11 Foods That Pair Oh-So Nicely With Champagne
‘Tis the season for Champagne! Whether you’re popping bottles at your own holiday soirée or ordering up a round with dinner, Champagne is basically a party in a glass. We feel strongly that a bottle of bubbly is appropriate for any occasion, and yes, we have a few favorite combinations, below. Scroll on for the perfect pairings for everything from cocktail hour to Sunday brunch, plus our tips for what combos work best and what to avoid.
1. Salted Almonds: There are few appetizers as chic as a small bowl of salted, buttery nuts with a bottle of the sparkling stuff. We love this pairing to keep things light when you’re enjoying a pre-dinner drink.
2. Truffled Popcorn: Champagne goes well with earthy mushrooms, and truffles are a luxurious way to deliver that palate combo. Plus, the crunchy popcorn is a fun texture alongside the fizz of Champagne. Try this at your holiday open house or office party.
3. Fried Chicken: As if we need another reason to love fried chicken, it’s great with anything bubbly. Dry Champagne cuts the fat, and chicken is a protein that’s not too overpowering.
4. Mushroom Risotto: For a dinner approach to the mushroom idea, try a creamy risotto. Look for a full-bodied Champagne that will stand up to the heartiness of the food.
5. Lemon Meringue Tarts: While you’ll want to avoid any foods that are too sour, lemon meringue tarts are the ideal balance of tart and sweet. The soft meringue is also a nice mirror to the delicacy of the wine.
6. Cheese Plate: Let’s not forget the classics. A hard aged cheese like cheddar or pecorino is best, but you might also consider a little goat cheese and prosciutto on a salty cracker. When hosting a dinner party, treat your guests to this combo upon arrival for an extra special touch.
7. Oysters: Briny oysters practically beg for the acid of a sparkling wine, and the bubbles are a nice textural counterpart. Don’t go too overboard with your toppings (such as spicy Tabasco), as it can overpower the wine.
8. Chinese Food: Similar to the effect it has with fried chicken, Champagne lends a refreshing balance to noodles, dumplings, and certain sauce-heavy Chinese dishes. Look for a demi-sec to go with the sweet condiments that sometimes accompany Chinese cuisine.
9. Mac and Cheese: At this point, you’re probably getting the idea: Cheesy, creamy, and a little bit salty are all notes you want to hit. A pan of mac and cheese and a bottle of Champagne is our choice to bring to the S.O.’s parents (or, of course, enjoy yourself).
10. Peach Sorbet: For an elegant cocktail, try topping a walnut-sized scoop of peach sorbet with a demi-sec. When the sweet fizz is paired with delicate peaches, it’s a match made in heaven.
11. Eggs Benedict: If you’re boozy brunching, opt for a creamy egg dish. We vote for eggs Benny for its added factors of salty ham and creamy Hollandaise sauce.
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(Photos via Pixabay, Alex Holyoake/Unsplash, Matthieu Joannon/Unsplash, Dave Lastovskiy/Unsplash)
