Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households. The anticipation of cheesy, saucy slices is enough to bring smiles to faces of all ages. But while pizza is undoubtedly the star of the show, serving it alone might leave your guests wanting more. To truly transform your pizza night into a memorable feast, consider adding some complementary side dishes. These additions not only round out the meal but also offer a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.
Whether you’re hosting a casual family gathering, a lively pizza party with friends, or simply looking to enhance your weeknight dinner, the right side dishes can make all the difference. Let’s dive into a curated selection of fantastic side dishes that will perfectly complement your pizza and take your meal to the next level.
Classic & Crowd-Pleasing Pizza Side Dishes
When it comes to crowd-pleasers, these classic options are always a winning choice. They are familiar, delicious, and pair effortlessly with the flavors of pizza.
Boneless Chicken Wings
Boneless chicken wings are an irresistible appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for sharing. Their tender, bite-sized pieces are easy to eat and incredibly flavorful. To cater to different preferences, offer a variety of sauces. Buffalo sauce is a timeless choice, providing a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the richness of pizza. For a creamy alternative, blue cheese dressing is a classic dip, or you can opt for the ever-popular ranch dressing for a cooler, herby flavor. Consider offering a honey garlic or teriyaki sauce for those who prefer a sweeter profile.
Onion Rings
Crispy and golden onion rings are another beloved side that adds a satisfying crunch to your pizza meal. Making them at home is surprisingly simple, requiring just onions, flour, and your choice of frying method – be it an air fryer for a healthier approach or traditional frying for extra indulgence. Serve them hot and crispy with a selection of dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, with its tomato-based sweetness, complements the onion rings wonderfully. Alternatively, a creamy garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo can offer a more adventurous dipping experience.
French Fries
Fries are a universal favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when served alongside pizza. You can opt for classic straight-cut oven fries for a simple and satisfying side, or elevate the experience with curly fries for added fun and texture. For homemade fries, fresh potatoes are the way to go, easily prepared in the oven or air fryer. Frozen fries offer a convenient and quick alternative for busy pizza nights. Don’t forget the seasonings! A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is classic, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist. Offer a range of dips like ketchup, mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, or even a cheese sauce to cater to everyone’s tastes.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries are an excellent choice. Their natural sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the savory flavors of pizza. To enhance their flavor, consider sprinkling them with cinnamon for a warm, comforting touch, or create a spicy-sweet combination with cinnamon and cayenne pepper for a more adventurous palate. When it comes to dipping, ketchup works well, but maple syrup takes sweet potato fries to another level, creating a delightful sweet and savory contrast. For a creamy dip, try a honey mustard or a marshmallow fluff dip for an extra sweet treat.
Potato Wedges
If you’re looking for a heartier potato side with a different texture than fries, potato wedges are a fantastic option. Their thicker cut provides a satisfying bite and a fluffy interior. Serve them simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic powder to let their natural potato flavor shine through. The dipping possibilities are endless – ketchup, BBQ sauce, and garlic dip are classic choices. For a zesty kick, try a chipotle mayo or a horseradish cream sauce. Potato wedges are also delicious topped with melted cheese and bacon bits for an even more indulgent side.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are crispy, bite-sized potato nuggets that are loved by both kids and adults. Their fun shape and satisfying crunch make them an ideal side for pizza. Being pre-cooked, they are incredibly easy to prepare – simply bake or air fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot with a variety of dipping sauces. Ketchup is a must-have, and ranch dressing is another popular choice. For a cheesy twist, offer a nacho cheese sauce or a spicy queso dip. Tater tots are also delicious dipped in a tangy honey mustard or a creamy avocado ranch.
Fresh & Lighter Pizza Side Dishes
To balance the richness of pizza, consider incorporating some fresh and lighter side dishes. These options provide a refreshing contrast and add valuable nutrients to your meal.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that offers a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the richness of pizza. Its light and crisp texture cuts through the greasiness, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy. The most common coleslaw variations feature shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with yogurt for a tangy and healthier twist. Vinegar-based coleslaw, with its sharp and zesty flavor, is another refreshing alternative that complements pizza beautifully. Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or red onion for extra flavor and crunch.
Spinach Salad
A well-made spinach salad can be a delightful and healthy addition to your pizza night. The key is to elevate it beyond just greens. Adding warm bacon bits provides a smoky, savory element that contrasts wonderfully with the spinach. Grilled chicken adds protein and heartiness, turning the salad into a more substantial side. Crumbled blue cheese offers a pungent and creamy counterpoint. A vinaigrette dressing, whether a classic balsamic or a tangy lemon vinaigrette, ties all the flavors together. Consider adding other toppings like toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or hard-boiled eggs for added texture and flavor.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
For a truly light and refreshing side, a tomato and cucumber salad is hard to beat. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and adds a vibrant pop of color to your pizza night spread. The combination of juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers creates a delightful texture contrast. A simple vinaigrette dressing, made with olive oil and vinegar, is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill add an extra layer of freshness. A sprinkle of feta cheese or mozzarella balls can elevate this salad even further.
