Peanuts & Beer: The Perfect Pairings for Your Backyard BBQ

Nothing says summer quite like a backyard BBQ featuring cold beer paired with flavorful peanuts and other crave-worthy snacks. Peanuts and beer is a classic pairing—the salty crunch of peanuts brings out the best in your favorite brews, and vice versa. Whether you're grilling burgers or kicking back with friends, pairing different beers with Hampton Farms peanuts takes your summer gathering to the next level.

Why Peanuts and Beer Pair So Well

There’s a reason peanuts and beer are such a time-honored couple. Traditionally, beers were more malt-forward, and that warm, roasted character paired naturally with the earthy flavor of peanuts. Today’s wide variety of brews still complement peanuts beautifully. The saltiness of the nuts plays off the bitterness of the beer, while the satisfying crunch adds texture between sips. Plus, peanuts are packed with protein and healthy fats, helping to slow alcohol absorption and keep hunger at bay. Whether you’re serving them shelled or in the shell, peanuts elevate the beer experience and are a staple at any backyard BBQ or game-day get-together.

Top Six Peanut and Beer Pairings

Below are six delicious ways to combine peanuts and beer for unforgettable summer snacking. Each combo highlights the unique flavors of Hampton Farms peanuts with popular beer styles to match.

1 | In-Shell Unsalted Peanuts + Wheat Beer (Hefeweizen)

Light and slightly fruity, a wheat beer pairs beautifully with the naturally mellow taste of unsalted in-shell peanuts. The beer adds brightness while the peanuts offer a nutty finish that’s ideal for summertime sipping and snacking. 

2 | Shelled Salt-and-Pepper Peanuts + Pilsner

Crisp and refreshing, a pilsner brings out the zesty kick of salt-and-pepper peanuts. This beer and snack pairing is clean, bold, and perfectly suited for porch hangs or backyard grilling. 

3 | In-Shell Cajun Hot Peanuts + IPA

Bring the heat with Cajun hot peanuts and balance it out with a bold IPA. The hoppy bitterness cools the spice and brings out smoky, savory notes in each bite. 

4 | Sweet Honey Roasted Peanuts + Porter

A porter’s smooth, roasted character pairs with the sweet crunch of honey-roasted peanuts. Together, this duo creates rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and nuttiness, perfect for winding down as the sun sets. 

5 | Shelled Salted Peanuts + American Pale Ale

Simple and satisfying, extra-large, salted Virginia peanuts meet their match in a citrusy pale ale. This classic combo is refreshing and flavorful, ideal for summer evenings spent around the fire pit. 

6 | Shelled Honey Chipotle Peanuts + Amber Ale

Smoky, sweet, and just a little spicy, chipotle and honey peanuts pair best with a malty amber ale. The deep, toasty flavor of the beer enhances the chipotle’s smokiness while balancing the sweetness. 

Whether you love hop-forward brews or rich, dark porters, there’s a peanut for every pint. Try these peanut and beer pairings to impress your guests, or mix and match to create your own summer favorites. When in doubt, keep it simple with a cold beer and a handful of in-shell salted peanuts, still one of the best beer and snack pairings around. Stock up on Hampton Farms peanut varieties for your next backyard bash and let the summer fun roll on.