Pizza is a party favorite. It’s easy to serve, customizable for various tastes, and loved by almost everyone. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a birthday party, or a special celebration, pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. However, to make your pizza party even more exciting and enjoyable, it’s essential to serve some complementary items alongside the pizza. This article will explore what goes well with pizza at a party, offering a variety of suggestions to suit different tastes and preferences.
Why Pairing Matters
The right sides, drinks, and desserts can elevate the pizza experience. While pizza itself is a delicious, savory dish, adding complementary flavors and textures creates a balanced and more enjoyable meal. The goal is to offer options that enhance the flavors of the pizza, provide variety, and ensure your guests leave satisfied.
Sides to Serve with Pizza
Pizza is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn a simple meal into a complete feast. Here are some side options that will go perfectly with pizza at a party:
Salads: Salads are an excellent side dish to serve with pizza because they provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy goodness of the pizza. You can choose from a variety of salad options depending on your preferences and the theme of your party.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad pairs well with pizza. Its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a satisfying contrast to the pizza’s soft crust and melted cheese.
Greek Salad: A Greek salad with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese gives your guests a refreshing bite. The briny olives and creamy feta balance well with the savory pizza.
Caprese Salad: For a simple yet elegant option, serve a Caprese salad made of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. This light and flavorful salad complements the pizza without overwhelming the taste buds.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a beloved side that pairs perfectly with pizza. The crispy, buttery bread with a punch of garlic flavor complements the pizza’s crust and enhances the overall experience.
You can make your own garlic bread by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs on slices of bread and toasting them in the oven. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made garlic bread from the store for a quicker option.
Breadsticks
Breadsticks are another great addition to a pizza party. They are easy to eat with your hands and can be dipped into sauces like marinara or ranch dressing. The soft texture of the breadsticks contrasts nicely with the pizza’s crunchy crust. Plus, they can be flavored with herbs, cheese, or even a touch of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a perfect way to offer variety and appeal to your guests’ tastes. An antipasto platter typically includes a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and fresh bread. The combination of flavors will go beautifully with any type of pizza.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus are a tasty and healthy side to pair with pizza. They add a different texture and bring in some additional savory flavors that complement the pizza.
You can roast vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Roasting the veggies brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory taste of the pizza.
Dips and Sauces for Pizza
Offering a selection of dips and sauces alongside the pizza allows your guests to personalize their meals and adds an extra layer of flavor. Here are some popular dipping sauces that pair wonderfully with pizza:
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic pizza dip. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavor works well with most pizza types. Whether you’re serving a classic Margherita or a meat lover’s pizza, marinara sauce will complement the dish perfectly.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is another popular dip for pizza. Its creamy and herby taste offers a contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza. Many guests love dipping their crusts into ranch after finishing the pizza toppings, making it a fun addition to the spread.
Garlic Butter Sauce
If you love garlic, you can’t go wrong with garlic butter sauce. This rich, flavorful dip is perfect for dipping pizza crusts and adds a savory kick to the pizza experience. Garlic butter pairs especially well with pizza types like cheese pizza, garlic bread, or any pizza with a simple, fresh flavor.
Blue Cheese Dressing
For those who enjoy bold flavors, blue cheese dressing is an excellent option. Its tangy, slightly pungent taste complements pizza, especially when paired with pizzas featuring blue cheese, buffalo chicken, or BBQ toppings. It’s a great way to offer something different for guests with more adventurous palates.
Pesto
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used as both a topping and a dip. Made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan, pesto adds a fresh and herby flavor that pairs wonderfully with both vegetarian and meat-based pizzas.
Drinks to Serve with Pizza
Pizza and drinks go hand in hand, and choosing the right beverages can elevate your pizza party. Here are some drink ideas that will complement your pizza menu:
Soda
Soda is a classic choice for a pizza party. Its sweet, carbonated flavor pairs well with the savory pizza. You can offer a selection of sodas, including cola, lemon-lime soda, and root beer, to give your guests options. If you want to add a bit of flair, you can even create a soda bar with different mixers like grenadine, fruit juices, and club soda.
Iced Tea
Iced tea is a refreshing and slightly healthier alternative to soda. Serve it sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. You can also offer different flavors like peach, lemon, or raspberry iced tea to add variety.
Beer
Beer is a go-to beverage for many pizza lovers. The slightly bitter taste of beer balances the rich, cheesy pizza flavors. A light lager or pilsner pairs well with most pizzas, while darker beers like stouts and porters go better with meat-heavy pizzas or pizzas with BBQ sauce.
Wine
Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of wine alongside their pizza. For a traditional pairing, opt for a light red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of pizza types. If you prefer white wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will also work beautifully with pizza, especially when paired with seafood or vegetable pizzas.
Sparkling Water
For those who prefer something light and refreshing, sparkling water is an excellent choice. The bubbles and crispness of sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites of pizza, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza.
Desserts to Complement Pizza
No pizza party is complete without a delicious dessert to end the meal. Here are some dessert ideas that will be a hit with your guests:
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate lava cakes are a decadent and indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The warm, gooey chocolate center pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert adds a touch of sophistication to your pizza party.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that will complement the flavors of your pizza. The creamy, coffee-flavored layers of this dessert provide a sweet and rich contrast to the savory pizza. Tiramisu is a great way to bring an authentic Italian touch to your pizza party.
Fruit Salad
For a lighter dessert, a fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing end to the meal. Combine seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus for a colorful and healthy option. You can also drizzle some honey or a squeeze of lime juice for added sweetness and flavor.
Gelato
Gelato is a rich and creamy Italian ice cream that is perfect for a pizza party. Serve different flavors like pistachio, chocolate, or strawberry for your guests to enjoy. Gelato offers a satisfying end to the meal and pairs wonderfully with the flavors of pizza.
Cannoli
Cannoli are crispy, fried pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese. These Italian treats are a favorite at pizza parties and offer a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. You can even fill them with chocolate chips or fruit for added flavor.
Conclusion
To make your pizza party even more memorable, it’s essential to pair the right sides, dips, drinks, and desserts with your pizzas. Whether you’re serving light salads and refreshing drinks or indulging in garlic bread and rich desserts, there are plenty of options to satisfy all your guests. With the right pairings, you’ll create an unforgettable pizza party experience that everyone will enjoy.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
