When the holidays roll around, beer is often the go-to beverage for festive gatherings—but what if it could do more than fill your glass? At Sierra Nevada, we believe beer belongs in your kitchen just as much as it does in your cooler. From Thanksgiving feasts to Christmas parties, our brews bring bold, seasonal flavor to dishes that will wow your guests and warm your spirits.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a dish to share, these beer-infused recipes are designed to impress. We’re not talking about pairings—we’re talking about cooking with beer. Let’s dive into how Sierra Nevada’s lineup can elevate your holiday table.
Why Cook with Beer?
Beer adds depth, complexity, and a touch of magic to recipes. The maltiness can enhance caramelization, the hops can cut through richness, and the carbonation can tenderize meats or lighten batters. Sierra Nevada beers offer a range of flavor profiles perfect for holiday cooking:
- Celebration IPA: Bold and hoppy with citrus and pine—ideal for savory mains and festive desserts.
- Pale Ale: Balanced and versatile, great for cheese sauces and hearty sides.
- Hazy Little Thing: Juicy and smooth, perfect for vinaigrettes and glazes.
- Porter: Rich and roasty, excellent in desserts and braised dishes.
- Stout: Dark with rich coffee and chocolate character, perfect for desserts.
- Oktoberfest: Malty and smooth, a seasonal favorite for comforting classics.
Holiday Recipe Highlights
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Hazy Little Thing Maple Vinaigrette
Type: Side Dish
Yield: 6 servings | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Difficulty: Easy
Make the Salad
Pale Ale Beer Cheese
Type: Appetizer
Yield: 2 cups | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Difficulty: Easy
Celebration IPA Popcorn
Type: Snack
Yield: 8 cups | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Difficulty: Easy
Popcorn gets a holiday makeover with a glaze made from Celebration IPA. The beer’s piney bitterness balances the sweet caramel coating, making this a snack worth celebrating. Make the Popcorn
Oktoberfest Braised Pork
Type: Main Dish
Yield: 6 servings | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
This hearty pork shoulder is slow-braised in Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest, infusing the meat with rich, malty flavor and fall spices. Serve with roasted vegetables or spaetzle for a comforting holiday centerpiece. Make the Pork
Celebration IPA Stuffed Turkey Breast
Type: Main Dish
Yield: 4 servings | Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate
This show-stopping turkey breast is stuffed with herbs and cranberries, then basted with Celebration IPA for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece. The beer’s bold hops complement the savory stuffing beautifully. Make the Turkey
Narwhal Flourless Cakes
Type: Dessert
Yield: 6 cakes | Prep Time: 25 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Difficulty: Moderate
Decadent and rich, these flourless chocolate cakes are infused with Barrel-Aged Narwhal Imperial Stout, adding deep notes of espresso, dark fruit, and oak. A perfect indulgence for winter celebrations. Make the Cakes
Celebration IPA Bread Pudding
Type: Dessert
Yield: 8 servings | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 45 min | Difficulty: Moderate
Rich and comforting, this bread pudding uses Celebration IPA to soak the bread and infuse it with festive flavor. Add dried fruit and a drizzle of vanilla glaze for a decadent finish. Make the Bread Pudding
Celebration IPA Chocolate Tart
Type: Dessert
Yield: 1 tart (8 servings) | Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Difficulty: Moderate
Dark chocolate and Celebration IPA come together in this elegant tart. The beer’s bitterness enhances the richness of the chocolate, making each bite intense and satisfying. Make the Tart
Get cooking!
This holiday season, let Sierra Nevada be your secret ingredient. From savory starters to sweet endings, our beers bring bold flavor and festive flair to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these recipes are sure to make spirits bright. For even more seasonal inspiration, check out our Best Fall Beers and Best Holiday Beers to find the perfect brew for your next gathering.
Cheers to flavor—and happy holidays from Sierra Nevada!
