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What to Serve With Coffee in the Afternoon: 15 Best Side Dishes

Pairing the right side dish with your afternoon coffee can transform a simple break into a delightful experience. Consider classic biscotti, with its firm texture perfect for dunking. Croissants offer buttery, flaky layers, while muffins—whether bursting with blueberries or hearty bran—provide a delightful blend of sweetness and texture. Scones, either sweet or savory, and rich chocolate cake are also excellent choices. For more variety, try cinnamon rolls, delicate macarons, cheese danish, or granola bars. Each option complements coffee beautifully and can elevate your afternoon treat. Explore further to discover more tantalizing pairings for your coffee.

Biscotti

crunchy italian dessert treat

Biscotti, the classic Italian twice-baked cookies, are an excellent accompaniment to afternoon coffee due to their delightful crunch and ability to be dipped.

With Italian origins, these cookies come in traditional flavors like almond, anise, and chocolate. Their firm texture guarantees they hold up well when dunked into coffee, making them a beloved choice for a satisfying coffee break.

Croissants

flaky french pastry delight

When considering delightful pastries that complement afternoon coffee, croissants offer a versatile and buttery option. Of French origin, these pastries are renowned for their flaky, buttery layers that practically melt in your mouth.

Whether enjoyed plain or filled with chocolate, almonds, or ham and cheese, croissants provide a satisfying and elegant accompaniment to coffee, enhancing the overall experience of your afternoon break.

Muffins

baking blueberry muffins fresh

Offering a delightful blend of sweetness and texture, muffins make an excellent companion to afternoon coffee. Blueberry muffins, bursting with juicy berries, provide a fruity contrast to the rich coffee flavor.

For a healthier option, bran muffins offer a nutty taste and hearty texture, perfect for those seeking a wholesome treat. Both varieties elevate the coffee experience, making it truly enjoyable.

Scones

delicious baked goods

Scones, with their crumbly texture and buttery flavor, are another delightful option to serve with afternoon coffee. Whether you prefer sweet or savory scones, they pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee.

Popular scone toppings include clotted cream, jam, and butter, which enhance their rich taste. For a savory twist, consider adding cheese or herbs to your scones.

Chocolate Cake

indulgent dessert treat rich

A rich and decadent chocolate cake makes an excellent accompaniment to a robust afternoon coffee. Its deep flavors complement the bold notes of the coffee.

Mastering frosting techniques enhances the cake's appeal, adding both texture and sweetness.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider a wine pairing; a light, fruity red wine can elevate the experience, balancing the cake's richness perfectly.

Fruit Tart

delicate pastry sweet filling

For a lighter yet equally delightful option to pair with afternoon coffee, a fruit tart offers an invigorating contrast to the richness of chocolate cake.

The crisp pastry crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the array of colorful, seasonal fruits adds a burst of revitalizing flavors.

This combination creates a balanced and invigorating treat that complements the aromatic warmth of your coffee, making it a perfect afternoon indulgence.

Cheese Platter

delicious cheese platter served

Pairing a well-curated cheese platter with afternoon coffee can elevate your coffee break into a sophisticated and satisfying experience. Explore various cheese varieties, such as brie, gouda, and blue cheese, to create a delightful assortment.

Consider also pairing wines that complement the cheeses, enriching the flavors. This combination not only pleases the palate but also adds a touch of elegance to your day.

Doughnuts

fried sweet round pastries

Doughnuts offer a delightful and classic accompaniment to afternoon coffee, bringing a touch of indulgence to your break.

Glazed varieties, with their sweet and shiny coating, are particularly popular.

If you prefer a personal touch, homemade recipes allow for creative flavors and fresher ingredients.

Whether store-bought or handmade, doughnuts elevate your coffee experience, making each sip feel more special.

Banana Bread

delicious baked banana treat

Banana bread consistently provides a comforting and flavorful companion to your afternoon coffee. Rich in banana nutrition, this delightful treat offers a balance of sweetness and moist texture.

Homemade recipes allow you to customize ingredients, ensuring a fresh and personal touch. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, banana bread enhances the coffee experience, making each sip and bite more pleasurable.

Shortbread Cookies

delicious homemade buttery treats

For those seeking a classic and buttery option to accompany their afternoon coffee, shortbread cookies present an excellent choice. With their rich, buttery texture and Scottish origin, these cookies are both simple and delightful.

Their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth appeal pairs beautifully with coffee's robust flavor, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience. Perfect for any afternoon treat, shortbread cookies never disappoint.

Almond Cake

delicious gluten free almond cake

Almond cake, with its moist texture and delicate nutty flavor, serves as an elegant pairing for an afternoon coffee.

Almonds offer numerous benefits, including healthy fats and antioxidants.

This cake comes in many variations, from light, airy sponge cakes to denser, rich versions.

Each variation complements coffee beautifully, making it a delightful and sophisticated choice for any coffee break.

Cinnamon Rolls

sweet warm comforting treat

Following the delightful almond cake, cinnamon rolls offer another irresistible option for an afternoon coffee accompaniment. Their soft, fluffy texture is achieved with proper rising time, ensuring they are light and airy.

Mastering icing techniques can add a perfect sweet touch, making each bite delightful. These classic pastries pair wonderfully with coffee, enhancing the overall experience with their warm, spiced flavor.

Macarons

delicate french dessert treat

Macarons, with their delicate shells and rich fillings, offer an elegant and sophisticated treat to accompany an afternoon coffee. Originating from France, these delightful confections come in colorful varieties, each offering a unique flavor experience.

Their light, airy texture pairs beautifully with the boldness of coffee, making them a popular choice for those seeking a touch of refinement in their afternoon break.

Cheese Danish

sweet pastry with cheese

With its buttery, flaky pastry and creamy cheese filling, the cheese danish offers a delectable companion to an afternoon coffee.

The combination of rich cream cheese and light, airy dough creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

This delightful treat not only complements the robust taste of coffee but also provides a satisfying, indulgent experience, making it an ideal choice for any coffee break.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Walking Tacos at a Graduation Party Also Be Served with Coffee in the Afternoon?

Yes, the best side dishes for walking tacos can also be served with coffee in the afternoon. Options like corn salad, black bean and corn salsa, or Mexican street corn will complement both the tacos and the coffee perfectly, adding flavor and variety to the spread.

Granola Bars

healthy snack on the go

Granola bars offer a wholesome and convenient option to enjoy alongside an afternoon coffee. With a variety of granola varieties available, they cater to different tastes, from sweet to savory.

Made with healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits, granola bars provide a nutritious boost. They pair perfectly with coffee, enhancing the flavor experience and providing a satisfying snack.