How to Pair Coffee with Food

by Natasha Bourlin of Passport and Plume

Within each coffee bean is a treasure trove of tastes. Every coffee-growing region around the globe puts forth flavor profiles for which they become renowned, but it takes the skillful art of a roaster, combined with a dash of scientific expertise, to coax the ideal expressions of those beans out.

While coffee is a complete flavor experience in itself, the steaming, flavor-filled beverage pairs well with foods also. Much focus is put on pairing the perfect wines with a particular dish, but, like wines, flavor components in coffee can exquisitely complement certain menu items.

Not every dish pairs well with coffee, however. So, we’re here to give you some guidelines to get you going on your next gathering or first coffee pairing adventure.

Some Basics About Pairing

Consider your method of brewing when pairing. Pour-over systems with filters will absorb most of the oils from the brew, so if dishes will benefit from a bit of brightness in the coffee use the paper filter method. A metal filter will allow those same oils to pass through making the brew rounder and creamier; a French press, or espresso maker are excellent examples.

Next, research the flavor profiles found in various coffee regions. Don’t worry, we’ll help you with this below.

When similar flavors are found in both food and coffee, they can enhance each other, like dark chocolate paired with dark-roasted, chocolate-noted coffee. But also consider contrasting them, like a sweeter, more acidic coffee with creamy cheeses.

Roast also comes into play when pairing.

Light and medium roasts work well with lighter dishes, while a heartier, dark roast matches more with dishes with stronger flavor profiles. At Wood-Fire Roasted Coffee Co., we roast beans over an open wood flame, which can infuse slightly smoky notes that are incredible with savory, meats, roasted veggies and barbecue.

Breakfast and Coffee – A Perfect Match

Natural friendships exist in the coffee-pairing world. A cake was even created as an homage to the brewed beverage; its sweet, cinnamon-rich flavors serving as an idyllic accompaniment to the nutty, brown sugar notes in Nicaraguan, Costa Rican or Guatemalan varieties.

Coffees with more acidity, such as those from Kenya or Colombia, work well with butter-laden croissants. Adding some frothy milk to your cup will further complement the buttery flavor, though this may be considered a criminal offense to most coffee purists.

Having bacon and eggs? Acidic coffees will cut the grease pleasantly. Try some Colombian with America’s favorite morning meal. Beans from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia or Sumatra match superbly with the savory elements in omelets and quiches.

Fruity breakfasts befriend coffees beautifully. Pair items featuring fruit like tarts and crepes with Ethiopian, Costa Rican or Brazilian coffees. The stone fruit and peach notes of Tanzanian coffees are also ideal.

Savory Savvy

Wine and cheese? So last year. Try coffee and cheese instead!

Espresso pleasantly surprises the palate when served with slices of fresh parmiggiano. Earthy Indian Malabar is divine with goat cheese or truffle-infused fromage. Its slightly beefy notes also complement things like pork belly or red meats.

Side by side, coffee and savory dishes can be mouthwatering, but you can also try using ground beans as an ingredient. Next time you’re cooking a tri-tip, for instance, rub some cumin, cayenne, brown sugar and ground coffee as a rub prior to it hitting the heat.

Coffee and Dessert

One of the best ways to finish any meal is with the lingering taste of a fine coffee.

For dessert, a multitude of regions produce tantalizing coffees with touches of sweetness. If your coffee finishes with some sweeter notes—like caramel, chocolate or nuts—chances are it will work well with most desserts.

Jamaican and Kenyan coffees complement berries well. Other fruit-forward sweets pair deliciously with Ethiopian and Costa Rican coffees.

Chocolate may indeed be coffee’s best friend.

Imagine a European café where a shot of espresso is presented with a piece of dark chocolate. Picture sipping on a cup of Guatemalan brew with a piece of succulent chocolate cake.

Choose dark roasts with dark chocolate, and nearly any light-to-medium roast variety with milk chocolate. You may hear a symphony playing in your head as the flavors mingle on your taste buds.

Bring out your inner gourmand and integrate coffee into every meal. Next time you’re hosting a gathering, shock your friends and family with coffee pairings instead. Create an elevated brunch experience with different coffees from around the world paired with various items or offer folks at your dinner party an alternate to imbibing.

Your guests will thank you.