March Madness: 5 Perfect Game Day Snack & Craft Beer Pairings

If you read our recent article Food and Beer Pairing: Elevating Your Culinary Experience, you know we are all about complementing delicious dishes with great craft brews.

Now that March Madness is officially here, we want to help make your game day party a culinary slam dunk with the perfect lineup of craft beer and snacks! Try out these five expertly paired game day snack and craft beer combinations that will keep your taste buds cheering all night long.

1. Hoppy IPAs & Buffalo Wings
Few foods say "game day" quite like hot wings, and pairing them with the right beer elevates the entire experience. For traditional buffalo wings with their signature spicy kick, a hop-forward IPA stands up to the heat while cleansing your palate between bites.
We recommend: West Coast-style IPAs, Hazy New England IPAs, or Session IPAs

2. Loaded Nachos & Amber Ales
Nachos loaded with cheese, jalapeños, guacamole, and all the fixings deserve a beer that complements their complex flavor profile. Amber Ales offer the perfect balance – malty enough to stand up to the cheese while maintaining enough hop character to cut through the richness.
We recommend: Traditional American Amber Ales or Red Ales

3. Pizza & Pilsners
Whether you're ordering delivery or making your own, pizza is a game day staple. The clean, crisp character of a well-made Pilsner provides the perfect counterpoint to a slice of your favorite pie. The light body and subtle hop bitterness won't overwhelm the pizza's flavors, while the carbonation helps cut through the cheese and cleanse your palate.
We recommend: German-style or Czech-style Pilsners

4. Burger Sliders & Brown Ales
Miniature burgers are perfect for grazing throughout a long day of basketball viewing. Pair these handheld delights with a nutty Brown Ale that complements the caramelized meat while adding depth to every bite.
We recommend: English-style or American brown ales

5. Wheat Beer & Soft Pretzels with Cheese
A light, citrusy wheat beer is the ideal pairing for soft pretzels dipped in cheese. The subtle sweetness and fruity feel in wheat beers complement the salty, doughy goodness of a pretzel, while cutting through the richness of the cheese sauce.
We recommend: Hefeweizens, American Wheat Beer, and Belgian Witbier
Pro Tip: Pair with a homemade beer cheese dip for the ultimate March Madness snack.

So grab your favorite craft beer, serve up these delicious snacks, and let the madness begin - cheers to an unforgettable tournament season!