Pizza parties are a fantastic way to gather friends and family for a casual and enjoyable meal. The aroma of baking dough, melting cheese, and your favorite toppings is always inviting. But while pizza is undoubtedly the star of the show, serving it alone might leave your guests wanting more. To truly elevate your pizza party and ensure everyone is satisfied, you need to consider some amazing side dishes. Wondering What To Serve With Pizza At A Party? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a large celebration, complementary side dishes are essential for creating a well-rounded and memorable dining experience. From appetizers to salads, and even desserts, the right accompaniments can enhance the flavors of your pizza and cater to diverse tastes. Let’s dive into a variety of mouthwatering options that will transform your pizza night into a culinary event.
Irresistible Appetizers to Kick Things Off
Before the pizza even arrives, tantalize your guests’ taste buds with some tempting appetizers. These bite-sized delights are perfect for setting the mood and whetting appetites.
Boneless Chicken Wings
Boneless chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing starter that offers a savory and satisfying crunch. Offering a variety of sauces ensures there’s something for everyone. Buffalo sauce provides a classic spicy kick, while BBQ sauce offers a smoky sweetness. Don’t forget to serve them with cooling dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the flavors and add creamy texture.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are a timeless appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit. The crispy, golden-brown exterior and sweet, tender onion inside create a delightful contrast. For a richer flavor, use sweet onions. While traditionally deep-fried, air frying offers a healthier alternative with equally crispy results. Serve them with a classic marinara sauce for dipping, or get creative with spicy mayo or a tangy aioli.
Charcuterie Board
For a more sophisticated appetizer option, a charcuterie board adds elegance and variety to your pizza party. It allows guests to graze and customize their bites. Include a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and capicola to offer different flavors and textures. Variety is key when it comes to cheeses as well. Pair hard cheeses such as Parmesan or cheddar with semi-soft options like provolone and creamy soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella or brie. Enhance the board with complementary items like olives, nuts, pickled vegetables, and a selection of crackers or crusty bread for a truly impressive spread.
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a fun and cheesy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids. The gooey, melted mozzarella encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating is simply irresistible. Offer a range of dipping sauces to cater to different preferences. Classic marinara sauce is a must, but consider also providing garlic dip, salsa, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy mayonnaise-based dip for added variety.
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
To balance the richness of pizza, refreshing salads are essential. They offer a lighter counterpoint and provide a welcome burst of freshness.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that perfectly complements pizza. Its cool, crisp texture and tangy flavor cut through the richness of the pizza, cleansing the palate. The traditional mayonnaise-based coleslaw is always popular, but consider variations to suit different tastes. A vinegar-based coleslaw offers a lighter, tangier flavor profile, while a yogurt-based version provides a healthier and equally creamy alternative. Experiment with adding ingredients like apples, cranberries, or different types of cabbage for added flavor and texture.
Spinach Salad
A well-composed spinach salad can be a delightful and nutritious addition to your pizza party. To make it more substantial and flavorful, incorporate warm bacon for smoky notes, grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein, and crumbled blue cheese for a tangy and creamy element. A light vinaigrette dressing will tie all the flavors together without overpowering the delicate spinach.
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
For a truly refreshing and light option, a tomato and cucumber salad is ideal. Its simplicity is its strength. The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers provide a hydrating and palate-cleansing contrast to the heavier pizza. A simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice, seasoned with salt and pepper, is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also be added for an extra layer of freshness.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a popular and satisfying salad that pairs wonderfully with pizza. The crisp romaine lettuce provides a refreshing base, while the creamy Caesar dressing adds richness and flavor. Enhance your Caesar salad with classic additions like crunchy croutons for texture, shaved Parmesan cheese for salty and savory notes, and a sprinkle of red onion for a subtle bite.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad, with its peppery bite, offers a sophisticated and light counterpoint to pizza. Keep it simple and elegant by dressing baby arugula with just olive oil and lemon juice to highlight its natural flavors. Add Parmesan shavings for salty, savory notes and thinly sliced shallots for a mild oniony kick. This minimalist salad is quick to prepare and incredibly refreshing.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a heartier salad option that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for parties. Its versatility allows for endless variations. Combine your favorite pasta shapes with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. A vinaigrette dressing is a classic choice, but creamy dressings or pesto can also be delicious. Pasta salad not only adds flavor but also visual appeal to your pizza party spread with its vibrant colors and textures.
Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
For a creamy and refreshing salad, avocado salad with cherry tomatoes is a winning choice. The creamy avocado provides a luxurious texture, while the burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes adds a delightful contrast. Fresh mozzarella cheese enhances the creaminess and adds a mild milky flavor. A balsamic vinaigrette dressing brings a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the avocado and cheese. This salad is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Bean Salad
A bean salad is a surprisingly satisfying and healthy side dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a great way to add protein and fiber to your pizza meal. Combine canned beans like cannellini, kidney, and garbanzo for a variety of textures and flavors. Add chopped celery and red onion for crunch and a bit of bite. A simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano brings all the elements together. This salad is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and nutritious.
Delicious Vegetable Sides
Adding vegetable sides to your pizza party ensures a balanced meal and caters to health-conscious guests. Roasting, grilling, or simply preparing them as flavorful sides enhances their natural sweetness and provides a satisfying contrast to pizza.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a fantastic way to add healthy and flavorful sides to your pizza night. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and creates a slightly caramelized exterior. A wide variety of vegetables work well for roasting, including green beans, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, and zucchini. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and roast until tender and slightly browned.
Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli rabe offers a slightly bitter and robust flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the richness of pizza. Its bitterness cuts through the cheese and tomato sauce, providing a welcome contrast. Toss broccoli rabe with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and Romano cheese for a savory and flavorful side. Roasting it in the oven until slightly caramelized enhances its natural sweetness and mellows the bitterness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are a fun and interactive side dish that adds a touch of excitement to your pizza party. Most shishito peppers are mild, but occasionally you’ll encounter a spicy one, creating a playful element of surprise. Sear them in a pan with olive oil until blistered and slightly softened, or roast them in the oven for a similar effect. A simple sprinkle of sea salt is all they need to highlight their natural flavor.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli is a quick, healthy, and versatile side dish. Its mild flavor and tender-crisp texture make it a great accompaniment to pizza. For a simple yet flavorful preparation, stir steamed broccoli with feta cheese for salty and tangy notes and red onion for a bit of bite. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice can further enhance the flavors.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that’s easy to prepare and always enjoyable. Its sweet and juicy kernels provide a delightful contrast to the savory pizza. Keep it simple with butter, salt, and pepper, or elevate it with more flavorful additions like bacon bits for a smoky taste, or a sprinkle of chili powder for a touch of spice. Mini corn on the cobs can also be served for easier handling at a party.
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries offer a healthier and lighter alternative to traditional potato fries. Cut zucchini into ¼ inch thick sticks, bread them like chicken cutlets for a crispy coating, and fry them in olive oil or bake them for a healthier option. Serve them with marinara sauce or ranch dip for dipping. Zucchini fries provide a satisfying crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements pizza without being too heavy.
Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a heartier and more substantial potato side dish compared to fries. Their rustic shape and soft interior offer a different texture experience. Serve them plain with salt and pepper to let the potato flavor shine, or offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or garlic dip to cater to different preferences.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a sweeter and more nutritious twist on classic fries. Their naturally sweet flavor pairs well with both savory and sweet seasonings. Sprinkle them with cinnamon for a warm and comforting flavor, or add a spicy seasoning like a cinnamon and cayenne pepper blend for a touch of heat. For dipping, ketchup is a classic choice, but consider maple syrup for a sweeter and more decadent option.
Tater Tots
Tater tots are a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing side dish, especially popular with children and adults alike. Their crispy exterior and soft, shredded potato interior are simply irresistible. Since tater tots are pre-cooked, they are incredibly easy to prepare – just bake or air fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve them as is, or offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce for added fun.
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Loaded baked potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish that pairs particularly well with thin crust pizza. The fluffy baked potato topped with savory fillings creates a complete and comforting meal. Bake potatoes until tender, then slice them open and scoop out the flesh. Mix the potato flesh with your choice of toppings – cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, chili, or sautéed vegetables are all great options. Return the loaded potato skins to the oven for a brief reheat or to melt the cheese for a warm and gooey side.
Hearty and Flavorful Additions
For those who want something more substantial to go with their pizza, these hearty side dishes will definitely hit the spot.
