7 Unexpected Ways to Pair Beer with Seasonal Foods

So, I went to this really cool farm-to-table restaurant last week, and, man, they had this awesome menu for fall-butternut squash risotto, wild mushroom tart, you name it. And do you know what went perfectly with each and every dish? Not wine, not cider. beer! I was blown away. It got me thinking…how many other fantastic beer and food pairings are we missing out on? So I did a little digging, and here are seven unexpected combinations that are sure to impress you-and maybe even surprise you.

First off, I am not a beer snob. I simply enjoy finding new flavor combinations, and beer opens up such a world of possibility. The best part? There's something for everyone out there. From stouts to IPAs, there's a beer out there that is begging to pair with your favorite seasonal ingredients. So grab a glass-or two-and let's dive in!

1. Pumpkin Pie and Oatmeal Stout

Okay, hear me out-I know what you're thinking-pumpkin pie is the quintessential fall dessert, and pairing it with beer? Sounds weird, right? But trust me on this. The rich, roasted flavors of a good oatmeal stout perfectly complement the warm spices in a pumpkin pie. It serves as a great textural contrast to the sweetness of the pie, too. Think of it as an autumnal dessert beer experience; think it as unique as it is delicious. Give it a try, and you never know, your new favorite combination just may be in store. A friend of mine, Sarah, swears by this combination. "It is an autumnal ritual, nowadays", as she says.

2. Roasted Root Vegetables and Belgian Dubbel

Root vegetables are one of the cornerstones of fall and winter cooking. Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are all vegetal and slightly sweet in their own ways. Belgian Dubbel, with dark fruit notes and subtle sweetness, marries perfectly with these sturdy vegetables. The malty sweetness complements the natural sweetness in vegetables, while the slightly spicy character enlivens it further. Its warming and spicy notes, with just a hint of dark fruits, will complete your roasted root vegetable dish. It is a match made in heaven during the autumnal season, and it is very Instagrammable.

3. Wild Mushroom Risotto and Saison

Initially, this was one of those accidents-that-turned-out-to-be-amazing kinds of pairing discoveries. I was attending this really nice food festival-actually, the very same one I have mentioned before!-and this cool chef put his wild mushroom risotto with a Saison. That totally balanced out the richness coming from the risotto by the peppery notes with a somewhat tart close, and it cut through the creamy texture. Oddly enough, this was one refreshing combination; now it's become a staple in my personal pairings. It really shows that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the best!

4. Spicy Sausage and Scotch Ale

Spicy sausage-a winter warmer if there ever was one. But to find that perfect drink pairing to go with it, well that's not quite so obvious. The sweetness overpowers the spice; the dry does the same thing, making bland sausage. What to do then? Well, the answer may just surprise you: a Scotch Ale. Its smoky, malty flavors stand up to the heat of the sausage, while its rich body creates a satisfying mouthful. I kid you not, once you have this pairing, you will be wanting a good hearty Scotch Ale on hand!

5. Apple Cider-Glazed Pork and Apfelwein

Okay, Apfelwein might not be the actual beer, but it certainly deserved inclusion in this list because, really, it's apple wine! This is a match made in heaven: apple cider-glazed pork paired with Apfelwein can't be beat, specifically on winter nights and especially during the holiday periods of any kind. In the sweet and sour, more sweetly inclined Apfelwein, the sweetness within this glaze balances, further expressing the umami flavors present throughout the pork. It gives a nice contrast to the richness of the meat because of the light carbonation. This is a wonderfully festive pairing that'll make you feel extra cozy on a chilly evening.

6. Winter Citrus Salad and Witbier

This might sound a little out there, but just bear with me. Refreshing, slightly tart notes of Witbier go well with the bright citrus flavors of a winter citrus salad. The subtle spice and coriander notes in the beer add delightful complexity to the dish, creating a surprisingly harmonious pairing. This is light and refreshing, perfect for a casual dinner or even a pre-holiday brunch. Don't knock it till you try it!

7. Cheese Board and Belgian Tripel

Lastly but not least is the cheese board. Of course-a classic but mostly ignored chance when talking about beer pairing. Well, to the point of a cheese board: I'd go with a Belgian Tripel. The spicy and fruity accents cut through richness and slightly dry balance every hint of sweetness. The higher carbonation also cuts your palate, so you really appreciate each cheese. This is a great beer choice for everything from a festive get-together to a cozy night in. What more could you want?