7 Perfect Beer Pairings for Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bourbon County Barleywine from Goose Island boasts complex flavors of coconut, bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla that complement bacon-wrapped dates. Pair it with braised or smoked meats and creamy textures. For a rich, decadent stout, try Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, which balances the creamy goat cheese. SweetWater's Pulled Porter enhances the bacon-smoked flavor, while Funky Buddha's Maple Bacon Coffee Porter adds a unique twist when served in a beer float. Flank steak with caramelized onions, chocolate-covered smoked bacon, and beer-braised beef chuck also make delightful pairings. Discover how to expertly match your favorite brews with this indulgent appetizer.

Key Takeaways

• Goose Island Bourbon County Barleywine's complex flavors of bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla complement the sweetness and saltiness of bacon-wrapped dates.
• Goose Island Bourbon County Stout's rich, decadent character and smooth mouthfeel balance the creamy texture of bacon-wrapped dates.
• SweetWater Pulled Porter's robust, malty profile complements the saltiness and smokiness of bacon-wrapped dates, while its sweetness helps offset any heat.
• Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter's sweetness and maltiness make it an ideal match for the savory and smoky flavors of bacon-wrapped dates.
• The contrasting textures and flavors of tender, flavorful flank steak with caramelized onions create a delightful pairing with the bacon-wrapped dates.

Goose Island Bourbon County Barleywine

Goose Island's Bourbon County Barleywine is a bold, high-alcohol beer that'll captivate your senses. With an ABV range of 12-14%, this barrel-aged masterpiece boasts complex flavors of coconut, bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla.

Its sweetness and bourbon character would go exceptionally well with bacon-wrapped dates, complementing the caramelized bacon and tangy goat cheese. Much like smoky Gouda pairings, this combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

For a balanced pairing, contrast the beer's intensity with bright, salty, or acidic flavors. Braised or smoked meats, creamy textures, and minimal spices can also highlight the beer's unique attributes.

Whether you're enjoying Devils on Horseback or classic Bacon-wrapped dates, Bourbon County Barleywine is a versatile companion that'll elevate your culinary experience.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

Bourbon County Stout, another renowned offering from Goose Island, presents a bold and engaging profile that complements the bacon-wrapped dates beautifully. This high-alcohol imperial stout boasts flavors of bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla, with an ABV ranging from 12-14%.

When considering beer and charcuterie pairings, this combination stands out for its harmonious blend of flavors. The stout's rich, decadent character harmonizes with the savory and sweet elements of the dates, while its smooth mouthfeel and complex flavors balance and enhance the creamy goat cheese and caramelized glaze. This pairing creates a delightful interplay of contrasting yet complementary tastes and textures, making it an excellent choice for discerning beer enthusiasts.

SweetWater Pulled Porter

The bacon-smoked SweetWater Pulled Porter, with its rich, malty character, proves a remarkable pairing for the bacon-wrapped dates. The porter's smoky notes enhance the bacon flavor, while its sweetness balances the saltiness. This versatile brew also complements pulled pork sandwiches and spicy barbecue sauces, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of savory dishes. While beer pairing is often associated with Italian appetizers like bruschetta, the SweetWater Pulled Porter demonstrates its versatility with these indulgent bacon-wrapped dates.

• The porter's robust, malty profile complements the saltiness and smokiness of the bacon-wrapped dates.
• The porter's sweetness helps offset the heat in spicy dishes like chili, creating a harmonious balance.
• The porter's full-bodied texture provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, indulgent bacon-wrapped dates.

Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter

Funky Buddha Maple Bacon Coffee Porter takes the concept of beer pairings to new heights, building upon the success of the SweetWater Pulled Porter. This porter's sweetness and maltiness make it an ideal match for spicy chili, balancing the heat. Much like craft beer and jerky pairings, this porter complements savory flavors while adding its own unique twist.

For a decadent treat, try it in a beer float with vanilla ice cream, maple syrup, bacon, and chocolate. The richness of the porter and ice cream amplifies the bacon, maple, and chocolate flavors. This specialty porter exemplifies how brewers are experimenting with unique ingredient combinations. Such innovative creations demonstrate the versatility of beer and its ability to enhance a variety of flavors, from savory to sweet.

Flank Steak With Caramelized Onions

To prepare the flank steak with caramelized onions, begin by marinating the beef in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with complementary flavors.

Slowly caramelize the onions over low heat, allowing their natural sweetness to develop and enhance the overall dish.

The tender, flavorful steak pairs beautifully with the rich, caramelized onions, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

The contrasting textures and flavors of the steak, onions, and savory bacon-wrapped dates make for a delightful pairing that will leave your taste buds thoroughly impressed.

Chocolate-Covered Smoked Bacon

Though rich and indulgent, chocolate-covered smoked bacon makes for a surprisingly versatile pairing with bold, high-gravity beers. The contrasting sweet, salty, and smoky flavors of the bacon create a complex and satisfying flavor profile when matched with the bourbon, chocolate, and vanilla notes in a stout like Goose Island's 2014 Bourbon County Brand Stout.

The creamy mouthfeel of the chocolate and bacon helps to balance the thick, dense character of the high-ABV stout, elevating both the dish and the beverage. This pairing works well as a shareable appetizer or dessert, providing a memorable and luxurious experience for beer and food enthusiasts.

Beer-Braised Beef Chuck

For a hearty, comforting meal, you can't go wrong with beer-braised beef chuck. This dish features a tough cut of beef that's slowly simmered in a rich, complex broth of beer, aromatics, and seasonings. The prolonged cooking time allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The beer, often a robust stout or porter, lends notes of roasted malt, chocolate, and sometimes coffee to the braising liquid, which then infuses the beef with its unique flavors.

Braising the beef in beer rather than just stock or broth adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the final dish.

Beer-braised beef chuck is commonly served with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, allowing the delicious braising liquid to be soaked up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Pairs Well With Bacon Wrapped Dates?

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese pair phenomenally with a range of beer styles, from sour ales to barrel-aged brews, each complementing the savory-sweet flavor profile of this delightful dish.

What Beer Pairs Well With Bacon?

To pair beer with bacon, you'll want a robust, flavorful brew that can stand up to the savory, smoky notes. Look for stouts or porters infused with bacon, maple, or coffee for a harmonious match.

What Is Bacon Wrapped Dates Made Of?

Bacon-wrapped dates are a scrumptious delight – juicy, pitted dates filled with tangy goat cheese, then wrapped in crispy, savory bacon and baked to perfection. Elevate your culinary experience with this innovative appetizer sure to tantalize your taste buds.