Who doesn’t love a good pizza night? It’s one of my favorite meals to enjoy with friends and family. The best part? Countless side dishes can make your pizza experience even better.
From light salads to hearty soups, adding the right sides can turn a simple pizza night into a delightful feast.
Whether you’re having a casual get-together or a cozy night, finding the perfect accompaniments for your pizza is key.
These sides complement the flavors of your pizza and add variety to the meal. Let’s explore some delicious side options that make your pizza night special.
1. Garlic Bread
One of my favorite sides to serve with pizza is garlic bread. It’s warm, buttery, and full of flavor.
I usually start by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Then, I spread this mixture on a halved loaf of French bread and bake until it’s crispy and golden.
Here’s a simple way to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix butter, garlic, and salt.
- Spread on halved bread.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some parsley or Italian seasoning before baking. This adds a nice pop of color and extra flavor.
Tip: Serve with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping. It’s such a delicious combo! I also like to use grated Parmesan cheese to make it even better occasionally.
Garlic bread is always a hit!
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad is a classic choice to serve with pizza. I love the crisp romaine lettuce, which pairs perfectly with the savory Parmesan cheese and tangy dressing. It’s light yet flavorful, making it a great balance for the rich and cheesy pizza.
If you want to switch things up, use whole little gem lettuce leaves instead of chopped romaine. This adds a different texture and makes the salad look a bit fancy.
Here’s what I usually include in my Caesar Salad:
- Fresh romaine lettuce or little gem lettuce
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Crunchy croutons
- Caesar dressing
- Optional: Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
Helpful Tip: Toss the salad before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Sometimes, I like to add a twist by including cherry tomatoes or avocado slices. This adds a pop of color and some extra nutrients.
Here’s a simple table for my Caesar Salad ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce | 1 head, chopped |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup, shredded |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Caesar dressing | To taste |
| Grilled chicken (optional) | 1 breast, sliced |
A Caesar Salad tastes great and brings a refreshing contrast to a hearty pizza meal.
3. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a fantastic side to serve with pizza. They are crispy, cheesy, and super tasty. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, which also goes great with pizza.
I love how the gooey cheese on the inside pairs with the crunchy outside. It’s a perfect match for the soft, chewy pizza crust.
Here’s a quick list of tips to get the most out of your mozzarella sticks:
- Serve hot: They taste best right after cooking.
- Use fresh marinara: Homemade or fresh store-bought sauce enhances the flavor.
- Try different dips: Ranch, BBQ, or garlic aioli are fun options.
If you want to get a little fancy, sprinkle some parmesan cheese before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
For the ultimate party snack, you can also pair mozzarella sticks with:
- Chicken wings
- Garlic bread
- Onion rings
Making mozzarella sticks from scratch isn’t hard, either. Fresh ingredients always make a difference in taste. So, add some mozzarella sticks to the mix next time you plan a pizza night!
4. Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a fantastic side dish to serve with pizza. Their spicy, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy goodness of pizza. I love the combination of hot wings and a cool, creamy dip.
Why Buffalo Wings?
- Flavor Balance: The spicy wings add a nice kick, balancing the rich flavors of pizza.
- Texture Mix: Crispy wings complement the chewy texture of the pizza crust.
Serving Tips:
- Pair wings with a creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese.
- Add some crunchy celery sticks on the side for extra freshness.
Recipe Ideas:
- Classic Buffalo Wings: Toss fried wings in hot sauce and melted butter.
- Garlic Buffalo Wings: Mix garlic powder into your buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Buffalo wings are always a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. Their zesty flavor and crispy texture make them a great choice to serve with pizza.
They are an excellent addition to any pizza night, whether you like them spicy or mildly hot.
5. Caprese Salad
I love serving Caprese salad with pizza. It’s light, fresh, and a great balance to the richness of the pizza.
Caprese salad is easy to make. Layer fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ripe tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
A caprese salad doesn’t take long to prepare. In just a few minutes, you can have a beautiful, tasty dish ready to serve.
I also like to add a bit of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra olive oil and vinegar.
Tip: To make it even more special, use heirloom tomatoes for added flavor and color. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference!
