With the ever-popular pizza comes the age-old question: What to serve with pizza at a party? Pizza is such a versatile meal that it can be difficult to decide on the best side dishes to accompany it.
Whether you are throwing a casual get-together or an elegant dinner party, we have you covered, from pizza bars at home to ordering pizzas from a restaurant, perfectly paired drinks, and choosing the right sides.
Types of Pizza to Serve at a Party
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any party. Whether it's a birthday celebration, game night, or a casual get-together with friends and family, serving pizza is always a hit. The question is: what types of pizza should you serve at your party?
When it comes to pizza toppings, the options are endless. From classic cheese and pepperoni to more adventurous choices like chicken alfredo or BBQ chicken, there’s no shortage of delicious combinations. You can even offer vegetarian options like Margherita or veggie lovers for those who prefer meatless pizzas.
Of course, serving pizza alone may not be enough to satisfy your guests’ hunger pangs. That’s why it’s important to consider what side dishes will complement your pizzas perfectly. Garlic breadsticks are always a favorite choice and go well with almost any type of pizza.
Pizza Bar vs. Ordering Pizza from a Local Restaurant
A unique idea for a pizza party is to consider a pizza bar. Deciding on what to serve at a pizza party can be challenging, with so many tastebuds to please. However, a homemade pizza bar will surely be a party favorite - allowing everyone to choose their toppings and sauces.
Set up a cooking station with all the necessary ingredients and equipment to start your pizza party planning. You'll need pre-made or homemade dough, sauce (tomato, pesto, or white), cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta), and toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, or olives. Arrange them on separate plates so that everyone can create their perfect pizza. Don't forget to provide rolling pins and baking sheets!
If you prefer to spend less time prepping and cleaning, ordering pizza from a local restaurant may be your best option. Ensure you have a good head count for your guests so that you order the proper amount of pizzas.
What Drinks are Best for a Pizza Party?
Choosing what to serve with pizza at a party isn't limited to sides. Drinks are an important part of creating the perfect party. While sodas are a classic choice, other options can enhance the taste of your slices and create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
One popular option is wine. A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Chianti can bring out the flavors of tomato-based pizzas, while white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair well with lighter toppings such as cheese and vegetables.
Wine can be a great match, but beer is also a delicious choice with pizza. The key is to choose beers that will contrast or complement the flavors of your pies. For example, if you’re serving a salty and spicy pizza, choose a light-bodied beer like an American lager or pilsner to cut the saltiness. Choose a dark beer to complement the sweetness if you’re serving a sweet and savory pizza.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, soda, water, sparkling cider, and fruit juices are excellent choices when serving pizza. The key is to consider the overall flavor profile of your pizzas and choose beverages that will complement or contrast them in a complementary way.
Best Side Dishes for Pizza
Pizza is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, pepperoni or vegetarian, there's no denying that pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. But what about when it comes to serving pizza at a party? What should you serve alongside your delicious pies?
First up, garlic knots. These little beauties are perfect for soaking up any leftover tomato sauce on your plate and will surely be a hit with everyone at the party. They're easy to make and can be served straight from the oven.
Another great option is a fresh salad with plenty of greens and veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and bell peppers. This will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the pizza and help balance out all those carbs.
Appetizers like the ones listed below are an excellent choice when trying to figure out what to serve with pizza at a party.
Pizza is a surefire way to make your party a hit! From salads to antipasto platters to drinks, there are plenty of options for sides and beverages that pair perfectly with pizza. Choose items your guests can customize, mix, and match, such as dips or soda flavors. And don’t forget the paper plates and napkins! You can create an enjoyable experience for everyone with the right sides and drinks.
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