What Goes With Pizza and Wings? Beyond the Basics
The perfect pairing for pizza and wings extends far beyond just soda. Complementary sides, drinks, and desserts elevate the experience, balancing the richness and intensity of the main course.
The Perfect Pizza and Wings Symphony: Setting the Stage
Pizza and wings are a cornerstone of casual dining and social gatherings. Their inherent flavors – the savory, often spicy, notes of wings and the comforting, customizable taste of pizza – create a blank canvas for numerous complementary pairings. But simply throwing anything together won’t guarantee success. Understanding flavor profiles, textures, and even the specific types of pizza and wings, are crucial to creating a truly satisfying meal. This isn’t just about filling up; it’s about crafting a harmonious culinary experience.
Sides That Sing: Enhancing the Pizza and Wings Experience
The ideal side dish should either contrast or complement the existing flavors and textures of the pizza and wings, offering a palate cleanser or amplifying a specific taste.
Classic Options:
- Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad, particularly a Caesar or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, cuts through the richness of the pizza and wings. The acidity of the dressing provides a welcome counterpoint.
- Garlic Knots/Breadsticks: These carb-loaded companions are perfect for soaking up leftover sauce and adding another layer of savory goodness.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, slightly sweet and tangy nature of coleslaw offers a cooling contrast to spicy wings.
Elevated Choices:
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots adds a healthy and flavorful dimension.
- Mac and Cheese: A decadent indulgence that pairs well with both pizza and wings, especially when topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Consider a lighter, more sophisticated mac and cheese using Gruyere or Fontina.
- Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of corn balances the savory flavors and provides a satisfying textural contrast.
Drinks to Delight: Quenching Your Thirst
Choosing the right beverage is as important as selecting the right sides. The ideal drink will cleanse your palate, enhance the flavors of the food, and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Non-Alcoholic:
- Soda: The classic choice, especially for spicier options. Cola and lemon-lime sodas are always a safe bet.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea provides a refreshing and less sugary alternative to soda.
- Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade cuts through the richness of the food.
Alcoholic:
- Beer: A crisp lager or pale ale pairs well with both pizza and wings. The bitterness of the hops balances the savory flavors. IPA’s tend to stand up well against spicier wing varieties.
- Wine: A light-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can complement the flavors of pizza and wings, depending on the toppings and sauces.
- Cider: A dry cider offers a refreshing and slightly tart counterpoint.
Sweet Endings: The Perfect Dessert
A light and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to end a pizza and wings feast.
Classics:
- Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies provide a decadent contrast to the savory meal.
Unexpected Treats:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing and healthy option that cleanses the palate.
- Sorbet: A light and tangy sorbet provides a refreshing and sophisticated ending.
Navigating Flavor Profiles: A Cheat Sheet
Understanding how specific flavors interact is key. Here’s a simple table to guide your pairing decisions:
| Flavor Profile | Best Pairings (Sides) | Best Pairings (Drinks) | Best Pairings (Desserts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Wings | Coleslaw, Blue Cheese Dressing, Carrot & Celery Sticks | Beer (IPA), Milk, Lemonade | Ice Cream, Fruit Salad |
| BBQ Wings | Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese | Beer (Amber Ale), Root Beer, Iced Tea | Brownies, Apple Pie |
| Pepperoni Pizza | Caesar Salad, Garlic Knots, Roasted Vegetables | Beer (Lager), Cola, Chianti | Cannoli, Chocolate Chip Cookies |
| Veggie Pizza | Green Salad, Bruschetta, Soup | White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc), Sparkling Water | Sorbet, Fruit Tart |
The Art of the Sauce: Wing Sauce and Pizza Topping Considerations
The sauce on your wings and toppings on your pizza will heavily influence your pairing choices. A sweet BBQ sauce on the wings calls for different pairings than a fiery buffalo sauce. Likewise, a Hawaiian pizza requires different companions than a Margherita pizza.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Things to Avoid
- Overly Rich Pairings: Avoid combining too many heavy or fatty dishes, which can lead to palate fatigue.
- Flavor Clashes: Be mindful of flavor combinations. Avoid overly sweet pairings with spicy wings, for example.
- Ignoring Dietary Restrictions: Always consider any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best dipping sauce for pizza crust?
While traditionalists may scoff, dipping pizza crust is perfectly acceptable, and there are many delicious options. Garlic butter, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, and even pesto can elevate the humble crust to new heights. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Can you pair wine with pizza and wings?
Yes, absolutely! The key is to match the wine’s profile to the dominant flavors. For spicy wings, a slightly sweet Riesling can provide a cooling counterpoint. For pepperoni pizza, a light-bodied red like Chianti works well. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements veggie pizza nicely.
What’s a healthy side option to balance out the indulgence?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a platter of raw vegetables with hummus are excellent healthy choices. They provide fiber, vitamins, and a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pizza and wings.
What’s the best beer to pair with spicy wings?
An India Pale Ale (IPA) with a strong hop profile is generally a great choice for spicy wings. The bitterness of the hops helps cut through the heat and cleanses the palate.
What’s a good dessert that’s not too heavy after pizza and wings?
A fruit salad or a light sorbet are both excellent choices. They offer a refreshing and palate-cleansing ending to the meal without being overly rich or heavy.
How do I handle vegetarian guests?
Offer vegetarian pizza options (like veggie or margherita) and ensure there are meat-free side dishes available. Consider plant-based “wings” or vegetarian appetizers.
What if I only have buffalo wings? What pairs best with those?
Buffalo wings, with their signature spicy and tangy flavor, pair exceptionally well with creamy dips like blue cheese or ranch, which help to cool down the palate. Beer, especially IPAs, and even a glass of milk are also fantastic beverage pairings.
Can you pair pizza and wings with a cocktail?
Yes! A classic margarita can work well with spicier options, while a Moscow Mule can cut through the richness of a cheese pizza. Consider the overall flavor profile and choose a cocktail that complements it.
What about fruit as a side? Is that acceptable?
Absolutely! Fruit offers a refreshing and slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors of pizza and wings. Consider grapes, melon, or even sliced apples.
What’s the easiest side dish to prepare?
A pre-made salad kit or a simple veggie platter with dip are quick and easy options. They require minimal preparation and offer a healthy addition to the meal.
How do you determine what pairings work best for a large group with varying tastes?
Offer a variety of options! Include a mix of classic and more adventurous pairings to cater to different preferences. A build-your-own salad bar or a selection of different dipping sauces are also great ideas.
Is there a cultural component to pizza and wings pairings?
While there aren’t necessarily strict cultural rules, regional preferences can influence pairings. For example, in some regions, a specific type of beer or soda is a standard accompaniment. Consider incorporating local flavors or traditions into your pairing choices.