What Goes Well With Pizza

Let's be honest, has anyone ever turned down a slice of pizza? This universally loved dish, with its endless combinations of crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. But even the most perfect pizza can be elevated to new heights with the right accompaniments. Whether you're hosting a pizza party, ordering in for a cozy night, or just grabbing a quick slice, knowing what to pair with your pizza can transform a simple meal into a truly memorable experience.

The art of pairing isn't just about filling your stomach; it's about creating a symphony of flavors. A refreshing salad can cut through the richness of the cheese, while a crisp beverage can cleanse the palate between bites. Thinking beyond the pizza itself allows you to consider texture, acidity, and complimentary flavors, ensuring that every element of your meal works in harmony. This enhances not only your enjoyment of the pizza, but the entire dining experience. So, what are the secrets to creating that perfect pizza pairing?

What Should I Serve With My Pizza?

What drinks pair best with different pizza toppings?

The best drink pairing for pizza depends heavily on the toppings, with the goal being to complement and balance the flavors. Generally, lighter pizzas with vegetables and cheese pair well with crisp white wines or light-bodied beers, while richer, meat-heavy pizzas benefit from bolder red wines or more robust beers. Ultimately, consider the dominant flavors and textures when making your choice.

To expand, consider specific examples. A classic Margherita pizza, with its fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is delightful with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Italian lager. The acidity of the wine or the crispness of the beer cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the bright tomato flavor. On the other hand, a pepperoni pizza, with its spicy and savory profile, demands something more substantial. A Chianti Classico, with its cherry notes and earthy undertones, stands up nicely to the pepperoni's spice, or a medium-bodied IPA with its hoppy bitterness can provide a refreshing contrast. For a pizza loaded with vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and onions, a dry rosé or a Belgian witbier offers a balanced pairing that complements the earthy and slightly sweet flavors. Consider the level of spice as well. If your pizza has a kick from jalapeños or spicy sausage, a slightly sweet drink can help tame the heat. A German Riesling, with its fruity sweetness and high acidity, works wonders, as does a Mexican lager. Conversely, avoid highly tannic wines with spicy pizzas, as the tannins can accentuate the heat and create an unpleasant sensation.

What side dishes complement a classic pepperoni pizza?

A classic pepperoni pizza, with its rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile, pairs exceptionally well with sides that offer a refreshing contrast, balance the richness, or amplify the Italian-American experience. Ideal pairings include a crisp, vibrant salad, a comforting bowl of soup, or classic Italian-inspired appetizers.

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to cut through the richness of the pizza. The acidity of the vinaigrette and the fresh crunch of the lettuce provide a palate-cleansing counterpoint. Consider a Caesar salad for a more robust flavor, or a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a lighter, authentically Italian option. The coolness and freshness of these salads offer a welcome respite from the warm, cheesy pizza. For a heartier meal, consider a bowl of soup. Minestrone, with its vegetable-packed broth and subtle herb notes, complements the pizza without overwhelming the taste buds. Alternatively, a creamy tomato soup can enhance the existing tomato flavors in the pizza while adding a comforting warmth. Appetizers such as garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, or bruschetta also work well, but be mindful of not overdoing the cheesy or bread-heavy components. The goal is to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

What appetizers are a good choice before eating pizza?

The best appetizers before pizza are typically light, flavorful options that complement but don't overpower the main course. Think fresh, acidic, or slightly bitter tastes to stimulate the appetite and prepare the palate for the richness of the pizza.

A great strategy is to choose appetizers that offer contrasting textures and flavors to the pizza itself. For example, if you're having a cheese-heavy pizza, a light and tangy salad with a vinaigrette dressing will cut through the richness and refresh your taste buds. Similarly, if your pizza is loaded with meat, consider vegetable-based appetizers like roasted vegetables or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil. The goal is to create a balanced and enjoyable dining experience, making each course distinct and satisfying.

Consider the overall theme or style of your pizza night. If you're having a casual pizza party, simple appetizers like olives, marinated artichoke hearts, or a caprese salad are perfect. For a more formal gathering, you could opt for more elaborate appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or mini arancini. Ultimately, the best appetizer is one that you and your guests will enjoy and that enhances the overall pizza experience.

What desserts go well after a pizza meal?

After a satisfying pizza meal, desserts that are light, refreshing, and offer a contrasting flavor profile work best. Options like Italian ice, gelato, cannoli, or a simple fruit salad provide a sweet ending without being overly heavy after the richness of pizza.

