Sides for Pizza

Pizza tastes amazing by itself, but the right side dishes can turn your regular meal into a unique dining experience. Garlic bread and wings are classic choices, but your pizza deserves some exciting companions.

Great pizza sides offer more than the usual options. Simple choices like roasted vegetables or sophisticated grain-based dishes will lift your next pizza party. Your taste buds will thank you whether you cook pizza in your indoor oven or order a 16-inch delivery pizza. These seven side dishes pair perfectly with every slice.

I’ll guide you through pairing creative, healthy sides with different pizza types. These combinations shine at casual weeknight dinners and full-scale pizza parties alike. Your guests will love these perfect pairings.

Elevated Root Vegetable Sides

Root vegetables may look simple, but they turn into extraordinary pizza sides with sophisticated flavors that will amaze your guests. Here are three of my favorite root vegetable recipes that taste amazing with different pizza styles.

Coffee-Rubbed Sweet Potato Wedges

Simple sweet potatoes become the talk of the table with a bold coffee rub. The coffee’s richness blends with the potatoes’ natural sweetness to create complex flavors that complement spicy pizzas perfectly. Cut them into even wedges and coat them with olive oil before adding the coffee rub. These wedges shine brightest next to a 16-inch pizza loaded with spicy toppings.

Miso-Maple Roasted Carrots

These miso-maple carrots offer a healthy pizza side without compromising on taste. The mix of white miso and pure maple syrup creates an irresistible caramelized coating. Your pizza party spread will benefit from these carrots, which pair wonderfully with pizzas of all sizes. The umami-rich glaze makes them perfect companions to:

• Classic Margherita pizzas from your indoor pizza oven
• White pizzas with ricotta and herbs
• Traditional pepperoni pizzas

Truffle-Parmesan Turnip Fries

These truffle-parmesan turnip fries add luxury to any pizza gathering. Cut turnips into uniform sticks, about ½-inch by 4 inches, and steam them lightly before roasting. The truffle oil and fresh parmesan create a rich coating that makes these simple root vegetables shine alongside both 10-inch personal pizzas or 18-inch sharing sizes.

These root vegetables aren’t just sides – they spark conversations and leave guests amazed at their incredible taste. These recipes prove that pizza sides can be both sophisticated and approachable, whether you serve them at a casual dinner or a full pizza party.

Reimagined Green Vegetables

These reimagined green vegetable sides will take your pizza night to the next level. My experiments with countless pizza pairings as a chef have taught me how these dishes add both nutrition and sophistication to your meal.

Charred Brussels Sprouts with Honey-Chili Glaze

These honey-chili glazed Brussels sprouts create an amazing sweet and spicy combination that makes them one of the best pizza sides. Roast them at 450°F until they caramelize deeply, then mix them with a glaze of honey, red wine vinegar, and chile flakes. The perfectly balanced flavors work great with everything from classic 16-inch pizzas to personal 10-inch ones. These sprouts taste amazing with:

• White pizzas from your indoor pizza oven
• Spicy pepperoni pizzas
• Classic Margherita styles

Crispy Kale Chips with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Your next pizza party needs these conversation-starting kale chips. The key is to dry the leaves completely before you massage them with olive oil and add everything bagel seasoning. These nutrient-packed chips get super crispy after 15 minutes in a 275°F oven. The mix of sesame, poppy seeds, dried onion, and garlic creates flavors that taste amazing with traditional pizzas.

Shishito Peppers with Citrus Salt

Blistered shishito peppers with citrus salt add a sophisticated and healthy twist to your pizza sides. Most of these East Asian peppers are mild, but you might find one with some heat – which makes pizza night more exciting. Get them nice and blistered in a hot skillet, then finish them off with fresh lemon juice and flaky sea salt. They work great with different pizza sizes at your gathering, from 14-inch sharing pizzas to individual 10-inch ones.

These green vegetables are perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to fancy pizza parties. The recipes are simple enough to make at home but taste like restaurant-quality dishes.

Modern Grain-Based Accompaniments

Ancient grains are changing the way we approach pizza sides by offering both nutrition and sophisticated flavors that perfectly complement your favorite pies. My experience as a chef with countless combinations has shown that these grain-based accompaniments will enhance your next pizza gathering.

Ancient Grain Tabbouleh

Your pizza party gets a boost with this protein-packed tabbouleh that adds a modern spin to a Middle Eastern classic. A blend of ancient grains instead of traditional bulgur wheat creates a nutrient-rich base that pairs beautifully with pizzas from your indoor pizza oven. Combine your cooked grains with:

• Fresh parsley and mint (use more herbs than grains for authentic flavor)
• Cherry tomatoes and Persian cucumbers
• A bright lemon-olive oil dressing

This refreshing side pairs exceptionally well with rich, cheese-heavy pizzas and cleanses your palate between slices.

