What to Serve with Mulled Wine ( 15+ Delicious Sides )

When it comes to finding recipes to serve with mulled wine, it can be a bit of a challenge. This is because, when you search for “mulled wine sides” online, you mostly find lists of desserts that can be served alongside this festive drink. While there are definitely some delicious options out there, if you’re looking for something more substantial, you might have a hard time finding what you’re looking for.

I know this from personal experience – I’ve been trying to find good sides to serve with mulled wine for the last few months, and I’ve had a tough time finding anything that really stands out. So, I decided to share my findings with all of you to make your search a bit easier.

Below is a list of things to serve that I’ve tried and enjoyed with mulled wine. I hope you’ll find something on here that sounds appealing to you!

List of Sides to Serve with Mulled Wine

1. Cheese
2. Nuts
3. Dark Chocolate Base Desserts
4. Mince Pies
5. Seasonal Fruits
6. Roasted Meat and Vegetables
7. Gingerbread Cookies
8. Pickled Fish and Vegetables
9. Pork Schnitzel with Lemon Cream Sauce
10. Beef Steak

Cheese

Cheese is a classic side dish for mulled wine, and there are many different ways to prepare it. For a simple pairing, try grating some sharp cheddar cheese onto a cracker or slice of bread. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could also make a cheese ball or fondue. Whatever you choose, be sure to provide a variety of cheeses for your guests to enjoy.

Keep in mind that cheese can add a richness to mulled wine that some people may not enjoy. If you’re serving it to an age group, it’s best to offer it as an option rather than putting it out for everyone to enjoy. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your cheese pairing is a hit at your next holiday gathering.

Nuts

Nuts are an excellent side dish for mulled wine, providing a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the rich flavors of the drink. There are many different types of nuts that can be used, including pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts.

Each type of nut brings its own distinct flavor to the dish, so it is important to choose one that will complement the flavors of the wine. In addition to flavor, the texture is also an important consideration when choosing a nut for mulled wine. Softer nuts, such as a bonusl melt into the drink, while harder nuts, such as almonds, will retain their crunch.

Dark Chocolate Base Desserts

Mulled wine is a traditional winter beverage, and dark chocolate base desserts make an ideal side dish. The rich, intense flavor of the chocolate is a perfect match for the spiced wine, and the contrast of textures is an added bonus. These desserts can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making them a convenient option for entertaining.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when pairing dark chocolate with mulled wine. First, make sure the chocolate is of good quality – the cheaper brands can contain unhealthy additives that will spoil the taste of the wine. Second, avoid using milk chocolate, which can be too sweet and overwhelm the flavor of the wine.

Finally, remember that a little goes a long way – too much chocolate can make the drink overly rich and heavy. With these tips in mind, dark chocolate base desserts are a delicious and easy way to take your mulled wine to the next level.

Mince Pies

One option is to serve mince pies alongside the mulled wine. Mince pies are small pastries typically filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. The sweet flavor of the pie filling pairs well with the bold spice of mulled wine.

When serving mince pies as a side dish, it’s important to keep them warm so that the pastry stays flaky and the filling stays gooey. One way to do this is to place them on a baking sheet in a low oven until they’re ready to be served.

While mince pies make an excellent side dish for mulled wine, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, they can be quite sweet, so it’s important to find a balance between the sweetness of the mince pies and the spiciness of the mulled wine. Second, mince pies can be messy, so it’s best to serve them on a plate with a fork.

Seasonal Fruits

Seasonal fruits make a great side dish for mulled wine. Pairing the right fruit with your wine can enhance the flavor of both the wine and the fruit. They can also add a much-needed pop of color to an otherwise drab winter landscape.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when using seasonal fruits as a side dish for mulled wine. First, be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Second, cut the fruit into small pieces to prevent it from overpowering the flavor of the wine. Finally, taste the fruit before adding it to the mulled wine to make sure it is ripe and flavorful.

Roasted Meat and Vegetables

Roasted meat and vegetables is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with mulled wine. The dish is simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making it ideal for entertaining. The key to successful roasted meat and vegetables is to select the right cuts of meat and vegetables.

For the meat, choose lean cuts such as chicken breast or pork loin. For the vegetables, potatoes, carrots, and turnips are all good choices. The vegetables should be cut into bite-sized pieces so that they will cook evenly.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a popular side dish for mulled wine, and it’s easy to see why. The rich, spiced flavor of gingerbread pairs perfectly with the deep, complex flavors of mulled wine. In addition, the cookies help to absorb some of the alcohol, making the drink more palatable.

However, be sure to pair them with a wine that is not too sweet. Mulled wines can be quite sweet on their own, so a drier wine will help to balance out the flavors. Second, avoid using too much ginger in the cookies. Too much spice can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the wine.

Finally, be sure to let the cookies cool completely before serving. Hot cookies will cause the wine to lose its flavor and aromatic qualities. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all the benefits of pairing gingerbread cookies with mulled wine.

Pickled Fish and Vegetables

Pickled fish and vegetables make for a tasty and nutritious side dish. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, B, and C, pickled fish is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.

When it comes to pairing, any type of pickled vegetable will do. Some of my favorites include carrots, cucumbers, and peppers. While pickled fish and vegetables are healthy and delicious, they can be quite salty. This is why it’s important to pair it with a wine that is not too sweet. Otherwise, the flavors will not balance out.

Pork Schnitzel with Lemon Cream Sauce

Pork schnitzel with lemon cream sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs incredibly with mulled wine. This dish is traditionally made with pork tenderloin, but you can also use boneless pork chops. The pork is pounded thin, coated in bread crumbs, and then fried.

The lemon cream sauce is made with heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic. It is also relatively quick and easy to make, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.

However, be sure to pound the pork thin enough so that it cooks through evenly. Second, be careful not to overcook the pork or it will become tough. Finally, be sure to add the lemon cream sauce just before serving so that it does not curdle.

Beef Steak

Beef steak makes an excellent side dish for mulled wine. The rich flavor of the beef pairs well with the spices in the mulled wine, and the steak helps to round out the meal. When pairing beef with mulled wine, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or another hearty vegetable.

For a lighter option, grilled vegetables are also a good choice. Some tips for cooking beef steak are to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, use a hot pan or grill, and avoid overcooking. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and healthful holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store gingerbread cookies?

Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Gingerbread cookies can be stored for up to two weeks.

What are mince pies?

Mince pies are fruit-filled pies that are typically made with minced meat, dried fruits, and spices. The filling varies depending on the region, but the most common filling is a mix of currants, raisins, and apples. Some recipes also include orange zest, lemon zest, and brandy.

Conclusion

Many different side dishes are discussed above that can be enjoyed with mulled wine. The best way to choose a side dish is to consider the flavors of the wine and the season.

Be sure to keep in mind the tips and tricks for each dish so that you can enjoy all the benefits of pairing them with mulled wine.

With a little planning, you can create the perfect mulled wine menu for your next party or gathering.