round, friends—it’s time to pull up a chair and finally learn about the best beer-and-food combos on the market. Now, we know wings often get top marks for the best contender, but it’s a wide world out there, and plenty of other options give that Buffalo sauce a run for its money. If you’re tired of defaulting to the basic stuff, there’s a whole lineup of foods that make different beer styles shine, from crisp lagers to dark stouts. Let’s dive into the pairings that feel a little more interesting and perfect for the next time you crack one open.
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1. Soft Pretzels With Mustard
A warm soft pretzel is basically made for a cold beer. It’s not only soft and chewy on the inside, but the crusty exterior plays nicely with crisp lagers and pilsners that cut through the doughy center. Keep a sharp mustard nearby, too, because that tang helps the beer taste even cleaner.
2. Sharp Cheddar and Apple Slices
Who said you couldn’t introduce a cold beer to your snack plate? Sharp cheddar brings a bold bite that doesn’t get bullied by lager. An amber or brown ale works especially well because it echoes the cheese’s nuttiness, and when you add apple slices, you get a bright crunch that keeps every sip fresh.
3. Pizza Margherita
This simple pizza gives you richness, acidity, and herbal lift in one place. A pale ale can match the flavor intensity without turning the meal into a hop contest. If you choose a light lager instead, the bubbles might even help reset your palate after each slice.
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4. Fish Tacos
Crispy fish and cool toppings make tacos a great match for clean, refreshing beer. For this one, it’s best to stick with a Mexican lager or a light wheat beer to keep things lively without drowning out the seasoning. The beer’s brightness only pops if you add a squeeze of lime.
5. Bratwurst With Sauerkraut
Bratwurst is savory and juicy—and that’s exactly why it calls for something that can keep up. The sauerkraut’s tang tightens everything up and keeps the pairing from feeling heavy, so a classic lager is reliable here, but a märzen also works if you want more depth.
6. Fried Pickles
Fried pickles bring crunch, salt, and a sharp bite that’s surprisingly beer-friendly. A crisp pilsner or Kölsch can handle the brine without getting too weird, and don’t forget to dip your pickles in ranch; that creamy edge loves carbonation.
7. Barbecue Ribs
Sticky, smoky ribs want a beer that won’t disappear behind the sauce. You know what that means! A porter or brown ale mirrors the caramelized flavors while staying smooth, so you’ll appreciate the way it rinses off the sweetness and gets you ready for the next bite.
8. Buffalo Cauliflower
Okay, we know we said no Buffalo chicken, but we didn’t say anything about veggies! If you want the heat without the wings, cauliflower delivers heat with a lighter feel. A wheat beer or light IPA can calm the spice while still keeping the pairing lively. Don’t be shy with the sauce, either, since a good beer can take it.
9. Oysters
We know this sounds a little out there, but just stick with us! Oysters taste clean, briny, and slightly sweet, which makes them a natural partner for beer. A dry stout is a classic match, and it’s more refreshing than you’d expect. If you go with a crisp lager, the saltiness comes through even more clearly.
10. Charcuterie Board
You can make charcuterie boards with any number of things, which is why it’s such a great pairing to beer. A board with cured meats, olives, and cheeses gives you variety without much effort. Keep a Belgian-style saison on hand to handle the salty and tangy pieces with ease.
11. Spicy Ramen
You might reach for milk in the face of spicy noodles, but might we suggest a slightly sweet lager or wheat beer to soften the spice? Ramen brings heat, richness, and plenty of aroma, so it needs a beer that won’t get lost. And if you’re piling on chili oil, you’ll be glad your beer is cold and crisp.
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12. Mushroom Burger
Mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with darker beers, so you’ll want a stout or porter. Either can match the earthy notes while staying smooth with melted cheese, and you’ll end up with a pairing that feels hearty without being overcomplicated.
13. Nachos With Guacamole
How could we not mention this classic combo? Nachos are messy in the best way, and beer is basically the official cleanup crew. A light lager keeps all that cheese and salsa from feeling too rich, while guacamole adds a fresh layer that makes each sip extra refreshing.
14. Sushi Rolls
Sushi and beer? No, we’re serious! Sushi brings delicate flavors, clean rice, and plenty of umami, so a rice lager or crisp pilsner works well because it won’t overpower anything. If you’re using soy sauce and wasabi, the beer’s carbonation helps keep everything balanced.
15. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is sweet, savory, and quick to eat, which makes it easy to pair with lighter beer. Think a blonde ale or Kölsch to keep the focus on the seafood while still adding plenty of flavor. Best of all, if the shrimp has garlic or chili, beer keeps it from lingering too long.
16. Mac and Cheese
A rich mac and cheese deserves a beer that can handle the creaminess. Don’t be afraid to grab an IPA that can cut the fat with bitterness. Of course, a lager can also keep things simpler and clean. Either way, these options ensure your dish won’t feel too heavy.
17. Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich
This sandwich usually brings crunch, spice, and a sweet-savory glaze all to one plate. That trio calls for a pale ale or slightly hoppy lager to stand up to the sauce. When the heat builds, the beer guarantees a little balance.
18. Roasted Nuts
Hey, there’s a reason they keep nuts on every bar! A Vienna lager or amber ale matches the toasted flavor without being too sweet, so if you’re hosting, this pairing buys you time while you figure out what’s next.
19. Goat Cheese Crostini
With goat cheese being so tangy and creamy, you need beers that have a little snap. A saison or Belgian-style witbier can lift the cheese and keep the bite bright. Add honey or jam if you want—that hint of sweetness plays nicely with the beer.
20. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate brings bitterness that can actually make certain beers taste even smoother. A stout is the obvious winner, especially if it has coffee or cocoa notes. Just remember to keep the portion small; you’ll notice how the flavors linger.
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