We all have a go-to side for holiday get-togethers, but this year, we’re bringing a new twist to the table: A plus-up to your side dish and a beer to go with it. That’s right. Your green beans have met their match. Just find your side, add a little something extra, and pour your pint to bring out the best flavors in both.
1. Green Beans
Side dish plus-ups don’t get any easier than this. Just take pieces of your baked holiday ham and cook with green beans in ½ cup of water. Serve this dish with Pilsner Urquell®, and let the salty flavors from the ham balance the malty sweetness in the pilsner.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Here’s a delicious update to your Brussels sprouts. Before you roast them, toss in some chopped onions, bacon and feta cheese. When you’re ready to serve, pair this side dish with Crispin® Pacific Pear. The touch of sweet acidity from the cider cuts through the cheese and bacon—making this savory side dish shine.
3. Carrots
This fancy spin on carrots is a must-try for Thanksgiving. Sauté the carrots with onions and yellow curry paste in coconut milk. Pair this dish with Blue Moon® Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale, and let the bubbly nature and full body of the beer cut the sweet heat of the coconut curry.
4. Spinach
If you’ve got room in the oven, give your leafy greens an upgrade. Stir shallots and goat cheese into whipping cream, pour over spinach and bake. Pair with a hoppy, bitter beer, like Blue Moon® White IPA to cut through the cream and cheese, which will elevate the spinach and even complement the hops.
5. Cranberry Sauce/Gel
Store-bought cranberry sauce or gel gets a makeover in just one step. Stir in a few drops of chili oil to take this classic dish up a notch. The dish might sound spicy, but when you pair it with Leinenkugel’s® Grapefruit Shandy, the sweet citrus mouthfeel of the shandy cools the heat of the chilis.
6. Stuffing
Everyone’s favorite turkey sidekick gets a fresh spin. Sauté diced bell peppers and other veggies in broth before adding to stuffing mixture. Pair this dish with Blue Moon® White IPA and the peppers will bring out the hop character in the beer, while the citrus cuts through the bready character of the stuffing.
7. Mashed Potatoes
Transform your beloved mashed potatoes with a simple mix of horseradish and sour cream. Just stir into the cooked warm potatoes, pair this dish with Pilsner Urquell®, and done. The hop bitterness of the pilsner cuts through the heavy potatoes, while the malty sweetness balances the kick of the horseradish.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Grab some za'atar seasoning off the shelf and sprinkle over your baked sweet potatoes for an herb and aromatic spice twist. Pair this dish with Crispin® Original and let the dill and citrus flavors in the seasoning highlight and elevate the fruit characters in the cider.
9. And for those who need a simple pairing guide to go, here it is..
