What to Eat With Pizza? Elevate Your Pizza Night!
The perfect accompaniment to pizza is multifaceted and depends on your taste preferences. However, generally, successful pairings involve contrasting textures and flavors: start with a crisp and light salad or appetizer, and then complement your meal with flavorful drinks and sweet desserts.
The Quintessential Pizza Experience: More Than Just Slices
Pizza, in its myriad forms, is a culinary chameleon. From classic Neapolitan pies to inventive gourmet creations, it’s a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal. But pizza, delicious as it is on its own, can be elevated to a truly unforgettable experience when paired with complementary dishes and drinks. This isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about crafting a balanced and harmonious meal that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you feeling satisfied.
Appetizers: Setting the Stage for Pizza Perfection
Before diving headfirst into the cheesy, saucy goodness of your pizza, consider starting with an appetizer that primes your palate. The goal is to choose something light and refreshing that contrasts with the richness of the main event.
- Classic Salads: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a welcome acidity that cuts through the grease. A Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing and salty Parmesan, also works well.
- Caprese Salad: The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil is a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with pizza.
- Garlic Bread: While bordering on pizza overload, well-made garlic bread with a light touch of garlic and herbs can be a delightful precursor. Ensure it’s not as heavy as the pizza itself.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil offers a fresh and flavorful start to your pizza feast.
Side Dishes: Complementing the Main Event
Side dishes can enhance your pizza experience by providing contrasting textures and flavors. The key is to choose options that complement, rather than compete with, the pizza.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini offers a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the richness of pizza.
- Chicken Wings: For those who crave a heartier side, chicken wings in a variety of flavors (BBQ, buffalo, lemon pepper) are a popular choice.
- Mozzarella Sticks: A classic, easy, and cheesy side dish that pairs well with almost any pizza, adding to the overall comfort food experience.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad, especially one with a vinegar-based dressing, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pizza.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst
The right beverage can elevate your pizza experience by cleansing your palate and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Beer: A crisp, light lager or a hoppy IPA are classic choices that pair well with pizza.
- Wine: A light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, complements the flavors of tomato sauce and cheese. A dry rosé is another excellent option.
- Soda: Classic choices like Coke, Sprite, and root beer are always popular, but consider trying Italian sodas with various flavor combinations for something more unique.
- Sparkling Water: For a lighter option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime provides a refreshing cleanse.
Desserts: The Sweet Finale
No pizza night is complete without a sweet treat to end the meal.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of your favorite ice cream is a simple yet satisfying dessert that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of pizza.
- Cannoli: These crispy, creamy Italian pastries are a classic choice that perfectly complements the Italian flavors of pizza.
- Tiramisu: Another Italian favorite, tiramisu’s coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream provide a rich and decadent ending to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: For a lighter option, a refreshing fruit salad offers a healthy and flavorful dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overly Rich Appetizers: Avoid appetizers that are too heavy or greasy, as they can overwhelm your palate before you even get to the pizza.
- Clashing Flavors: Be mindful of the flavors in your side dishes and drinks. Avoid pairings that clash with the ingredients in your pizza.
- Too Much of the Same: Don’t choose too many carb-heavy side dishes. Balance your meal with lighter options like salads and vegetables.
- Forgetting the Drinks: Drinks are an essential part of the pizza experience. Choose beverages that complement the flavors of your meal and cleanse your palate.
FAQs
What is the best salad to have with pepperoni pizza?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is an excellent choice. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pepperoni and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast. Avoid creamy dressings that may be too heavy.
Does pineapple belong on pizza, and if so, what should I serve with it?
Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a matter of personal preference. However, if you enjoy it, consider pairing it with a sweet and sour sauce on chicken wings or a sweet and savory salad with ham and pineapple for a cohesive flavor profile.
What kind of wine goes best with Margherita pizza?
A light-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir is a great choice for Margherita pizza. These wines have enough acidity to complement the tomato sauce and cheese without overpowering the delicate flavors of the basil. A dry rosé is also a good option.
What’s a good vegetarian side dish for pizza?
Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, are a healthy and flavorful vegetarian side dish for pizza. They offer a contrasting texture and flavor to the richness of the pizza.
What’s the easiest dessert to make after a pizza dinner?
A scoop of your favorite ice cream is the easiest and most satisfying dessert after a pizza dinner. It requires no preparation and provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the meal.
What’s a good alternative to beer if I don’t drink alcohol?
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a refreshing and non-alcoholic alternative to beer. It cleanses your palate and complements the flavors of the pizza. Italian sodas are another fun option.
What are some unique dipping sauces for pizza crust?
Beyond the standard marinara and ranch, try pesto, garlic butter, spicy honey, or a creamy avocado dip for unique and flavorful pizza crust dipping experiences.
Is it okay to have breadsticks with pizza?
While it might seem like carb overload, breadsticks can be a delicious complement to pizza, especially if they’re seasoned differently (e.g., garlic, parmesan, everything bagel seasoning). Just be mindful of the overall carb content of your meal.
What kind of fruit pairs well with pizza as a side?
A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes provides a light and healthy contrast to the savory flavors of pizza. The sweetness of the fruit cleanses the palate.
What’s a good spicy appetizer to serve before pizza?
Jalapeño poppers or buffalo chicken dip offer a spicy kick that can awaken the taste buds before enjoying pizza. The heat complements the often milder flavors of the pizza.
How can I make my pizza night healthier?
Choose whole wheat crust, load up on vegetables as toppings, opt for lean meats like chicken or turkey sausage, and pair your pizza with a large salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
What is a regional pairing that is unique for pizza?
In certain regions of Italy, it is common to pair pizza with a side of arugula lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon. This offers a peppery and refreshing balance to rich pizza flavors.