Quinoa Arancini Bites

These baked quinoa arancini deliver restaurant-quality results and will impress your guests as sophisticated pizza sides. Unlike traditional rice-based arancini, these protein-rich bites use quinoa as the star ingredient. The recipe is straightforward: form small balls with cooked quinoa, Parmesan, and seasonings, then stuff each with a mozzarella cube before coating in breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

These crispy bites complement everything from a 10-inch personal pizza to an 18-inch sharing size, making them ideal for parties with different types of pizza.

Farro Caprese Salad

This farro Caprese salad combines Italian classics with ancient grain goodness to create a hearty yet refreshing side. The nutty flavor of farro provides an excellent base for fresh mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. High-quality olive oil and a balsamic reduction bring out the best flavors.

Perfect farro should be tender but still slightly chewy, which takes about 25-30 minutes to achieve. This salad tastes even better as the flavors meld, making it perfect for busy pizza nights. It pairs beautifully with:

• Classic Margherita pizzas
• Pepperoni pizzas from your pizza oven indoor
• White pizzas with ricotta and herbs

Let your grains cool completely before combining with fresh ingredients, and always taste for seasoning before serving. These modern grain-based sides add both complementary flavors and nutrition to your meal.

Trending Vegetable Preparations

Pizza sides have taken a revolutionary turn with modern vegetable preparations that add innovative twists to familiar ingredients. Your next pizza gathering will become a memorable culinary experience with these trending preparations.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

These crispy cauliflower wings pack all the heat without the meat and make a perfect spicy companion to your pizza. A simple three-step preparation creates magic: coat cauliflower in seasoned batter, bake at 450°F until crispy, and brush with buffalo sauce for that signature kick. These wings taste great with:

• Classic 16-inch pizzas for game day gatherings
• Personal 10-inch pizzas for intimate dinners
• Any pizza variety from your indoor pizza oven

Jackfruit ‘Meatballs’

Young green jackfruit makes savory meatballs that will make your guests question their plant-based status. The meat-like texture comes from a blend of shredded jackfruit, chickpea flour and aromatic spices. A quick pan-fry creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. These meatballs complement different types of pizza and shine at pizza parties serving various sizes from 14-inch to 18-inch pies.

Watermelon Radish Carpaccio

Watermelon radish carpaccio adds sophisticated flair to your pizza spread with its stunning visuals and delicious taste. Paper-thin slices reveal their signature pink centers that create an artistic platter. A simple mustard vinaigrette and capers boost their natural pepperiness without overpowering your pizza’s flavors.

The precise slicing makes perfect carpaccio – a mandoline helps create uniform, translucent rounds. This light, refreshing side pairs exceptionally well with:

• Rich, cheese-heavy pizzas
• Spicy varieties that need a cooling contrast
• Traditional Margherita pizzas from your pizza oven

These trending preparations show that healthy pizza sides can be both innovative and satisfying. Your meals will taste better with these modern vegetable dishes that keep things light and fresh, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elaborate pizza party.

Innovative Dips and Spreads

Lift your pizza experience with these innovative dips and spreads that bring both tradition and modern flavors to your table. These combinations create perfect harmony with different types of pizza while adding an unexpected twist to your meal – something I’ve found through my years as a professional chef.

Whipped Ricotta with Hot Honey

Simple ricotta can revolutionize your pizza party once it becomes a cloud-like spread. The secret lies in whipping whole milk ricotta with a touch of olive oil until it becomes light and airy. Hot honey adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat on top. This versatile spread works beautifully with:

• Classic 16-inch pizzas from your indoor pizza oven
• Personal 10-inch pizzas for intimate gatherings
• Spicy varieties that need a cooling contrast

Perfect whipped ricotta depends on temperature. The ricotta should reach room temperature before whipping. High-quality whole milk ricotta makes all the difference. A food processor creates the smoothest texture, though a stand mixer works well too.

Roasted Carrot Hummus

This vibrant carrot hummus delivers a healthy yet indulgent side for pizza. The carrots’ natural sweetness emerges through caramelization and adds depth to traditional hummus flavors. This beta-carotene rich dip works especially when you have:

The texture turns perfect if you roast your carrots until they’re tender – about 25-30 minutes at 400°F. Blending warm carrots with chickpeas, tahini, and a touch of cumin creates the smoothest consistency. This hummus stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making it ideal to prepare before your pizza party.

