Everyone knows champagne is a New Year’s Eve staple. After all, what’s the point of counting down until midnight if there’s no bubbly to pop while you celebrate the New Year?
If you’re throwing a party, you’ll want to pair your champagne with the best bites to really make the sparkly beverage pop. Here are some of the best foods to serve alongside your New Year’s Eve champagne this year.
Oysters
Light, fresh and chilled, oysters make for a delicious and sophisticated appetizer to pair with champagne. They’re also rumoured to be an aphrodisiac, which can come in handy if you’re trying to woo a special someone!
Scallops
Like oysters, scallops are another light and fresh seafood that pairs beautifully with champagne. Try searing your scallops with butter, lemon and garlic for a tasty way to complement your bubbly.
Strawberries
There’s something so classically elegant about the champagne and strawberry combo. Serve them in your champagne cocktails, or on the side as a fresh (and healthy) snack to add a pop of colour to your spread.
Baked Brie
A perennial party favourite, baked Brie is sure to be a hit with your guests, and it’s easy to make, too: simply place it in the oven on a baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes and get creative with your toppings. Pair it with crackers, honey, dried fruit, nuts and herbs for a delicious companion to your champagne.
Arugula Salads
A salad of crisp arugula, vinaigrette, sharp cheese and a sweet fruit like peaches makes for the perfect flavour combo to pair with champagne. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your personal preferences for a salad that’s light and fresh, yet packed with a variety of different tastes.
Arancini Balls
Deep-fried and full of yummy carbs, this Italian appetizer is a satisfying indulgence to pair with your champagne. Arancini balls are usually stuffed with rice and cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan and fontina, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs for a snack that’s ooey, gooey and totally mouth-watering.
Ravioli
Another scrumptious, carb-laden dish, ravioli is lovely to pair with champagne for its versatility. It can be stuffed with sausage, spinach or cheeses like ricotta, making it ideal for every kind of foodie at your party.
Charcuterie Board
Of course, a charcuterie board is always a safe and easy option (unless your dinner guests are vegan — then you may want to rethink this one!). Get creative with meats, cheeses, olives and nuts, and have fun with the presentation: charcuterie boards are meant to look rustic, so don’t worry about making it perfect.
Popcorn
It may sound odd, but the light, crunchy, buttery taste of popcorn paired with a delicious bubbly makes for an awesome flavour combo. Try dressing up your popcorn with herbs, cheese or even paprika for a gourmet appetizer your guests will love.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate and champagne is truly a match made in heaven. Make your own by melting dark chocolate in water with vanilla and sea salt, then roll them in cocoa powder for the final touch.
Mackenzie Patterson
Mackenzie Patterson is a Toronto-based freelance writer and blogger. She's passionate about health, wellness and style, and you'll often find her reading self-help books in nature, catching a yoga class or writing in Toronto cafés.
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