Unlocking the Perfect Pair: Discovering the Ultimate Side Dish for Pizza

AvatarByErick Benitez General Blog

“Ah, pizza. The delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that has been satisfying cravings and gracing dinner tables for generations. But have you ever wondered what other food pairs perfectly with this beloved Italian creation? Look no further, as we delve into the age-old question: what food goes good with pizza?”

Pizza is a beloved dish that has become a staple around the world. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni or opt for a gourmet vegan option, there’s no denying the deliciousness of pizza. But sometimes, we want to elevate our pizza experience and add some complementary dishes to our meal. So, what food goes good with pizza? In this article, we will explore different options and provide tips on how to pair them with your favorite slice of pizza.

The Art of Pairing Food with Pizza

When it comes to creating the perfect food pairing with pizza, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. The first is to consider the flavor profile of your pizza. Is it savory or spicy? Does it have a lot of cheese or is it more focused on vegetables? This will help guide your choices in complementary dishes.

Another factor to consider is the texture of your pizza crust. From thin and crispy to thick and doughy, each type of crust can pair differently with other foods. Lastly, think about the overall experience you want to create. Are you looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling? With these principles in mind, let’s explore some delicious food options that go well with pizza.

Salads

Adding a salad to your pizza meal is an excellent way to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple garden salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers can provide a refreshing contrast to heavy and savory pizzas like meat lovers or buffalo chicken. You can also get creative with your salad by adding toppings like roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.

For those who prefer heartier salads, try topping your green salad with croutons made from leftover pizza crust or adding pieces of chopped-up pizza as a topping itself. This not only adds extra flavor but also helps reduce food waste.

Garlic Knots

If you’re in the mood for some carb on carb action, garlic knots are the perfect side dish for your pizza. These small bundles of doughy goodness are coated in garlic, herbs, and melted butter, making them a delicious accompaniment to any pizza. They’re also great for dipping in extra marinara or ranch dressing.

Garlic knots pair exceptionally well with pizzas that have strong flavors like BBQ chicken or Hawaiian. The buttery and garlicky goodness helps balance out the boldness of these pizzas, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Soups

When the weather starts to get colder, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup. And what goes better with soup than pizza? Creamy tomato soup is a classic pairing with pizza, especially if you’re a fan of dipping your crust in the soup.

For those who enjoy spicy pizzas like buffalo chicken or sausage and jalapeno, try pairing it with a hearty chili or vegetable soup. The spiciness of the pizza will be complemented by the warmth and heartiness of the soup.

Antipasto Platter

For those looking to create an Italian-inspired meal experience, an antipasto platter is a perfect addition to your pizza night. This traditional appetizer platter typically includes cured meats like prosciutto and salami, cheese, olives, and marinated vegetables.

The combination of salty meats, creamy cheeses, and tangy vegetables provides a fantastic contrast to cheesy and savory pizzas like margherita or four cheese. You can also mix and match different items on the platter to find your perfect pairings with each slice of pizza.

Fried Foods

While not necessarily healthy options, fried foods can add an indulgent element to your pizza night. Garlic fries or onion rings are popular choices to pair with pizza, as their savory flavors complement the pizza’s toppings.

For a more unique pairing, try adding fried pickles or fried mozzarella sticks to your meal. The tangy pickles and creamy cheese will provide a delightful contrast to the richness of your pizza.

The key to finding the perfect food pairings with pizza is to experiment and have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and find what works best for your taste buds. With these suggested options, you can elevate your pizza experience and create a well-rounded meal that will satisfy all of your cravings. Happy pairing!

The Perfect Pairing: Exploring What Foods Go Well With Pizza

When it comes to comfort food, pizza is often at the top of the list. And for good reason – it’s delicious, versatile, and satisfying. But have you ever stopped to think about what foods go well with pizza? While a classic slice of cheese pizza may be perfect on its own, there are endless possibilities for delicious and complementary pairings. In this article, we’ll explore the world of pizza pairings and why they work so well together.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

To truly understand what foods go well with pizza, we first need to understand flavor profiles. Every food has its unique combination of flavors that make it taste a certain way. Some flavors may be sweet, salty, spicy, or acidic. When pairing foods together, the goal is to find flavors that complement each other and enhance the overall taste experience.

In the case of pizza, there are a few key flavor profiles we should consider: savory (from the cheese and tomato sauce), salty (from any meats or cheeses), and sometimes spicy (if there’s pepperoni or other hot toppings). With these in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best food pairings for pizza.

Fresh Salads

One classic pairing with pizza is a fresh salad. The crisp greens and vegetables help balance out the richness of the pizza. Plus, some salads add an additional layer of acidity (think vinaigrette dressing) that complements the savory flavors in pizza perfectly.

