Many people are unaware that sparkling wines taste even better when paired with the right foods. If you’re someone who serves your bubbly with something besides cheese and crackers, then you’re in luck! The next time you and your friends pop open a bottle of Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne, be sure to serve up one of these great pairings to bring out the best in your fizzy drink. They’ll definitely impress your guests, who will think you just opened an expensive bottle of vintage Champagne!
1) Cheese & Sparkling Wines
Cheese. The perfect pairing with wine, cheese is one of those things you have to have with a glass of sparkling wine (although it’s not a requirement). It can be hard to find the right cheese for a particular wine, but luckily most stores will have a display of cheeses and wines together so you can try them before you buy. There’s not really any wrong cheese for sparkling wine; it’s all about personal preference.
2) Pickles & Sparkling Wines
Pickles are a great way to start off this list because not only do they go well with sparkling wine, but they also have health benefits. Pickles have anti-inflammatory properties and they’re low in calories, so it’s a win-win situation.
3) Oysters & Sparkling Wines
Oysters are a classic pairing for champagne and prosecco. If you’re not into raw oysters, try them poached or fried! They taste just as good and are easier to eat. Skip adding any additional sauces – the flavor from the wine should be enough. Lobster: These guys are an elegant addition to any party table, so feel free to indulge with some lobster meatballs if you’re feeling fancy! Butter: There’s no such thing as too much butter when it comes to poutine so why not throw some champagne on there?
4) Fruit & Sparkling Wines
Apples, oranges, and grapefruit are delicious with champagne! They each add a different flavor to the drink. The sweetness of apples cuts through the dryness of sparkling wine; oranges add a tangy flavor, and grapefruit adds an earthy taste.
5) Nuts & Sparkling Wines
Nuts are a great snack because they’re high in protein and healthy fats. Plus, they’re delicious! There’s nothing better than cracking open a can of mixed nuts while you’re watching TV, or stuffing some into a small baggie to take with you to work.
6) Ham & Sparkling Wines
Ham is one of those quintessential appetizers, and when paired with a glass of sparkling wine it’s hard to beat. The saltiness of the ham will help balance out the sweetness and effervescence of the wine, so you’re left with a deliciously savory bite. Plus, who doesn’t love ham?
7) Sausages (and similar meats like salami)
Sausages are one of the many types of meat that go well with sparkling wine. In particular, they pair nicely with dry or extra-dry wines. Sausages can be cooked on a grill, pan-fried, baked, or even microwaved to perfection. They can also be eaten cold and paired with bread as an appetizer before dinner.
8) Chicken & Sparkling Wines
No matter what type of wine you’re drinking, whether it’s red or white, there’s always a chance to throw some chicken on the grill. The key with grilling is to make sure you have a good marinade and sauce to help give it some flavor. You can’t go wrong with this classic dish for an easy dinner or party appetizer.
9) Mussels & Sparkling Wines
Mussels are great finger food, and they’re simple to cook. Just put them in a pot with some white wine, salt, garlic, and parsley. After you’ve steamed them for about 15 minutes, they’ll be ready to eat! This is also a perfect dish to serve with champagne because of its delicate flavor.
10) Veggies & Sparkling Wines
Grilling vegetables with a light coating of oil and salt before cooking gives them a nice caramelized flavor, plus they retain more nutrients than boiled or steamed veggies. Try mixing together different veggies, like bell pepper, eggplant, and zucchini. Grill them on one side for about 4-5 minutes before flipping them over to cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side.