16 Comfort Foods to Pair with Your Favorite Craft Beers

Nothing beats the feeling of digging into your favorite comfort food, especially when it’s paired with a great craft beer. There’s just something magical about how the flavors come together—rich, hearty dishes balancing out the bold or subtle notes of your drink. Whether you’re all about creamy pasta, crispy fried chicken, or a classic cheesy bake, these dishes are the ultimate cozy companions for your beer nights.

Macaroni and Cheese

A classic comfort dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce. To prepare, cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente. In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese until melted, combine with the drained pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. This rich and cheesy meal pairs wonderfully with a malty amber ale, which complements the dish’s creamy texture.

Chicken Pot Pie

A hearty pie filled with tender chicken and vegetables in a savory gravy, all encased in a flaky crust. Sauté 1 cup each of diced carrots, peas, and potatoes in 2 tablespoons of butter until tender. Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and 1 cup of chicken broth, simmering until the mixture thickens. Pour into a pie crust, cover with another crust, seal the edges, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. The savory flavors of this dish are complemented by a crisp pilsner, which cuts through the richness.

Meatloaf

A savory loaf made from ground meat, often beef, mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then baked to perfection. Combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 diced onion, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Shape into a loaf, place in a baking dish, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. Top with a ketchup glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking. A robust porter pairs well, enhancing the meatloaf’s deep flavors.

Beef Stew

A comforting stew featuring tender beef chunks simmered with vegetables in a rich broth. Brown 1 pound of beef stew meat in 2 tablespoons of oil, then add 1 cup each of diced carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours until the meat is tender. The hearty nature of this stew is complemented by a dark stout, which adds depth to the flavors.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A simple yet satisfying sandwich with melted cheese between two slices of buttery, toasted bread. Butter one side of two slices of bread, place 2 slices of Cheddar cheese between the unbuttered sides and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted. This classic pairs perfectly with a hoppy IPA, which balances the richness of the cheese.

Tomato Soup

A smooth and flavorful soup made from ripe tomatoes, often served alongside a grilled cheese sandwich. Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until translucent. Add 4 cups of chopped tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes, then blend until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of cream if desired. A light lager complements the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a balanced pairing.

Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting casserole with a layer of savory meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Brown 1 pound of ground lamb or beef with 1 diced onion, then add 1 cup each of diced carrots and peas. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 cup of beef broth, simmering until thickened. Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with 2 cups of mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce over spaghetti. Mix 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 egg, and seasonings. Form into meatballs and brown in a skillet. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce, simmering for 30 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti. A robust red ale complements the rich tomato sauce and savory meatballs.

Chicken and Waffles

A delightful combination of crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy waffles, drizzled with syrup. Prepare waffle batter and cook in a waffle iron. Season 4 pieces of chicken, dredge in flour, and fry until golden and cooked through. Serve the chicken over the waffles, drizzled with maple syrup. A sweet and malty Belgian ale pairs well with it, balancing the savory and sweet elements.

Chili Con Carne

A hearty stew of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, offering a warming and flavorful meal. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 2 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of kidney beans, 1 cup of beef broth, and chili spices. Simmer for 1 hour. A hoppy pale ale complements the spiciness and richness of the chili.

Baked Ziti

A comforting Italian-American casserole with pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Cook 2 cups of ziti pasta until al dente. Mix with 2 cups of marinara sauce and 1 cup of ricotta cheese, layering with 1 cup of mozzarella in a baking dish. Cover with more sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. The gooey cheese and hearty flavors are perfect with a crisp pilsner, enhancing the dish’s richness.

Chicken and Dumplings

A soul-warming dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a flavorful broth. Sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of celery, and 1 cup of carrots in 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, bringing it to a simmer. For dumplings, mix 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of milk, dropping spoonfuls into the broth. A creamy hefeweizen balances the hearty flavors beautifully.

Sloppy Joes

A nostalgic sandwich featuring ground beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce served on soft buns. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, then stir in 1 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of mustard, and 1/2 cup of diced onions. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, then serve on toasted buns. The sweet and savory profile pairs perfectly with a nutty brown ale. This casual dish brings both comfort and nostalgia with every bite.

Cornbread and Chili

A classic combination of moist cornbread paired with hearty chili, perfect for cold nights. For cornbread, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of milk, and 1 egg. Bake in a greased pan at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Serve alongside a steaming bowl of chili for a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. A light lager complements this pairing effortlessly.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

A comforting dish featuring baked potatoes topped with an array of savory ingredients. Bake large potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes until tender. Top with sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. The creamy and savory toppings are complemented by a crisp pale ale, which cuts through the richness. This versatile dish lets you customize each bite to your taste.

Beef Stroganoff

A creamy pasta dish with tender beef slices and mushrooms in a tangy sour cream sauce. Sauté 1 pound of beef strips and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter. Add 1 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened and serve over egg noodles. A smooth brown ale enhances the richness of this creamy delight.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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