10 November Food and Drink Pairings for Every Fall Occasion

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy comforting meals paired with seasonal drinks that enhance the flavors of the season. From cozy dinners to festive gatherings, the right food and drink pairing can elevate your fall experience. Whether you’re hosting a pumpkin-carving party or simply relaxing by the fireplace, these November food and drink pairings will add a delicious touch to every occasion.

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Maple Latte

Start your day with fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes paired with a warm maple latte. To make the pancakes, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and ½ cup of pumpkin puree, then whisk together. Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, then cook on a hot griddle until golden brown. For the maple latte, brew a strong cup of coffee and add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and steamed milk. This pairing brings out the warm, spicy notes of the season and makes a perfect autumn breakfast.

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Cider

A creamy butternut squash soup paired with spiced apple cider is a comforting choice for cool fall evenings. Start by roasting 1 peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic in a large pot until soft. Add the roasted squash, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and a dash of nutmeg, then simmer for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth and serve hot. Pair it with hot apple cider, simmered with cinnamon sticks and cloves for a cozy and delicious meal.

Harvest Salad with Pear and Goat Cheese and Pinot Grigio

A fresh harvest salad is perfectly complemented by a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio. Toss together mixed greens, sliced pears, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. This light yet flavorful salad balances the tangy and sweet notes, making it an ideal pairing for a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. The wine’s fruity undertones enhance the pear and cranberry flavors beautifully.

Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Ale

For a hearty fall lunch, enjoy a roasted turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce, paired with a pumpkin ale. Start by layering slices of roasted turkey on toasted multigrain bread. Spread cranberry sauce on one side of the bread and add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and some arugula for extra flavor. Serve the sandwich with a cold pumpkin ale, which brings out the rich, earthy notes of the roasted turkey and the sweetness of the cranberry sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Pumpkin Risotto with Chardonnay

Pumpkin risotto is a creamy, savory dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of buttery Chardonnay. In a large pan, sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic in butter. Add 1 cup of arborio rice and stir until the grains are coated. Gradually add 4 cups of warm vegetable broth, 1 ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Once the rice is almost tender, stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, a sprinkle of sage, and Parmesan cheese. Serve the risotto with a glass of Chardonnay, which complements the creamy texture and earthy flavors of the dish.

Caramel Apple Tart with Spiked Hot Chocolate

For a sweet fall treat, pair a caramel apple tart with a rich, spiked hot chocolate. To make the tart, slice 4 apples and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Layer the apples onto a puff pastry sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve the tart warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. For the spiked hot chocolate, heat milk with cocoa powder and sugar, then stir in a splash of dark rum. This decadent pairing is perfect for a cozy night in.

Chili with Cornbread and Amber Ale

A hearty chili served with warm cornbread is perfect for a fall gathering, especially when paired with a cold amber ale. To make the chili, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large pot, then add 1 chopped onion, 1 bell pepper, and 2 cloves of garlic. Stir in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Simmer for 30 minutes and serve with freshly baked cornbread. The bold flavors of the chili are balanced by the malty sweetness of the amber ale, making this a crowd-pleaser for any fall occasion.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce and Riesling

Sweet potato gnocchi with a brown butter sage sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a slightly sweet Riesling. To make the gnocchi, combine 2 cups of mashed sweet potato with 1 cup of flour and 1 egg, kneading into a dough. Roll into small balls and boil until they float to the top. For the sauce, melt butter in a pan until browned, then add fresh sage leaves. Toss the gnocchi in the sauce and serve with a glass of Riesling, which highlights the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the earthy sage.

Apple Cinnamon Scones with Chai Latte

For a cozy fall snack, enjoy apple cinnamon scones with a spiced chai latte. To make the scones, mix 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in 1 cup of diced apples and ½ cup of milk. Shape the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Pair the scones with a chai latte made from brewed black tea, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, and topped with steamed milk.

Maple Glazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts and Hard Cider

Maple-glazed salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts is a delicious fall dinner, especially when paired with a crisp hard cider. To make the salmon, whisk together ¼ cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce, then brush over 4 salmon fillets. Roast the salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, alongside Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve the dish with a cold hard cider, which complements the sweet and savory flavors of the maple glaze and the roasted vegetables.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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