Coffee, a beloved beverage worldwide, isn’t just a morning staple; it’s a versatile drink that complements a wide array of flavors. From sweet treats to savory delights, discovering the perfect food pairings can elevate your coffee experience. Let’s explore What Food Goes Well With Coffee and enhance your next coffee break.
Sweet Sensations: Coffee and Dessert
Many cultures embrace the simple pleasure of coffee and dessert. A cappuccino with a cannoli in Italy or a croissant with café au lait in France are classic examples.
Tiramisu
Originating from the Veneto region of Italy, Tiramisu often incorporates espresso as a key ingredient. The creamy, coffee-infused dessert is a match made in heaven with a rich cappuccino.
Dark Chocolate
The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate harmonize beautifully with various coffee beverages, from French-style café au lait to a bold espresso. The intensity of dark chocolate complements the coffee’s robustness.
Coffee Cake
The name says it all! Coffee cake is a classic companion to coffee. The combination of sour cream, cinnamon, and walnuts in coffee cake creates a delightful pairing with your favorite brew.
Tapioca Pudding
Tapioca pudding, sometimes referred to as rice pudding, includes spices and flavors such as vanilla and cinnamon that pair well with coffee. Dark roast coffees especially complement tapioca pudding, while medium roasts are also a great match.
Donuts
Coffee and donuts are a timeless pairing. From chocolate to cinnamon to jelly-filled, the variety of donut flavors provides endless possibilities for complementing your coffee. Try dipping your donut for an extra treat!
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
This simple yet satisfying sandwich, made with banana slices and peanut butter between two slices of bread, is a rich and creamy delight that pairs perfectly with a robust cup of coffee.
Berries
While technically a fruit, berries offer a sweet and refreshing complement to coffee. Sweet coffees tend to pair best with berries, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Savory Selections: Balancing Coffee’s Boldness
Coffee isn’t limited to sweet pairings. Its bold flavor profile can also enhance savory dishes.
Scrambled Eggs
A breakfast staple in many countries, scrambled eggs can be seasoned with various ingredients like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Hearty scrambled eggs are a classic coffee accompaniment.
Bacon
A full North American breakfast often includes bacon, a salty and fatty treat that complements coffee perfectly. Bacon’s savory flavor balances the bitterness of coffee.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon’s intense and robust flavor makes it an ideal partner for strong coffee. Try it on a toasted bagel with vegetable cream cheese for a delightful combination.
Cottage Cheese
Coffee pairs well with lighter breakfasts too. A bowl of cottage cheese, with its subtle taste, is perfectly compatible with a light roast coffee.
Hard Cheeses
When enjoying strong coffee, pair it with a harder cheese like Swiss or cheddar. Delicate cheeses can be overwhelmed by strong coffee, while harder cheeses offer a complementary intensity.
Grilled Cheese
While not the first thing that comes to mind, a grilled cheese sandwich can be beautifully complemented by the right coffee. Opt for a rich, strong, and robust coffee to match the sandwich’s savory flavors.
Versatile Pairings: Sweet or Savory Options
Some foods offer the flexibility to be enjoyed in both sweet and savory forms with coffee.
Crepes
In France, crêperies serve crepes, often enjoyed with café au lait. Crepes can be sweet or savory, filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Bagels
Bagels, like crepes, can be sweet or savory. Cinnamon and chocolate bagels are sweet favorites, while a savory bagel with cream cheese is a deli staple. Both variations pair well with rich coffee.
The possibilities for food and coffee pairings are truly limitless. Whether you prefer sweet, savory, or a combination of both, experimenting with different flavors will enhance your coffee experience. Discover your favorite combinations and enjoy the delightful synergy of food and coffee!
