Some nights after work, when you just can’t be bothered to whip up that delicious, homemade meal, frozen appetizers are the solution. There’s nothing better than that occasional processed mozzarella stick or guilty-pleasure pizza roll to use as a replacement for dinner. After all, it seems like just yesterday that these frozen favorites were daily staples in our teenage diets. Believe it or not, snacking on these appetizers just got a whole lot better as adults. How, you may ask? By pairing wine with them, of course. We’ve compiled a list of 12 of our favorite frozen apps and paired them with wine. Simply pour, heat, and eat for the most nostalgic, defrosted goodness of your life.
Bagel Bites – Barbera
High-acid reds are ideal with pizza. Grab a Barbera from Piedmont for a fun, no-frills pairing with these mini bagel pizzas.
TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks – Negroamaro
A high-acid red such as a Negroamaro from Salice Salentino beautifully complements marinara sauce while cutting through the fat of the cheese. If you can’t find a Negroamaro, try a Nero d’Avola from Sicily instead.
Stouffer’s French Bread Pepperoni Pizza – Chianti
Look to a medium-bodied Sangiovese-based wine like Chianti to complement the cheesy goodness and spicy meat atop our favorite French bread pizza.
José Olé Taquitos – Garnacha
A bright, earthy Garnacha pairs flawlessly with the sweet components of the corn tortilla and spicy qualities of the beef. Think of it like Taco Tuesday, just defrosted.
Ore Ida Tater Tots – Chablis
Greasy, fried potatoes need a high-acid white to complement their fatty saltiness, making Chablis an awesome pairing. Dry Riesling also works, too!
PF Chang’s Chicken Mini Egg Rolls – Gewurztraminer
While everyone’s go-to for Asian cuisine tends to be Riesling, switch it up with a delicious Alsatian Gewurz. The stone fruit and lychee flavors are heavenly with the cabbage, carrots, and sprouts filling.
Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Nuggets with Cheese – Your Favorite Beer
While we definitely think a solid sparkling rosé would be delicious with these pretzel bites, we prefer to make like Oktoberfest and stick with beer with our pretzels and cheese.
Totino’s Pizza Rolls – Lambrusco
In our opinion, Lambrusco is made for pizza. It’s fizzy, high-acid, and, of course, super fun and easy to drink. Disclaimer: You’ll most likely polish off a bottle (and box of rolls) with these two side by side.
White Castle Cheeseburgers – Syrah
The meaty, cheesy goodness of White Castle burgers pairs deliciously with a meaty, juicy Syrah from the Rhone.
SeaPak Jumbo Coconut Shrimp – Off-Dry Vouvray
The acidity and slight sweetness in this wine complement the saltiness of the batter and tropical coconut flavors. This pairing is sea-riously not to miss.
Banquet Popcorn Chicken – Champagne
Baller out and treat yourself with this luxurious app and wine pairing. The saltiness of the breading mixed with the yeasty flavors of Champagne is to die for.
Tyson Any’tizer Hot Wings – Rosé
Tame the heat of the wings with any icy cold, refreshing bottle of rosé. The fruit-forward flavors and bright acidity are finger-licking good.