Chopped Salad
A chopped salad takes the concept of a fresh salad to the next level with its meticulous preparation and harmonious blend of ingredients. The key to a great chopped salad is uniform cutting – ensuring all ingredients are diced into similar sizes for optimal texture and flavor distribution. Include a variety of vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Adding cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and hard-boiled eggs provides protein and richness. Chickpeas offer a plant-based protein boost and a slightly nutty flavor. A tangy vinaigrette dressing, whether a red wine vinaigrette or a lemon-herb vinaigrette, is the perfect finishing touch.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is known for its peppery bite and delicate leaves, offering a sophisticated and light side dish to complement pizza. Keep it simple and elegant by dressing baby arugula with just olive oil and lemon juice – this allows the arugula’s natural flavor to shine. Parmesan shavings add a salty and nutty element, while thinly sliced shallots provide a subtle sharpness. This minimalist salad is incredibly easy to prepare and provides a refreshing palate cleanser alongside rich pizza.
Bean Salad
Bean salad is a surprisingly satisfying and healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor and fiber. It’s incredibly easy to make using canned beans like cannellini, kidney, and garbanzo beans. Chopped celery and red onion add crunch and sharpness. A simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano creates a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile. Bean salad is a hearty and nutritious addition to your pizza night, offering a plant-based protein source and a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of pizza.
Fruit Salad
Sometimes, the simplest side dish is the most effective. A fresh fruit salad provides a naturally sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory and sometimes heavy flavors of pizza. It acts as a wonderful palate cleanser and offers a lighter, healthier option. Choose a variety of seasonal fruits like grapes, pineapple, apples, oranges, and berries. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit cut through the richness of the cheese and spices on the pizza, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with pizza. Its crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a satisfying texture and flavor combination. To elevate your Caesar salad, add crunchy croutons for texture, salty feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist, and thinly sliced red onion for a subtle sharpness. A homemade Caesar dressing, made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, will take this salad to the next level. Caesar salad provides a refreshing and slightly creamy counterpoint to the pizza, making it a well-rounded side dish option.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a versatile and satisfying side dish that can be customized to complement various pizza flavors. Choose a pasta shape that holds dressing well, like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Combine the pasta with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. The dressing options are endless – Italian vinaigrette, creamy ranch, or a pesto-based dressing all work wonderfully. Pasta salad is a hearty and flavorful side that adds substance to your pizza meal, making it a more complete and satisfying dining experience.
Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
For an elegant and healthy salad that’s incredibly easy to prepare, avocado salad with cherry tomatoes is a perfect choice. The creamy avocado and juicy cherry tomatoes create a delightful texture and flavor combination. Fresh mozzarella cheese adds a milky and slightly tangy element that complements both the avocado and tomatoes. A simple balsamic vinaigrette, or even just a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, ties all the flavors together. Avocado salad is a light yet satisfying side dish that provides healthy fats and fresh flavors to your pizza night.
Warm & Hearty Pizza Side Dishes
For those seeking more substantial and comforting side dishes, these warm options provide a satisfying heartiness that complements pizza perfectly, especially on cooler evenings.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are soft, pillowy knots of dough drenched in garlicky butter and parmesan cheese. They are a delicious and aromatic side that’s reminiscent of pizzeria breadsticks. Toss simple dough knots in melted butter infused with minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Bake them until golden brown and fragrant. Serve them warm with a side of tomato sauce for dipping – the combination of garlicky knots and tangy tomato sauce is irresistible.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Elevate your fries with a generous coating of garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese to create the ultimate garlic parmesan fries. This decadent twist on classic fries adds a rich and savory element that complements pizza beautifully. Toss cooked fries in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness. Bake them briefly to melt the cheese and allow the flavors to meld. Garlic parmesan fries are an indulgent and flavorful side that will be a hit with pizza lovers.
Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is a comforting and classic side dish that pairs surprisingly well with pizza. The cool and creamy texture provides a pleasant contrast to the warm and savory pizza. Toss boiled potatoes with red onion for sharpness, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream for richness, and fresh dill for a herbaceous note. For variations, consider adding celery for crunch, hard-boiled eggs for protein, or bacon bits for smoky flavor. Potato salad is a hearty and satisfying side that adds a creamy and flavorful element to your pizza night.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Loaded baked potatoes are a substantial and customizable side dish that can easily become a meal in itself. They pair especially well with thin-crust pizzas, offering a heartier counterpoint. Bake potatoes until soft and fluffy. Slice them open and scoop out the flesh, then mix it with your favorite toppings – cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, chili, or broccoli. Return the mixture to the potato skins and bake again to reheat and melt the cheese. Loaded baked potatoes are a versatile and filling side dish that offers endless topping possibilities to complement your pizza.
