Introduction
Pizza. Just the word conjures images of bubbling cheese, fragrant herbs, and a communal feast shared with friends and family. It’s a culinary chameleon, adapting to endless toppings and satisfying cravings across cultures. But while pizza undoubtedly reigns supreme, limiting your pizza experience to just the pie itself is a missed opportunity. The right accompaniments can transform a simple pizza night into a gourmet experience, enhancing flavors and creating a truly memorable meal. Pizza deserves to be part of a complete dining experience. This article explores a world of delicious side dishes and pairings that will elevate your pizza from a solo star to the centerpiece of a truly satisfying and balanced culinary adventure. You’ll discover everything from classic salads to unexpected appetizers, along with drink suggestions that complement a wide range of pizza styles. We are going to show you the best food to serve with pizza.
Classic and Simple Sides that Complement Your Pizza
Sometimes, the best accompaniments are the simplest. These classic sides offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pizza and provide a satisfying balance to your meal.
Salad Sensations
A crisp, well-dressed salad is a pizza’s best friend.
The Timeless Caesar Salad
The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad provides a wonderful contrast to the savory nature of pizza. The slight bitterness of the romaine lettuce cuts through the richness of cheese and toppings, making each bite of pizza even more enjoyable.
Simple Green Salad with Vinaigrette
For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is ideal. The acidity of the vinaigrette cleanses the palate, preventing the pizza from feeling too heavy. Choose a variety of greens for added texture and flavor.
Caprese Salad’s Italian Charm
If you’re looking to keep with the Italian theme, a Caprese salad is a perfect choice. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil perfectly complements the flavors of a classic pizza. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Bread: A Comforting Companion
What’s better than one type of bread? Two! Adding a bread side to your pizza elevates the whole dining experience.
Garlic Bread’s Irresistible Aroma
The garlicky, buttery goodness of garlic bread is a classic for a reason. It adds a comforting, familiar element to your meal and is perfect for soaking up any extra pizza sauce.
Breadsticks for Dipping Delights
Breadsticks are another great option, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart!). They’re easy to eat and perfect for dipping into pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or even the salad dressing.
Vegetables: A Healthy Balance
Adding vegetables to your pizza spread can help you balance the meal and add vital nutrients to your diet.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
A side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provides a healthy counterpoint to the indulgence of pizza. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and olive oil is all you need to let the natural flavors shine.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: A Summer Treat
During the summer months, grilled corn on the cob is a fantastic addition to your pizza meal. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with both savory and spicy pizza toppings, and the char from the grill adds a smoky depth of flavor.
Hearty and Flavorful Sides to Satisfy Bigger Appetites
When you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, these hearty and flavorful sides will perfectly complement your pizza and keep everyone feeling full and satisfied. If you are truly hungry, the best food to serve with pizza might be one of these options.
Pasta Dishes to Double the Italian Goodness
A pasta side with pizza is a decadent and delicious experience that makes any pizza party or pizza night an unforgettable event.
Pasta Salad: Customizable and Convenient
Pasta salad is a versatile option that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for parties or busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, meats, and cheeses, and toss it with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
Baked Ziti/Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic
For a truly indulgent experience, serve your pizza with a side of baked ziti or another baked pasta dish. The cheesy, saucy goodness complements the flavors of the pizza and provides a satisfyingly hearty meal.
Chicken Wings: A Crowd-Pleasing Addition
Chicken wings are another classic pairing with pizza.
A World of Flavors
Whether you prefer the fiery heat of Buffalo wings, the sweet and smoky flavor of BBQ wings, or the garlicky goodness of Parmesan wings, there’s a chicken wing flavor to suit every palate. The crispy texture and bold flavors provide a delicious contrast to the soft crust and savory toppings of pizza.
Soups: A Warm and Comforting Choice
Soup with pizza? Yes! It’s a great way to enhance the meal and provide a balance between two favorite meals.
Minestrone: An Italian-Inspired Classic
A hearty bowl of minestrone soup is a perfect accompaniment to pizza, especially on a chilly evening. The combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth is both satisfying and nutritious.
