A rich, spiced brew is the perfect warmer-upper on a chilly fall day, and is even better when enjoyed with a delicious meal.
(And perhaps a comfy sweater).
Since there are many yummy seasonal beers out there, here are three mouth-watering dishes to pair with an Oktoberfest, pumpkin ale, and harvest ale—autumn’s most popular beer varieties.
Beer: Oktoberfest
Meal pairing: Choucroute Garnie
In French, choucroute literally means, “dressed sauerkraut,” a fitting name for this richly layered, family-style dish. It’s got pork, kielbasa, ham, potatoes, and, of course, kraut. There are several ways to make choucroute garnie, though we recommend this recipe by Food & Wine. It’s less time-intensive than others—for instance, it calls for store bought sauerkraut instead of homemade, and suggests subbing peanut oil for goose fat.
Why it’s a match: Oktoberfest is a rich, malty lager, so it tastes best alongside fellow strong flavors. Its creaminess also helps cleanse the kraut’s acidity from your palate.
Pumpkin ale
Meal pairing: Mole Rojo
This delicious dish is so easy to throw together and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Why it’s a match: The semi-sweet chocolate notes complement the beer’s sweet, malty flavor.
Harvest ale
Meal pairing: Broccoli-cheddar mac and cheese
Making mac and cheese from scratch is easier than you think, and this 4-step recipe from Delish proves that. It’s as tasty as it is simple.
Why it’s a match: The beer’s bold earthy spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes pumpkin—cut through the heaviness (a/k/a the cheesy goodness) and cleanse the palate.
Do you have a favorite fall beer? What recipe do you pair it with? Let me know in the comments section below.