Steamed Broccoli
For a healthy and simple warm side dish, steamed broccoli is a great choice. It’s quick to prepare and provides valuable nutrients. To elevate steamed broccoli, toss it with feta cheese for a salty and tangy element, and thinly sliced red onion for a subtle sharpness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch. Steamed broccoli is a healthy and flavorful side that adds a green vegetable component to your pizza meal.
Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, offers a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the richness of pizza. Its assertive flavor cuts through the cheese and tomato sauce, providing a welcome contrast. Toss broccoli rabe with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and Romano cheese. Roasting it in the oven caramelizes the edges and brings out its natural sweetness while mellowing the bitterness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a final touch of acidity. Broccoli rabe is a flavorful and sophisticated green vegetable side that complements pizza beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful way to add a variety of nutrients and textures to your pizza night. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and creates caramelized edges for added flavor. Try roasting a mix of vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, and zucchini. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Roasted vegetables are a versatile and customizable side dish that adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your pizza meal.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille, a classic French vegetarian stew, is a surprisingly delightful side dish for pizza. Its simple yet flavorful combination of eggplant, yellow squash, tomatoes, and zucchini offers a rustic and comforting element. The stewed vegetables provide a soft and tender texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp crust of pizza. The simplicity of ratatouille allows the complex flavors of the pizza toppings to shine. Ratatouille is a healthy and flavorful vegetarian side that adds a touch of French flair to your pizza night.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is a warm, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that can easily double as a side dish for pizza. Its rich and savory flavors are a welcome addition to a pizza night spread. Serve it warm with crispy pita chips for dipping, or create a vegetable platter with sliced peppers, carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes for a healthier dipping option. The creamy dip and crunchy dippers provide a textural contrast that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup, especially a rich and creamy version, is a surprisingly versatile side dish for pizza. It’s traditionally paired with grilled cheese, but pizza crusts are an equally excellent vehicle for dipping. Tomato soup can tempt even those who typically discard pizza crusts to savor every last bite. Serve warm tomato soup alongside your pizza and encourage guests to dip their crusts for a comforting and flavorful combination. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a swirl of cream can elevate the soup even further.
Meatballs
Meatballs are a hearty and protein-rich side dish that adds a savory and satisfying element to your pizza night. Choose your meat – beef, pork, chicken, lamb, or a combination – and prepare them in your preferred style, whether baked, fried, or simmered in sauce. Offer a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes – classic marinara sauce, BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even a creamy pesto sauce. Serve the meatballs on toothpicks for easy grabbing and dipping, making them a perfect appetizer-style side.
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli is a unique and delicious side dish that adds a crispy and cheesy element to your pizza meal. Coat meat or cheese ravioli in seasoned breadcrumbs and then fry or bake them until perfectly crispy. The crunchy exterior and tender interior of the ravioli provide a delightful texture contrast. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for dipping – the combination of crispy ravioli and tangy marinara sauce is irresistible.
Garlic Bread
Classic garlic bread is a quintessential pizza side dish, and for good reason. Its buttery, garlicky, and cheesy goodness complements pizza perfectly. Season melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Brush cut Italian loaves with the garlic butter, add your favorite Italian cheese – mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan – and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Garlic bread is a warm, comforting, and flavorful side that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Spicy & Adventurous Pizza Side Dishes
If you’re looking to add a kick of spice and excitement to your pizza night, these adventurous side dishes will bring the heat and flavor.
Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a spicy and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat. Jalapenos are inherently spicy, but filling them with cheese, wrapping them in bacon, and baking them creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The cheesy filling mellows the heat of the jalapenos, while the bacon adds smoky flavor and crispiness. Serve them warm and be prepared for a delicious, cheesy, crunchy, and slightly spicy adventure. A cooling dipping sauce like ranch dressing or sour cream can help balance the heat.
Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are a fun and interactive side dish that offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor with an occasional spicy surprise. Sear them in a pan with olive oil until blistered and softened, or roast them in the oven for a similar effect. Toss them with sea salt – flaky sea salt is particularly nice – and that’s it! Shishito peppers are simple to prepare and offer a unique and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for sharing. Most peppers are mild, but every now and then you’ll encounter a spicy one, adding an element of surprise to each bite.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a healthier and lighter take on traditional fries, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior. Cut zucchini into ¼-inch thick fries. Bread them like you would chicken cutlets – dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs. Fry them in olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve them hot with a side of marinara or ranch dip. Zucchini fries are a delicious and relatively healthy side that adds a vegetable component to your pizza night while still satisfying that craving for crispy fried food.
Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are a surprisingly addictive side dish that offers a crispy and flavorful alternative to chicken wings or fries. Batter cauliflower florets and deep-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve them with sweet chili mayo for dipping – the combination of crispy cauliflower and sweet and spicy mayo is sensational. Cauliflower bites are a vegetarian-friendly and surprisingly satisfying side dish that’s perfect for those who want something a little different.
Fried Calamari
Fried calamari, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, is a popular restaurant appetizer that also pairs exceptionally well with pizza. The crispy texture and slightly briny flavor of calamari provide a delightful contrast to the cheesy and saucy pizza. Serve it hot with marinara sauce for dipping, or offer a garlic aioli for a creamy and garlicky alternative. Fried calamari adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your pizza night, making it feel a bit more special.
Unique & Elevated Pizza Side Dishes
For those who want to impress their guests and elevate their pizza night to a new level of sophistication, these unique and elevated side dishes offer a touch of gourmet flair.
Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a visually stunning and customizable appetizer or side dish that offers a variety of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for sharing and encourages conversation and grazing. Use thin-sliced prosciutto, salami, sopressata, and capicola for the meats, offering a range of cured Italian flavors. Include a variety of cheeses – a hard cheese like parmesan, a semi-soft cheese like Irish cheddar, and a soft cheese like fresh mozzarella. Add nuts for crunch, pickled vegetables for tanginess, and a selection of fun crackers for serving. A charcuterie board is a sophisticated and impressive side dish that elevates your pizza night to a more refined dining experience.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is similar to a charcuterie board but with a more Italian focus. It’s a simple, no-cook appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for a pizza party. Feature cured meats like salami and prosciutto, a selection of Italian cheeses like provolone and mozzarella, pickled vegetables like artichoke hearts and olives, and roasted red peppers. Add breadsticks or crusty bread for serving. An antipasto platter is a classic Italian-inspired side dish that complements pizza beautifully and offers a variety of flavors and textures.
Marinated Olives
Marinated olives are a simple yet flavorful side dish that elevates the humble olive to a gourmet snack. Marinating olives in herbs, garlic, and citrus zest transforms their flavor and makes them even more irresistible. Find a recipe you like and marinate a variety of olives – Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Cerignola olives work well. Adding capers and lemon zest brightens the flavor and adds a zesty touch. Marinated olives are a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of Mediterranean flair to your pizza night.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that’s surprisingly versatile and pairs well with pizza. It’s simple to prepare and offers a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory pizza. You can keep it simple with butter, salt, and pepper, or elevate it with more flavorful additions. Bacon bits add a smoky flavor, while herbs like cilantro or parsley bring freshness. For a fun twist, cut the corn on the cob into mini cobs for easier serving and eating. Corn on the cob is a crowd-pleasing and customizable side dish that adds a touch of summer to your pizza night.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Pizza Side Dishes
To complete your pizza night experience, consider adding a sweet dessert side dish to satisfy your sweet tooth after the savory meal.
Ice Cream or Sorbet
Ice cream or sorbet is the perfect sweet ending to a pizza night. Ice cream offers a creamy and indulgent treat, while sorbet provides a lighter and palate-cleansing option. The coldness and sweetness of both desserts contrast beautifully with the warm and savory pizza. Choose your favorite ice cream flavors or opt for a refreshing sorbet like lemon or raspberry. Ice cream or sorbet is a simple yet satisfying dessert that completes your pizza night meal on a sweet note.
Cookies
Cookies are a classic and comforting dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Depending on your preference and how indulgent you’re feeling, a peanut butter and chocolate chip combo is always a winning choice, offering a balance of salty and sweet. The sweetness of cookies counterbalances the saltiness of the pizza. Offer a variety of cookie types to cater to different tastes – chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar cookies, or peanut butter cookies. Cookies are a simple and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for a casual pizza night.
Cannoli
Cannoli, a classic Italian dessert, is a delectable and elegant way to round off your pizza night. These crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream are a true treat. The creamy ricotta filling and crispy shell provide a delightful texture contrast. Cannoli are often garnished with chocolate chips, pistachios, or candied fruit for added flavor and visual appeal. Cannoli are a sophisticated and indulgent dessert that adds a touch of Italian elegance to your pizza night, providing a perfect sweet ending to your meal.
With this extensive list of 42 amazing side dishes, you’re now well-equipped to elevate your next pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you choose classic crowd-pleasers, fresh and lighter options, warm and hearty sides, spicy and adventurous dishes, or unique and elevated creations, remember that the best side dishes complement the flavors of your pizza and cater to your guests’ preferences. So, get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the delicious journey of discovering your perfect pizza side dish pairings!
