This winter, elevate your cozy nights with a warm and comforting beverage: Mulled wine.
As its name implies, it’s the perfect way to make any occasion feel festive, especially around this time of year.
But what to serve with mulled wine? We’ve got you covered – we’ll walk you through some dishes that pair perfectly with mulled wine.
So break out the mugs and gather around the fire; let’s get cooking!
What Is Mulled Wine?
Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink made by heating wine with spices and citrus fruits.
It has been popular in Europe since at least the 15th century, although its exact origins are unknown.
The most common ingredients to make mulled wine include red or white wine, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, orange slices, honey or sugar, and brandy or other spirits.
The spices used vary depending on the region where it is being made and personal preference.
Mulled wine can be served hot or cold and is often enjoyed around Christmas.
It has a warm, spiced flavor that makes it perfect for snuggling up on chilly winter nights!
What To Serve With Mulled Wine?
So, what to serve with mulled wine? Mulled wine is a traditional winter favorite. It’s warm, comforting and makes for a delicious treat on cold evenings!
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food pairings, there are some classic dishes that go well with this festive tipple.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been aged with the presence of certain kinds of mold. This gives it a distinct flavor and texture that is sharp, tangy and salty.
In addition to its unique taste, blue cheese has several health benefits, such as it contains probiotics for gut health, is rich in calcium for strong bones, and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
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Due to its salty and tangy taste, blue cheese is usually served as part of a cheeseboard alongside other types of cheese or with fruit such as pears and apples.
It can also make savory dishes like salads and pasta sauces. However, it is most commonly served with mulled wine.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a delicious contrast when paired with the tanginess of blue cheese.
Moreover, blue cheese helps balance the sweetness of the mulled wine, making it a great accompaniment to enjoy during cold winter months.
Cheesy Pasta
Cheesy pasta is a comfort food with cooked macaroni noodles, cheese and butter. It is usually served as a side dish but can also be enjoyed as a main course.
The creamy texture of the cheese and the rich flavor of the butter make for a delicious and comforting meal.
Many people serve cheesy pasta with mulled wine, as the sweetness of the wine helps to balance out the richness of the cheese and butter.
The combination also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals.
Enjoying some mulled wine while indulging in this classic comfort food will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Beef Steak
Beef steak is a cut of beef, usually grilled or fried, and served as an entree.
Beef steaks are typically cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness and are often seasoned with salt and pepper.
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Steak can be enjoyed independently but is often accompanied by side dishes such as potatoes, vegetables, or sauces.
The combination of beef steak and mulled wine makes for a delicious festive meal – the savory steak complements the sweet warmth of the mulled wine perfectly.
The richness of the steak is balanced by the tart and spicy taste of the wine, creating a unique flavor profile that will have your guests wanting more.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a classic dish that can be served as an entrée or a main course.
Typically, grilled chicken is marinated in spices, herbs and oils and then cooked over charcoal or gas grills, giving it a smoky flavor.
Serving grilled chicken with mulled wine adds warmth, sweetness and depth to the dish – the combination of the savory and smoky flavors of the grilled chicken with the spiced and sweet mulled wine creates a unique taste.
Mulled wine is especially suited to balance out any acidity present in the marinade used for grilling, creating an exciting flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s also a great way to warm a cold winter’s evening. Finally, the combination of grilled chicken and mulled wine can be comforting and evoke cozy nostalgia.
Seasonal Fruits
Seasonal fruits are available in the market at a particular time of year.
These fruits are usually associated with the harvest season and can be found in abundance during that period.
Serving seasonal fruits with mulled wine is an excellent way to take advantage of their natural sweetness and complement it with the spicy, fragrant taste of the drink.
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The fruit can also garnish or adorn mulled wine glasses, adding a festive flair to any occasion.
In addition, the combination of tart and sweet flavors can create an incredibly delicious beverage that will surely please guests at any gathering.
Mulled wine is also a great accompaniment for desserts such as pies, cakes and tarts, often made with seasonal fruits.
You can create a truly unique and unforgettable experience for your dinner guests by pairing the two together.
Roasted Nuts
Roasted nuts are a popular snack and appetizer. They can be enjoyed as is or used in recipes such as salads, soups, and stews.
Roasting nuts brings out the natural flavor and adds an extra crunch to the nut.
The roasting process also helps to preserve their nutrients for longer shelf life.
Serving roasted nuts with mulled wine is an excellent way to enhance the flavor of both.
The warm spiciness of mulled wine pairs perfectly with the salty-sweetness of the roasted nuts for a delicious snack.
Roasted nuts also provide a crunchy texture to balance out the sweetness of the wine.
Serving roasted nuts with mulled wine is easy to impress your guests and add extra flavor to any gathering.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a type of chocolate that contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter in higher proportions than other types of chocolate.
The result is a much richer and more intense flavor than milk or white chocolate.
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Dark chocolate has several health benefits, including antioxidants, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
Serving dark chocolate with mulled wine is a great way to enhance the flavor of both.
The complex flavors and aromas of dark chocolate pair wonderfully with the spice and sweetness of mulled wine, creating a beautiful combination that will make your guests come back for more!
Not only do these two ingredients complement each other in taste, but they are also known to have calming and soothing effects.
FAQs
Should You Serve Mulled Wine After Dinner?
Yes, mulled wine is a great way to end a dinner. It’s warm, comforting and has just enough sweetness that it won’t overpower the flavors of whatever dinner you had earlier.
You can also easily make it ahead of time and keep it warm on the stove throughout your meal so it’s ready to go when you’re done.
If you want something more special, consider making mulled wine sorbet or mulled wine-infused chocolate truffles to serve alongside it.
Both of these can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What Snacks To Serve With Mulled Wine?
Try seasonal snacks such as roasted chestnuts, fruit pies or spiced nuts to serve alongside your mulled wine.
You could make some cheese straws or mini sausage rolls for something more substantial to nibble on.
Like a quiche or goat’s cheese tart, Savoury tarts would also be ideal.
Sweet treats like mince pies, Christmas cake and gingerbread will also go down well with mulled wine.
What Cheese To Serve With Mulled Wine?
Cheese and wine pairings are always great, and mulled wine is no exception! When pairing cheese with mulled wine, it’s important to consider the drink’s sweetness.
For instance, if your mulled wine is more sweet, you should opt for a sharper cheese such as aged cheddar or Comte.
A more acidic cheese, such as an aged gouda, will be a great match for mulled, less sweet wine.
If you want a milder flavor, consider choosing a creamy brie or soft goat cheese.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with mulled wine. Mulled wine is a classic winter beverage that can be served in many ways.
Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, or decadently indulgent – there are plenty of options.
Grilled chicken, seasonal fruits, roasted nuts and dark chocolate are great additions that pair well with the spicy-sweet taste of mulled wine.
Adding these ingredients to your mulled wine will create an unforgettable experience for guests and transform the classic drink into a truly unique beverage.