Ingredients Table:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Mozzarella | 8 oz (225g) |
| Tomatoes | 2-3 medium |
| Basil Leaves | 1 bunch |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Caprese salad adds a bright, flavorful twist to your pizza night. It’s one of my favorite combinations!
6. Bruschetta
I love serving bruschetta alongside pizza. It’s a simple and tasty appetizer that pairs great with any kind of pizza. Classic bruschetta is made with grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil.
One of my favorite toppings is tomato and basil. The mix of fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar makes each bite burst with flavor.
Caprese salad can also be turned into a delicious bruschetta topping. Add slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves.
Ingredients for Bruschetta:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh mozzarella (optional)
- Salt
For a fun twist, try using different toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Sliced strawberries with balsamic drizzle
- Marinated artichokes and olives
- Avocado and cherry tomatoes
You can even make a bruschetta bar for your guests. Just set out different toppings and let everyone create their bruschetta. It’s a great way to add some variety to your pizza night!
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
When serving pizza, I love adding stuffed mushrooms as a side dish. They are easy to prepare and add a nice touch.
To make them, first, I remove the stems from the mushrooms. Then, I fill each mushroom cap with a tasty mixture. This mixture often includes:
- Cream cheese
- Grated cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Chopped pepperoni
- Chopped onion
Next, I bake the stuffed mushrooms in the oven for 15-18 minutes. I preheat my oven to 450°F (230°C) and make sure they bake until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
Stuffed mushrooms can be a unique and delicious addition to your pizza meal. They provide a nice break from the usual sides and are always a hit.
Here’s a simple table showing key ingredients and steps for stuffed mushrooms:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Large mushrooms | 10 | Clean and remove stems |
| Cream cheese | 1/2 cup | Mix with grated cheese and seasonings |
| Grated cheese | 1/2 cup | Add to cream cheese mixture |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Mix in with the cheese |
| Chopped pepperoni | 1/4 cup | Blend into the mixture |
| Chopped onion | 1/4 cup | Combine into the blend |
| Pizza sauce | 1 tsp | Add on top of each mushroom before baking |
8. Antipasto Platter
One of my favorite side dishes with pizza is an antipasto platter. It’s a great way to offer a variety of tastes and textures that complement the pizza.
I like to include a mix of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni. They add a savory touch.
Cheese is a must. I often choose aged parmesan, mozzarella, and creamy gorgonzola, which cater to different preferences.
Marinated vegetables like artichokes, mushrooms, and roasted peppers add tanginess and lovely color to the platter.
Add some olives for a salty kick. Both green and black olives work well. Don’t forget to include crunchy breadsticks or slices of toasted baguette. They’re perfect for pairing with cheese and meats.
A simple yet delightful antipasto platter complements pizza flavors and looks inviting and festive.
Here’s a quick bullet list for an antipasto platter:
- Cured meats: prosciutto, salami, pepperoni
- Cheeses: parmesan, mozzarella, gorgonzola
- Marinated vegetables: artichokes, mushrooms, roasted peppers
- Olives: green and black
- Breadsticks or toasted baguette slices
9. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables make a delicious and healthy side for pizza. They add a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pizza’s cheesy, savory taste.
I love to grill veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. They cook quickly and taste great with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Here are some of my favorite grilled vegetables to serve with pizza:
- Zucchini: Slice into thin rounds or long strips.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a colorful plate.
- Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms are my top choice.
- Asparagus: Trim the ends and keep them whole for easy grilling.
It’s super simple to prepare. Just toss the veggies in olive oil, add some seasoning, and grill them until they have beautiful char marks.
A quick tip: If you don’t have a grill, roast them in the oven. It still gives you that wonderful flavor.
Table of Grilling Times for Vegetables:
| Vegetable | Grilling Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 3-4 |
| Bell Peppers | 4-5 |
| Mushrooms | 4-6 |
| Asparagus | 3-4 |
10. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Regarding side dishes, spinach and artisan cheese dip are classic choices. It’s so creamy and flavorful.
Making this dip is simple. Here’s a quick recipe:
- Mix artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a large bowl.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
You can also bake the dip for a warm and bubbly texture. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and let it bake for about 15 minutes.
Serve it with:
- Sliced baguettes
- Crackers
- Veggie sticks
For a fun twist, spread the dip on pizza dough and bake. It’s super tasty!
Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.
