Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved dishes around the world, and it’s often served with a variety of side dishes to complement its rich and savory flavors. But have you ever wondered what side dish goes best with pizza? In this article, we’ll explore the different options available and provide you with some inspiration for your next pizza night.
Classic Side Dishes That Go Well with Pizza
When it comes to pairing side dishes with pizza, there are some classic options that are hard to beat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a timeless favorite that pairs perfectly with pizza. It’s easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, herbs, and spices. Simply slice a baguette in half, spread garlic butter on each half, and bake until crispy.
Green Salad
A simple green salad is a great way to cut the richness of pizza. You can use a variety of greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, and add your favorite toppings, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. A light vinaigrette dressing is the perfect accompaniment to this refreshing side dish.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are a crispy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with pizza. You can make them from scratch using sliced onions, flour, and breadcrumbs, or use store-bought onion rings. Simply fry them until crispy and serve hot.
International Side Dishes That Go Well with Pizza
If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic to serve with your pizza, here are some international side dish ideas:
Bruschetta (Italy)
Bruschetta is a classic Italian side dish that consists of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple but flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with pizza.
Roasted Vegetables (Middle East)
Roasted vegetables are a popular side dish in Middle Eastern cuisine, and they pair well with pizza. Simply toss your favorite vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper, with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.
Kimchi (Korea)
Kimchi is a spicy Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radish. It’s a bold and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of pizza.
Healthy Side Dishes That Go Well with Pizza
If you’re looking for a healthier side dish option to serve with your pizza, here are some ideas:
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with pizza. Simply brush your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper, with olive oil and grill until tender.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and nutritious side dish made from cooked quinoa, mixed greens, and your favorite vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber. It’s a refreshing and filling side dish that pairs well with pizza.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a simple and healthy side dish that pairs well with pizza. Simply steam broccoli florets until tender and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Side Dishes That Go Well with Specific Types of Pizza
Different types of pizza require different side dishes to complement their unique flavors. Here are some ideas:
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is a classic Italian-style pizza that requires a simple yet flavorful side dish. Garlic bread or a green salad are great options to pair with this type of pizza.
Meat Lover’s Pizza
Meat lover’s pizza is a hearty and rich pizza that requires a side dish that can stand up to its bold flavors. Onion rings or roasted vegetables are great options to pair with this type of pizza.
Veggie Pizza
Veggie pizza is a flavorful and nutritious pizza that requires a side dish that complements its fresh flavors. A quinoa salad or steamed broccoli are great options to pair with this type of pizza.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many side dishes that go well with pizza, depending on your personal preferences and the type of pizza you’re serving. From classic options like garlic bread and green salad to international options like bruschetta and kimchi, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or a comforting classic, we hope this article has provided you with some inspiration for your next pizza night.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | A classic Italian side dish made from garlic butter and bread. |
| Green Salad | A simple salad made from mixed greens and your favorite toppings. |
| Onion Rings | A crispy and flavorful side dish made from sliced onions and breadcrumbs. |
| Bruschetta | A classic Italian side dish made from toasted bread, garlic, and diced tomatoes. |
| Roasted Vegetables | A flavorful side dish made from roasted vegetables and olive oil. |
| Kimchi | A spicy Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables. |
| Grilled Vegetables | A healthy and flavorful side dish made from grilled vegetables and olive oil. |
| Quinoa Salad | A healthy and nutritious side dish made from cooked quinoa and mixed greens. |
| Steamed Broccoli | A simple and healthy side dish made from steamed broccoli and lemon juice. |
By considering the type of pizza you’re serving and the flavors you want to complement, you can choose the perfect side dish to elevate your pizza night to the next level.
What are some popular side dish options for pizza night?
When it comes to finding the perfect side dish for your pizza night, there are many options to choose from. Some popular choices include garlic bread, salads, wings, and onion rings. These options are all easy to make and pair well with a variety of pizza toppings. You can also consider more unique options like roasted vegetables or mac and cheese.
Ultimately, the choice of side dish will depend on your personal preferences and the theme of your pizza night. If you’re looking for something classic and comforting, garlic bread or wings may be the way to go. If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, a salad or roasted vegetables could be a good choice.
How do I choose a side dish that complements my pizza toppings?
Choosing a side dish that complements your pizza toppings can be a bit tricky, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the flavors and ingredients in your pizza toppings. If you have a lot of rich and savory toppings, you may want to choose a side dish that is lighter and fresher. On the other hand, if you have a lot of lighter toppings, you may want to choose a side dish that is heartier and more filling.
Another thing to consider is the texture of your pizza toppings. If you have a lot of crunchy toppings, you may want to choose a side dish that is soft and creamy. If you have a lot of soft toppings, you may want to choose a side dish that is crunchy and crispy. By considering the flavors and textures of your pizza toppings, you can choose a side dish that complements them perfectly.
Can I make my side dish ahead of time?
Yes, many side dishes can be made ahead of time, which can be a big help on pizza night. Some options, like salads and roasted vegetables, can be made a few hours in advance and refrigerated until it’s time to serve. Other options, like garlic bread and mac and cheese, can be made a day or two in advance and reheated when it’s time to serve.
Just be sure to follow safe food handling practices when making your side dish ahead of time. Make sure to refrigerate or freeze your side dish at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
How do I know how much side dish to make?
The amount of side dish you should make will depend on the number of people you’re serving and their individual appetites. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of side dish per person. This will give everyone a good-sized serving without overwhelming them.
If you’re unsure how much side dish to make, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and make a bit extra. You can always refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later, and it’s better to have too much food than not enough.
Can I customize my side dish to fit my dietary needs?
Yes, many side dishes can be customized to fit your dietary needs. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free bread or pasta in your side dish. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can choose side dishes that are plant-based and avoid animal products.
Just be sure to read labels carefully and choose ingredients that fit your dietary needs. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique side dish recipes that fit your dietary needs.
How do I serve my side dish?
The way you serve your side dish will depend on the type of side dish you’re making and the theme of your pizza night. Some options, like garlic bread and wings, are easy to grab and go, while others, like salads and mac and cheese, may be better served in bowls or on plates.
Consider the atmosphere you want to create on pizza night and choose a serving method that fits. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique serving methods, like serving your side dish in mini cast-iron skillets or mason jars.
Can I make my side dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, many side dishes can be made in a slow cooker, which can be a big help on pizza night. Slow cookers are great for making side dishes like mac and cheese, chili, and roasted vegetables, and they can be set to cook while you’re busy making your pizza.
Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your slow cooker and choose a recipe that is specifically designed for slow cookers. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique slow cooker recipes for pizza night.