Best Pizza Dinner Pairings: What Goes Well with Pizza?

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Pizza

Pizza itself is often rich and satisfying, but the right side dishes can add freshness, crunch, or contrast that enhances the overall meal. Here are several classic and innovative sides to consider.

Fresh Salads: Balancing Richness with Crispness

A fresh salad is always a winning choice to balance the heavy, cheesy nature of pizza. A simple Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing cuts through the richness perfectly.

For a lighter option, try an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan. The peppery greens and bright citrus provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Another excellent choice is a Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This pairing echoes the flavors of a Margherita pizza but adds a different texture and temperature.

Garlic Bread and Cheesy Breads

Garlic bread is a classic companion for pizza lovers craving more bread but with a garlicky, buttery twist. It complements the tomato and cheese elements of pizza with its savory depth.

Cheesy breads, such as cheesy garlic knots or stuffed breadsticks, amplify the indulgence factor. These sides are perfect for sharing and provide a deliciously gooey contrast to your pizza slices.

Roasted Vegetables: A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Option

Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant bring smoky, caramelized notes that pair wonderfully with pizza. They are a nutritious side that adds color and complexity to your meal.

Try seasoning them with herbs like rosemary or thyme to complement Italian-style pizzas. This approach works especially well with vegetarian or white pizzas.

Antipasto Platters

For a more sophisticated pairing, an antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses can be an excellent start or side. It offers a variety of textures and flavors that match the diversity of pizza toppings.

This option is perfect for entertaining or when you want a more elaborate pizza dinner experience.

Beers That Pair Perfectly with Pizza

Choosing the right beverage can make or break a pizza dinner. Beer, with its wide range of styles and flavors, is often the ideal companion.

Light Lagers and Pilsners

Light lagers and pilsners are crisp and refreshing, making them perfect for balancing greasy or heavily topped pizzas. Their subtle malt sweetness and moderate carbonation cleanse the palate between bites.

These beers pair well with classic cheese or pepperoni pizzas because they don’t overpower the flavors.

IPA (India Pale Ale)

IPAs bring hoppy bitterness and citrusy notes that contrast nicely with rich, cheesy pizzas or those with spicy toppings like jalapeños or chorizo. The bitterness cuts through the fat and refreshes your taste buds.

If you enjoy bold flavors, an IPA alongside a meat-laden pizza can be incredibly satisfying.

Amber Ales and Brown Ales

Amber and brown ales offer malt-forward profiles with caramel, toffee, and nutty undertones. These beers complement pizzas with smoky or barbecue flavors, such as BBQ chicken or smoked sausage pizzas.

The malt sweetness balances the savory and smoky elements, creating a harmonious pairing.

Stouts and Porters

Rich, creamy stouts and porters are excellent with pizzas that have bold flavors, such as mushroom or truffle pizzas. Their roasted notes enhance the earthiness of the toppings.

They also work well with dessert pizzas, pairing beautifully with chocolate or caramel toppings.

Wines That Elevate Your Pizza Experience

Wine lovers can find a variety of options that complement pizza’s diverse flavors. The key is to match the wine’s body and acidity with the pizza’s sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Chianti and Sangiovese

Chianti, made from the Sangiovese grape, is a classic Italian red that pairs beautifully with tomato-based pizzas. Its bright acidity mirrors the acidity in the tomato sauce, while its medium body supports savory toppings.

This wine is versatile and pairs well with everything from Margherita to pepperoni pizzas.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir’s light to medium body and fruity character make it an excellent choice for mushroom, veggie, or white pizzas. Its subtle earthiness complements roasted vegetables and mushrooms without overwhelming delicate flavors.

Look for a Pinot Noir with good acidity to keep the pairing fresh.

Zinfandel and Syrah

Zinfandel and Syrah offer bold fruit flavors and spice, which pair well with spicy or meat-heavy pizzas. Their robust profiles stand up to sausage, pepperoni, and BBQ chicken toppings.

The richness of these wines balances the intensity of the pizza flavors.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne bring bright acidity and effervescence that refresh the palate. They work surprisingly well with cheesy and fried pizza styles, cutting through fat and enhancing the overall taste.

Sparkling wines add a celebratory touch to any pizza dinner.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Enjoy with Pizza

Not everyone drinks alcohol, but there are plenty of non-alcoholic options that complement pizza beautifully. These choices can be just as sophisticated and enjoyable.

Italian Sodas and Sparkling Water

Italian sodas, made with flavored syrups and sparkling water, offer a sweet and bubbly contrast to savory pizza. Flavors like blood orange, lemon, or raspberry can brighten the meal.

Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a refreshing palate cleanser, especially for heavier pizzas.

Iced Tea and Lemonade

Iced tea, particularly black or herbal varieties, pairs well with most pizza styles. Its subtle bitterness balances the cheese and tomato sauce.

Lemonade provides a sweet-tart contrast that complements spicy or meat-heavy pizzas.

Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines

For those who want the flavor profile of beer or wine without alcohol, many quality non-alcoholic options exist. These beverages maintain the carbonation and flavor notes that enhance pizza pairings.

Look for brands that focus on authentic taste to avoid overly sweet or artificial flavors.

Dessert Pairings to Complete Your Pizza Dinner

After savoring your pizza and sides, a thoughtfully chosen dessert can round out the meal perfectly. Consider options that either complement or contrast the savory flavors you’ve enjoyed.

Classic Italian Desserts

Tiramisu, panna cotta, and cannoli are traditional Italian sweets that follow pizza naturally. Their creamy textures and balanced sweetness offer a satisfying conclusion without being overwhelming.

Tiramisu’s coffee and cocoa notes are especially indulgent after a hearty pizza dinner.

Fruit-Based Desserts

Fresh fruit or fruit-based desserts like lemon sorbet or berry compote provide a light, refreshing finish. Their acidity cuts through the richness of pizza, cleansing the palate.

Fruit tarts or grilled peaches with honey and mascarpone also offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory.

Dessert Pizzas

A dessert pizza can be a fun and thematic way to end the meal. Popular toppings include Nutella, fresh strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, and chocolate chips.

These sweet creations mirror the format of regular pizza but satisfy the craving for something sugary.

Additional Tips for Creating the Ultimate Pizza Dinner

Pairing pizza with complementary dishes and drinks is an art that involves considering flavors, textures, and occasion. Keep these tips in mind to enhance your pizza dinners.

Consider the Pizza Style and Toppings

Thin-crust pizzas with light toppings pair well with delicate sides and lighter beverages. Conversely, deep-dish or heavily topped pizzas call for bolder accompaniments.

Balance Flavors and Textures

Incorporate fresh, crunchy elements to contrast gooey cheese and tender crust. Also, balance spicy, salty, and sweet flavors throughout the meal for a harmonious experience.

Think About Occasion and Guests

For casual gatherings, simple sides and easy-to-serve drinks work best. For more formal meals, elevate the pairings with curated wines and sophisticated antipasto plates.

Conclusion

Pizza is a versatile dish that invites creativity when it comes to pairing. From fresh salads and savory breads to perfectly matched beers and wines, the right accompaniments can transform your pizza dinner into a culinary event.

Don’t forget about non-alcoholic options and delightful desserts that complete the meal. By thoughtfully selecting your sides and beverages, you’ll ensure every pizza night is deliciously memorable and satisfying.

Experiment with these pairings and find your perfect pizza dinner combination today.