Bloody Mary Appetizer & Food Pairings
August 12, 2019
You have a cocktail party coming up, and you already know what cocktail you’re serving — Bloody Marys. That’s a given. But cocktail parties also require food. What goes best with Bloody Marys? Luckily, we have given that question a lot of thought.
Food Pairing Ideas
When looking for foods to pair with Bloody Marys, you want appetizers that complement the strong flavor of your cocktail. Try to offset the spiciness of the drink with something more soothing to the mouth. Meats make an excellent accompaniment to Bloody Marys. So does milder vegetarian fare. Here are some of our favorite Bloody Mary appetizer pairings.
1. Swedish Meatballs
These little delights stew in a creamy sauce that’s milder than traditional Italian meatballs. The sweetness of the sauce cuts the spiciness of a Bloody Mary. You can make Swedish meatballs well ahead of time and just heat them up on the day of the party, meaning less work for you.
2. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella cheese covered in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection? You can never go wrong with mozzarella sticks. Cheese always makes an excellent accompaniment to tomato, the flavor base for Bloody Marys. And the gooey nature of the mozzarella stick contrasts nicely with the horseradish in the Bloody Mary. You can buy premade mozzarella sticks in the freezer section of your grocery store to save time.
3. Red Pepper Hummus and Toasted Pita
Hummus is a healthy treat that combines creaminess with a unique taste that goes well with the strong flavor of a Bloody Mary. Cut pita wedges to assemble an attractive tray of good-for-you snacks. You may want to add some cut-up vegetables as well. Celery is always a welcome companion to Bloody Marys, of course, and carrots and tomatoes can fill out the plate. Experiment with other flavors of hummus as well.
4. Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Is there anything more decadent than buttery scallops covered with savory bacon? Your guests will scarf down these little bits of heaven. Their rich flavor makes an exceptional accompaniment to the Bloody Marys. They can also bring down the heat a little bit, especially if you have a heavy pour on the Tabasco for your cocktails. Make more of these than you think your guests will eat. They’ll be popular.
5. Poached Shrimp
You need something cool to cut the heat of the Bloody Marys. Poached shrimp is just the right appetizer. The robust flavor of the shrimp comes out in the poaching process. Serving them cold takes the zing out of the Bloody Mary aftertaste. Your guests may like hanging the shrimp on their glasses. You can put out a bowl of cocktail sauce with the shrimp, but many may consider the cocktail the best companion.
When you add these appetizer food pairings to your Bloody Mary cocktail party, don’t forget to include Benny’s Original Meat Straws, too. Our garnishes make an excellent accompaniment to your favorite cocktail, and you will find people asking you where they can get meat straws. Place your order today.