There are more than 9,000 breweries in the United States and every year, over 6 billion gallons are consumed.
While many meals pair well with an ice-cold beer, nothing compares to a burger. Few combinations can compete with a beer and burger.
The rich, malty beer flavors complement the savory goodness of a perfectly cooked burger. It leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
To create the best meal, you’ll need to consider the topping on your burger and your beer. This will allow you to elevate your dining experience.
In this article, you’ll learn which burger ingredients, sauces, and beers pair best together.
Understanding Beer on Tap
The world of beer is diverse and has a multitude of styles. You’ll need to understand the basic characteristics of different beer styles to create the perfect pairing.
Lagers are light, crisp beers and will pair well with a lighter burger. If you’re having a bold burger with lots of flavor and spice, an IPA may complement it better. Hardy burgers with rich toppings should be paired with stouts and porters.
Matching Intensity
One important principle to keep in mind when you’re matching up a beer and burger is the intensity. A heavily spiced or rich burger may overwhelm a light and refreshing beer.
The opposite is also true. A robust beer could overpower a delicate burger. Having balance is key, so the overall intensity of the beer and the burger complement each other.
Classic Beer Pairings
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to burger flavors and sauces, you can never go wrong with the classics. An American lager pairs very nicely with a traditional cheeseburger. If you’re looking for something a little more bold, a barbecue bacon burger will taste best with a pale ale.
One of the best things about the culinary experience is experimenting and learning what you like. The classic pairings help provide a solid foundation when you’re embarking on your beer and burger adventures.
Consider Toppings
Playing around with toppings can be fun and overwhelming, especially when you’re learning how to match up beer and burgers together. A beer can complement the toppings and enhance the overall flavors.
For example, a fruity wheat beer can significantly elevate a burger that is topped with a grilled pineapple. If your burger has blue cheese and bacon on it, a creamy stout will add to the richness.
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, the best burger and beer combination is the one you like. Explore different burger sauces, beers, and toppings. Exploring and trusting your palate will allow you to have a great time testing out flavors.
Beyond the Pint Glass: Beer and Burger
Mastering the art of pairing beer and burger toppings takes time, but it’s a tasty experience and journey. Everyone has different palates and preferences, so enjoy trying new combinations until you find the one you like the best.
Burger Republic has been serving high-quality burgers and beers to customers for more than 10 years. We know just what you’ll like.
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