Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved foods worldwide, offering a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and comfort. But while the pizza itself is a star, the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a pizza party, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, knowing what goes well with pizza can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best side dishes that perfectly complement your pizza, from classic options like garlic bread to fresh salads and hearty pasta dishes. These side dishes not only balance out the richness of the pizza but also add variety, making every bite of your pizza night more exciting. So, if you’re wondering what to serve with pizza, you’ve come to the right place!
Classic Pizza Sides: Timeless Favorites
When it comes to pizza, certain side dishes have stood the test of time. These classic sides not only pair wonderfully with pizza but also enhance the overall dining experience. If you’re aiming for a traditional pizza night, these side dishes are sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s take a closer look at three all-time favorites that never go out of style:
Garlic Bread: A Must-Have for Every Pizza Lover
Garlic bread is a staple side that goes hand-in-hand with pizza. The rich, buttery flavor of the bread, combined with the aromatic punch of garlic, creates the perfect balance to the savory and cheesy goodness of pizza. Whether served as thick, crusty slices or soft and pillowy, garlic bread adds that extra touch of indulgence. It’s also a versatile side—perfect for dipping into marinara sauce or enjoying on its own. Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, garlic bread is an essential classic that completes any pizza meal.
Mozzarella Sticks: The Perfect Cheesy Complement
What could be better than a pizza topped with gooey cheese? How about pairing it with more cheese in the form of mozzarella sticks? These crispy, golden-fried treats are filled with molten mozzarella cheese, making them a delightful companion to your pizza. Mozzarella sticks offer a satisfying contrast in texture—crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside—making each bite a perfect complement to the soft, cheesy pizza crust. Dip them in marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor that will satisfy cheese lovers and add a fun twist to your meal.
Caesar Salad: A Fresh and Crisp Side to Balance Your Pizza
While pizza is rich and indulgent, a fresh salad provides the perfect balance of lightness and crunch. The Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crispy croutons, is a classic choice that works well with pizza’s bold flavors. The creamy dressing adds a touch of richness, while the crunchy croutons provide texture and contrast to the pizza’s soft crust. You can even add some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top to tie in the cheesy theme of the meal. The Caesar salad isn’t just refreshing; it’s also an easy-to-prepare side that pairs beautifully with virtually any style of pizza.
Vegetable-Based Sides: Adding Freshness and Flavor
While pizza is often rich and indulgent, incorporating vegetable-based sides can add much-needed freshness and a burst of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the pie. Vegetables offer a light and healthy contrast to the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza, and these sides provide a variety of textures and tastes to elevate the meal. From roasted vegetables to crisp salads, here are a few vegetable-based sides that will complement your pizza in the best possible way.
Roasted Vegetables: A Healthy and Tasty Option
Roasted vegetables are a wonderful, nutritious choice to pair with pizza. The natural sweetness of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and cherry tomatoes intensifies when roasted, making them a flavorful side that enhances the overall meal. The caramelized edges of roasted vegetables add depth and texture that balance the rich, cheesy pizza. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to match your pizza toppings. For example, pairing roasted bell peppers with a veggie pizza or adding a sprinkle of parmesan and garlic to roasted broccoli alongside a margherita pizza creates a harmony of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Roasted vegetables are not only healthy but also add a touch of elegance to your pizza night.
Greek Salad: Light and Flavorful with a Touch of Mediterranean
If you’re looking for a side that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor, a Greek salad is an excellent choice. This vibrant salad typically features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and a generous serving of feta cheese, all dressed in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. The tangy feta cheese and briny olives offer a savory contrast to the soft and cheesy pizza, while the fresh vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. The Mediterranean flavors in a Greek salad also work well with both traditional and unique pizza toppings, making it a versatile side that pairs well with almost any pizza. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option when you’re short on time but still want a healthy side.
Steamed Broccoli: A Simple, Yet Delicious Side for Pizza
For a truly simple yet satisfying vegetable side, steamed broccoli is an excellent option. The natural earthy flavor of broccoli, when lightly steamed, provides a delicate balance to the richness of the pizza. Steaming broccoli preserves its nutrients while keeping it tender and easy to chew. You can toss the steamed broccoli with a little olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor, or even top it with some parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. This veggie side is not only healthy but also a great option for those looking to keep things light while still enjoying the comforting pizza experience. Whether you’re serving a classic cheese pizza or something more adventurous, steamed broccoli adds a subtle flavor that complements any pizza choice.
Hearty and Comforting Sides to Elevate Your Meal
While vegetable-based sides bring freshness and lightness, sometimes a hearty, comforting side is exactly what you need to make your pizza meal feel even more satisfying. Hearty sides add richness and substance, creating a perfect balance between the indulgent nature of pizza and the desire for something more filling. These sides are ideal when you’re craving a truly comforting meal that leaves you feeling full and content. Whether you’re looking to add protein, carbs, or extra flavor, these hearty sides are guaranteed to elevate your pizza night to the next level.