Pizza, with its savory flavors, cheesy goodness, and sometimes spicy toppings, often leaves you wanting something to cleanse the palate and provide a sweet counterpoint. Therefore, rich, heavy desserts can feel overwhelming. Think of desserts that cut through the richness and offer a different textural experience. The coolness of Italian ice or gelato, especially fruit-based flavors like lemon or raspberry, provides a refreshing contrast. Cannoli, with its crispy shell and sweet ricotta filling, offers a nice textural change and a slightly more decadent, yet still manageable, sweetness. Even a simple bowl of mixed berries or sliced melon can be incredibly satisfying. The lightness and natural sweetness of fruit are a perfect complement to the savory intensity of pizza. Ultimately, the best dessert is one that you'll enjoy and that won't leave you feeling overly full and sluggish after your pizza feast.

What dipping sauces enhance the flavor of pizza crust?

A variety of dipping sauces can elevate the enjoyment of pizza crust, transforming it from a mere handle into a flavorful component of the meal. The best sauces offer complementary or contrasting flavors that enhance the crust's inherent taste, such as garlic-infused, creamy, or spicy options.

Beyond the classic marinara, garlic-based dips are exceptionally popular. Garlic butter, garlic parmesan, or even a simple garlic aioli provide a rich, savory dimension that complements the often-subtle flavor of the crust. Creamy sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy garlic dip offer a cooling contrast to the warmth of the pizza and the sometimes-spicy toppings. For those who enjoy a kick, hot sauce, sriracha mayo, or a chili-infused oil can add a fiery element that cuts through the richness of the cheese and other ingredients. Ultimately, the best dipping sauce for pizza crust is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some prefer to mirror the flavors already present in the pizza, while others prefer a stark contrast. Experimentation is key to discovering your perfect pairing!

What salads are refreshing alongside pizza?

A light, bright, and acidic salad provides a welcome counterpoint to the richness and often heavy nature of pizza. Salads with simple vinaigrettes, fresh greens, and crunchy vegetables are excellent choices to cleanse the palate between slices and offer a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.

Choosing the right salad to accompany pizza involves considering the pizza's toppings and overall flavor profile. For example, a pizza with rich, fatty meats like pepperoni or sausage benefits from a salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and bitter greens like arugula or radicchio to cut through the richness. A lighter pizza with vegetables might pair well with a salad featuring creamy avocado and a mild vinaigrette. The key is to create a balance, avoiding salads that are too heavy or have overly sweet dressings that might clash with the savory flavors of the pizza. A simple Caprese salad, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is always a classic choice as well, offering a burst of fresh flavors that complement almost any pizza. Consider the textures and temperatures too. The warm, soft pizza pairs wonderfully with the cool, crispness of a well-made salad. This textural contrast adds another layer of enjoyment to the meal. Ultimately, the best salad for pizza is one that provides a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience, enhancing rather than overwhelming the pizza's flavors.

What wines pair well with various pizza styles?

The best wine pairing for pizza depends heavily on the toppings, but generally, the high acidity of tomato sauce calls for wines with bright acidity and complementary flavors. Lighter-bodied reds like Chianti or Barbera are excellent all-around choices, while white pizzas or those with seafood can benefit from crisp, dry whites like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. Spicy pizzas pair well with slightly sweeter, fruit-forward wines like off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

Different pizza styles have distinct flavor profiles that demand specific wine characteristics. For example, a classic Margherita pizza with its simple tomato, mozzarella, and basil benefits from a lighter-bodied, high-acid red that won't overpower the delicate flavors. Think of a young Chianti Classico with its bright cherry notes. On the other hand, a meat-lover's pizza, laden with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, needs a more robust red wine with enough tannin and body to stand up to the richness of the meat. Options include a Sangiovese or even a lighter-style Cabernet Sauvignon. Consider the specific ingredients when choosing your wine. A pizza with mushrooms pairs nicely with an earthy Pinot Noir, while a pizza featuring artichokes benefits from a crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. If you're dealing with a creamy white pizza, especially one with truffle oil, a richer, more full-bodied white like Chardonnay can be a delightful pairing. The key is to balance the acidity, richness, and spice levels of both the pizza and the wine to create a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this has sparked some tasty ideas and inspired you to elevate your next pizza night. From classic pairings to unexpected delights, there's a whole world of flavors just waiting to be discovered alongside your favorite slice. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more food-filled fun!