Some great options for salads that go well with pizza include Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons or a simple mixed green salad with light lemon dressing. These lighter options can also help you feel less guilty about indulging in that extra slice of pizza.

Garlic Bread

There’s just something about the combination of pizza and garlic bread that is irresistible. The garlicky, buttery bread adds a crisp and savory texture to the meal and pairs well with the cheese and tomato sauce in pizza. You can opt for classic garlic bread or get creative with toppings such as cheese, herbs, or even thinly sliced tomatoes.

Pasta Dishes

If you’re looking for a truly indulgent and carb-loaded meal, consider pairing your pizza with a side of pasta. The simplicity of spaghetti with marinara sauce is a perfect duo with a slice of pizza, but you can also get creative and try different types of pasta dishes.

Some delicious options include a creamy Alfredo fettuccine or a rich lasagna. These hearty pasta dishes add an additional layer of satisfaction to your meal while still keeping with the Italian food theme.

Soups

During colder months, pairing pizza with soup is an excellent choice. The warm and comforting elements of soup work well alongside the classic comfort food of pizza. And luckily, there are plenty of soup options that go great with pizza.

A classic minestrone soup offers complementary flavors to pizza with its tomato base and hearty vegetables. For something more indulgent, try pairing your pizza with creamy tomato soup or a rich clam chowder.

Charcuterie Boards

For a fancier option, consider serving your pizza alongside a charcuterie board for an elevated dining experience. Charcuterie boards offer an endless variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and other small bites that pair perfectly with different types of pizza.

You can choose from Italian meats like prosciutto or salami to more unique options like smoked salmon or figs. Different types of cheeses such as brie or gouda can also add depth to the flavors in both the charcuterie board and pizza.

Wine or Beer

No pizza pairing guide would be complete without mentioning the perfect beverage to accompany your meal. Depending on your preference, you can choose between wine or beer as both go well with pizza.

For wine, consider pairing red wine with meaty pizzas like pepperoni or sausage, and white wine with lighter options like veggie or margherita pizza. As for beer, you can’t go wrong with a classic lager or pilsner, but feel free to experiment with different types of ale or IPA to find the perfect match for your pizza.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best foods to pair with pizza depend on personal taste and preference. However, by understanding flavor profiles and experimenting with different combinations, you can find the perfect accompaniments to elevate your pizza dining experience. From classic salads and garlic bread to more decadent options like pasta and charcuterie boards, there’s no shortage of delicious foods that go well with pizza. So next time you’re enjoying a slice (or two) of your favorite pie, don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dishes – you may just discover a new favorite pairing!

1. What are some common toppings that pair well with pizza?
Some of the most popular and delicious toppings for pizza include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, sausage, olives, and extra cheese.

2. Is it worth trying non-traditional ingredients on pizza?
Absolutely! While traditional toppings are always a safe choice, experimenting with unique ingredients like pineapple, BBQ chicken, or even mac and cheese can result in delicious and interesting flavor combinations.

3. How can I make my pizza more nutritious?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or eggplant to your pizza to boost its nutritional value. Using whole wheat crust or opting for a cauliflower crust are also great options.

4. Are there any other dishes that complement pizza besides garlic bread?
Yes! You can pair your pizza with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Some people also enjoy dipping their pizza in ranch dressing or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

5. Which types of wine go well with pizza?
Wine experts suggest pairing red wines with rich and meaty pizzas like pepperoni or sausage, while white wines go well with lighter pizzas like Margherita or veggie options.

6. I have dietary restrictions. Can I still enjoy pizza?
Yes! There are many gluten-free and vegan options available for pizzas nowadays. Additionally, you can also customize your own pizza by choosing the toppings that work best for your dietary needs.

In conclusion, pizza is a beloved and versatile dish that has become a staple in many households. Choosing the right accompanying food can elevate the overall pizza eating experience by providing balance and complementing flavors. Throughout this discussion, we have explored various types of foods that go well with pizza, such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts.

Salads offer a refreshing and healthy option to balance out the richness of pizza. They can also serve as a palate cleanser between bites. Soups, on the other hand, provide warmth and comfort, making them an ideal pairing for pizza during colder months.

Sandwiches offer endless possibilities for customization to suit different tastes and preferences. They can be enjoyed alongside pizza or as an alternative to satisfy cravings for a more substantial meal. Lastly, desserts add a touch of sweetness to round off a satisfying pizza meal.

It is also worth noting that when pairing foods with pizza, considering regional cuisines or experimenting with unconventional combinations can lead to delicious discoveries. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between flavors and textures that enhance each other rather than compete.

In summary, while there are no strict rules on what food goes good with pizza, incorporating different types of dishes can add variety and enhance the overall dining experience. Whether it’s adding a

Author Profile

Erick Benitez
Erick Benitez
In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.