Pasta Dishes: Spaghetti or Penne to Pair with Pizza
A simple marinara or Alfredo sauce can add a burst of flavor without overpowering the pizza. For example, a classic spaghetti with marinara pairs wonderfully with a pepperoni pizza, while a creamy Alfredo pasta can be the ideal match for a white pizza. The starchy, filling nature of pasta adds a comforting and familiar element to the meal, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Plus, pasta is versatile, and you can customize the sauce and toppings to suit any type of pizza.
Chicken Wings: A Savory and Filling Side Option
If you’re craving something savory and indulgent, chicken wings are a fantastic choice. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, chicken wings are a satisfying side that can stand on their own or complement any pizza flavor. Whether you prefer classic buffalo wings, barbecue wings, or something spicier, the bold flavors of the wings make them a great pairing with pizza. The crunchy texture and flavorful sauce of chicken wings add a nice contrast to the soft, cheesy pizza crust, providing a variety of textures in each bite. Additionally, wings offer a protein-packed option that balances the meal and keeps you feeling full longer. Whether you’re serving a meat-lovers pizza or a veggie pie, chicken wings add the perfect comfort food element to your meal.
Meatballs: Juicy and Flavorful Complements to Pizza
Meatballs are another hearty and comforting side that pairs beautifully with pizza. Whether they’re made with beef, pork, or a combination of both, meatballs provide rich, savory flavors that complement the cheesy and savory aspects of pizza. You can serve them in a simple marinara sauce for a classic combination, or get creative by adding extra seasonings, herbs, or cheese. Meatballs are perfect for dipping into extra marinara sauce, and they’re also a great source of protein, which adds substance to your meal. They work well with a variety of pizzas—whether you’re enjoying a classic margherita pizza, a hearty meat pizza, or even a vegetarian pizza. The juicy, tender texture of meatballs offers a perfect contrast to the crisp crust of your pizza, creating a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Fun and Unique Pizza Sides to Try
If you’re looking to add a fun twist to your pizza night, why not step outside the traditional side dishes and try something a little more unique? These fun and creative sides are designed to surprise and delight your guests, offering bold flavors, new textures, and a bit of whimsy to your pizza pairing. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to spice up your dinner, these side dishes are sure to impress. From crispy fries with a twist to zesty bruschetta, here are a few unique side dishes that will elevate your pizza experience in unexpected ways.
Curly Fries: A Fun Twist on Traditional Fries
When it comes to pizza sides, French fries are a classic, but curly fries take things to a whole new level. With their unique spiral shape and extra crispy texture, curly fries are a fun alternative to regular fries. These fries are seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices, making them more flavorful and exciting than your standard potato wedges. You can even pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli for an added flavor boost. Curly fries are perfect for pizza night because they offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the pizza crust, adding a fun texture variation to each bite. They also pair well with virtually any type of pizza, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
Bruschetta: A Light and Tangy Starter for Pizza
For a fun, light, and tangy side that adds a burst of freshness, consider serving bruschetta alongside your pizza. This classic Italian appetizer is made from toasted slices of baguette topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The freshness of the tomatoes, combined with the fragrant basil and garlic, makes bruschetta a perfect appetizer or side to complement your pizza. The crispy bread provides a delightful crunch that pairs well with the soft, cheesy pizza crust. Bruschetta also offers a refreshing contrast to the heavier, cheesy nature of pizza, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something lighter to balance out your meal. You can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, adding ingredients like balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, or even olives for extra flavor.
Dips: Marinara, Ranch, and More to Pair with Pizza
One of the most fun ways to elevate your pizza night is by offering a selection of dips to accompany your pie. While classic marinara sauce is always a favorite, there are plenty of other dip options that can add a fun and flavorful twist. Ranch dressing is a popular dip that complements many types of pizza, especially meat-lovers pies. For a zesty option, try a garlic or spicy buffalo dip, which adds a kick of heat and flavor. A creamy spinach and artichoke dip is another indulgent option that pairs beautifully with cheesy pizza. These dips add an interactive element to your meal, allowing everyone to dip their pizza slices into something extra delicious.
A Chef’s Note: The Perfect Pizza Pairing
As a chef, I always encourage creativity in the kitchen, and your pizza night is no exception. While pizza is a dish beloved by many, the sides you choose can truly elevate the experience and create a balanced meal. From the timeless comfort of garlic bread to the fresh crunch of a Greek salad, or even the fun twist of curly fries and dips, the right side dishes can turn an ordinary pizza into an extraordinary feast.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pizza pairings—your sides should complement the flavors of your pizza and cater to your preferences and those of your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations and try unique sides to keep things exciting. Whether you’re going for something hearty and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a perfect side dish waiting to complete your pizza meal.
So, grab your favorite pizza, choose a side (or two, or three!), and enjoy the ultimate pizza night experience. Bon appétit!