Meatballs
Meatballs are a protein-packed and flavorful side dish that complements pizza beautifully. You can use various types of meat – beef, pork, chicken, lamb, or a combination – to create your meatballs. Offer a selection of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but consider also providing barbecue sauce, pesto, or a creamy garlic sauce. Serve them with toothpicks for easy grabbing and dipping.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a simple yet incredibly delicious bread side that’s perfect for pizza parties. These knots of dough, baked until golden brown and brushed with garlic butter, are bursting with flavor. Tossing them in Parmesan cheese and extra garlic enhances their savory appeal. Serve them with a good quality tomato sauce for dipping, and they are sure to disappear quickly.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Garlic Parmesan fries take classic fries to a whole new level of flavor. Tossing crispy fries in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible combination of savory, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and ensure the fries are hot when you toss them so the cheese melts slightly and coats them evenly.
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted ravioli are a unique and delightful side dish that offers a satisfying crunch and cheesy or meaty filling. Coat meat or cheese ravioli in seasoned bread crumbs for a crispy exterior and flavorful crust. Baking or air frying them is a healthier alternative to deep frying, but both methods result in delicious toasted ravioli. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and they will be a hit with both kids and adults.
Fried Calamari
Fried calamari, with its crispy exterior and tender interior, is a restaurant-favorite appetizer that also pairs exceptionally well with pizza. The slight chewiness of the calamari and the crunchy coating offer a delightful textural contrast. Serve it with lemon wedges and marinara sauce or a spicy aioli for dipping. The briny flavor of the calamari and the acidity of the lemon cut through the richness of the pizza, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille, a classic French vegetable stew, offers a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option that pairs beautifully with pizza. The combination of eggplant, yellow squash, tomatoes, and zucchini creates a rich and complex flavor profile. The simplicity of ratatouille complements the often complex flavors of pizza toppings. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a side dish to your pizza party.
Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are a fun and flavorful vegetarian side dish that satisfies cravings for something crispy and indulgent. Battering and deep-frying cauliflower florets creates a crispy exterior and tender interior. Serve them with a sweet chili mayo for dipping, which provides a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet counterpoint to the savory cauliflower.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup, especially a creamy version, is a surprisingly comforting and complementary side for pizza. It’s perfect for dipping pizza crusts, tempting even those who usually discard them. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cheese and toppings, while the creamy texture adds a luxurious element. Serve it warm in small bowls alongside slices of pizza for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a no-cook, elegant, and versatile side dish that offers a variety of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for grazing and allows guests to customize their bites. Feature cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni for savory and salty notes. Include a selection of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for creamy, mild, and sharp flavors. Add pickled vegetables, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts for briny and tangy elements. Serve with crusty bread or breadsticks for scooping and enjoying the platter components.
Marinated Olives
Marinated olives elevate simple olives into a flavorful and sophisticated snack. Marinating olives in herbs, garlic, and citrus zest enhances their natural briny flavor and adds complexity. Adding capers and lemon zest brightens the flavors and creates an irresistible appetizer. Serve marinated olives chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful and easy-to-prepare side dish for your pizza party.
Sweet Endings: Delicious Desserts
No pizza party is complete without a sweet treat to finish off the meal. These dessert options provide a perfect ending to your pizza feast.
Ice Cream or Sorbet
Ice cream or sorbet are classic and refreshing dessert choices that are always a hit. Ice cream offers a creamy and indulgent sweetness, while sorbet provides a lighter and palate-cleansing option, especially after a rich pizza meal. Offer a variety of flavors to cater to different preferences. Fruit sorbets are particularly refreshing, while classic ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are always popular.
Cookies
Cookies are a simple, crowd-pleasing, and customizable dessert option. The sweetness and texture of cookies provide a satisfying contrast to the savory pizza. Offer a variety of cookie types to cater to different tastes. Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless classic, while peanut butter cookies offer a nutty and chewy option. Consider also including oatmeal raisin cookies, sugar cookies, or double chocolate cookies for a diverse selection.
Cannoli
Cannoli are a decadent and elegant Italian dessert that provides a perfect sweet ending to your pizza party. The crispy, fried pastry shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The ricotta filling is often flavored with vanilla, citrus zest, or chocolate chips for added complexity. Cannoli are a special treat that will impress your guests and leave a lasting sweet impression.
Fruit
Fruit is a simple, healthy, and refreshing dessert option that provides a light and palate-cleansing end to your pizza party. The natural sweetness and juiciness of fruit offer a perfect counterpoint to the savory and rich flavors of pizza. Create a straightforward fruit salad with a variety of seasonal fruits like grapes, pineapple, apples, oranges, berries, and melon. The combination of colors, textures, and flavors will be visually appealing and satisfyingly refreshing.
With these 42 amazing side dish ideas, you’re now well-equipped to plan the ultimate pizza party. Remember to choose a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature pizza party menu. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious food and great company!