Tomato Soup: A Classic Pairing
A simple bowl of tomato soup is a classic pairing with pizza, particularly a simple cheese pizza. The acidity of the tomato soup cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and comforting meal.
Unexpected and Creative Pairings for the Adventurous Palate
Ready to think outside the box? These unexpected and creative pairings will surprise and delight your taste buds, proving that there’s no limit to what you can serve with pizza.
Appetizers to Ignite Your Appetite
An appetizer can make the whole pizza experience even better.
Bruschetta: A Fresh and Flavorful Bite
Toasted slices of bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic provide a light and flavorful start to your pizza meal. The bright, herbaceous flavors complement the savory nature of pizza perfectly.
Arancini: A Sicilian Delight
Crispy, golden-brown arancini, or fried rice balls, are a delicious and unexpected side dish. Stuffed with mozzarella cheese and often meat ragu, these savory treats add a touch of Sicilian flair to your pizza night.
Fruits: A Sweet and Refreshing Contrast
Add some fruit for a delicious and healthy accompaniment to any pizza!
Fresh Fruit Platter: A Burst of Sweetness
A platter of fresh fruit, such as grapes, melon, and berries, provides a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of pizza. It’s also a healthy and visually appealing addition to your meal.
Pickles and Pickled Vegetables: A Tangy Twist
The Power of Pickles: The acidity of pickles, whether they’re classic dill pickles or pickled vegetables like giardiniera, cuts through the richness of the pizza and cleanses the palate. The tangy, crunchy texture provides a welcome contrast to the soft, cheesy pizza.
Drinks to Pair with Your Perfect Pizza
No pizza meal is complete without the perfect beverage. Here are some suggestions for drinks that complement pizza, from classic beers to refreshing non-alcoholic options.
Beer: A Classic Choice
Lager
A crisp, clean lager is a classic pairing with pizza. Its light body and refreshing flavor don’t overpower the pizza’s flavors.
IPA
For a more flavorful option, try an IPA. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the richness of the pizza and complements spicy toppings.
Wheat Beer
A wheat beer, with its fruity and slightly spicy notes, pairs well with pizzas that have lighter toppings, such as vegetables or seafood.
Wine: An Elegant Pairing
Chianti
A medium-bodied Chianti is a natural pairing with pizza, especially those with tomato-based sauces. Its acidity and earthy notes complement the flavors of the pizza.
Pinot Noir
A lighter-bodied Pinot Noir is a good choice for pizzas with more delicate toppings, such as mushrooms or prosciutto.
Sparkling Wine
For a festive touch, try pairing your pizza with a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne. The bubbles cleanse the palate and add a touch of elegance to your meal.
Non-Alcoholic Options for Everyone
Sparkling Water with Lemon/Lime
A simple and refreshing choice, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a great palate cleanser.
Iced Tea
Unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing and thirst-quenching option that pairs well with a variety of pizza toppings.
Italian Soda
An Italian soda, made with flavored syrup and sparkling water, is a fun and festive non-alcoholic option that complements the Italian theme of the meal.
Tips for Planning Your Ultimate Pizza Meal
Here are some final tips to help you plan the perfect pizza meal:
Consider the Pizza Toppings: Tailor your side dishes to complement the flavors of your pizza. A spicy pizza might benefit from a cooling salad, while a vegetarian pizza might pair well with a hearty pasta dish.
Balance Textures and Flavors: Aim for a variety of textures and flavors to keep your meal interesting. Combine crunchy salads with soft pizzas, and balance rich dishes with lighter options.
Account for Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.
Prep Ahead: Choose side dishes that can be made in advance to reduce stress on the day of your pizza night. Salads, pasta salads, and soups can all be prepared ahead of time.
Conclusion: A Pizza Night to Remember
Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. By adding the right side dishes and pairings, you can elevate your pizza night from a simple dinner to a truly memorable culinary adventure. From classic salads and comforting breads to unexpected appetizers and refreshing drinks, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find your own personal favorites. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the deliciousness that pizza and its accompaniments have to offer. So, the next time you order a pizza, don’t just settle for the pie itself. Explore the world of delicious side dishes and pairings and discover how much more you can get out of your pizza night. You now know the best food to serve with pizza. Happy feasting!