Fermented Hot Sauce

A probiotic-rich fermented hot sauce adds complexity and health benefits to your pizza experience. This living condiment develops deeper flavors over time while providing beneficial bacteria. The process remains simple but needs patience – typically 5-7 days to develop optimal flavor.

Fresh chilies of your choice (keeping color palettes consistent looks appealing), garlic, and a simple salt brine start the process. Beneficial bacteria transform these ingredients into a complex, tangy sauce that complements everything from a 14-inch sharing pizza to individual slices.

Squeeze bottles in the refrigerator make perfect storage containers for your fermented hot sauce. The tip should stay slightly open to allow continued fermentation. The heat mellows beautifully over time, making it versatile for different pizza types and heat priorities.

These innovative dips and spreads become conversation starters that will have your guests asking for recipes. They lift every bite while adding nutritional benefits and sophisticated flavors to your meal, whether you’re hosting a pizza party or enjoying a quiet dinner with your indoor pizza oven.

Pizza’s side dishes deserve as much attention as the main course. These pairings show that pizza sides can be sophisticated, healthy and delicious. Each option adds something special to your meal, from coffee-rubbed sweet potatoes to fermented hot sauce.

Your pizza gatherings can turn into amazing food adventures with the right side dish combinations. Root vegetables become great conversation starters. Ancient grains add unexpected elegance to casual meals. These pairings work great for quick weeknight dinners from your indoor pizza oven or elaborate pizza parties.

Note that the best pizza sides strike a balance between nutrition and taste. Pick dishes that enhance your pizza’s flavors and match the serving sizes. These unique combinations make every slice part of a complete meal that will wow your guests and hit the spot.

Here are some FAQs about different sides for pizza:

What side dishes go with pizza?

The best sides for pizza include salads, garlic bread, and mozzarella sticks. For a healthier option, consider roasted vegetables or fruit salads as simple sides for pizza. These additions balance the meal and make any pizza night more enjoyable.

What is complementary good for pizza?

Complementary goods for pizza include beverages like soda or beer and dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch. Healthy sides for pizza, like a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli, also pair well by adding a nutritional touch.

What to serve at a pizza party besides pizza?

At a pizza party, consider offering sides for pizza like breadsticks, caprese skewers, or antipasto platters. Desserts such as brownies or gelato provide a sweet ending, while healthy sides for pizza like veggie trays ensure variety for all guests.

What is pizza paired with?

Pizza is often paired with garlic knots, Caesar salad, or buffalo wings. Simple sides for pizza, like coleslaw or a light soup, complement its rich flavors without overpowering the dish.

What is a good combo for pizza?

A good combo for pizza includes garlic bread and a Caesar salad, creating a balanced meal. For more indulgent options, cheesy breadsticks or onion rings are some of the best sides for pizza.

What do Italians eat with pizza?

In Italy, pizza is commonly accompanied by a simple salad or a glass of wine. Italians may also enjoy breadsticks or light soups as healthy sides for pizza to keep the meal traditional and balanced.

What is pizza eaten with?

Pizza is typically eaten by hand but can also be enjoyed with a knife and fork, especially in formal settings. Best sides for pizza like fries or dipping sauces add extra flavor and enjoyment to the experience.

What goes good with leftover pizza?

Leftover pizza pairs well with a fresh salad, fruit, or soup to add variety to the meal. Simple sides for pizza, like hummus or sliced veggies, also work great as lighter complements.

What desserts go well with pizza?

Desserts that pair well with pizza include tiramisu, cannoli, or brownies. These sweet treats balance the savory flavors of pizza and are excellent choices for a pizza party.

What is best for a pizza party?

For a pizza party, offer a variety of pizzas and complement them with sides for pizza like garlic knots, antipasto, and salad. Include desserts such as ice cream or cookies and provide drink options to suit all tastes.

Should pizza be eaten with a knife and fork?

While pizza is often eaten by hand, using a knife and fork is acceptable, especially for deep-dish or heavily topped pizzas. This approach pairs well with formal settings or when paired with healthy sides for pizza.

What else is good on pizza?

Great toppings for pizza include fresh basil, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for flavor variety. Adding healthy sides for pizza like arugula or spinach can make the meal more balanced.

How many pizzas for 20 people?

For 20 people, plan for 8-10 pizzas, assuming each person eats 2-3 slices. Offer sides for pizza such as salads or breadsticks to ensure there’s enough food for everyone.

Is pizza and pasta a good combo?

Pizza and pasta make a delicious combo, blending rich flavors and textures. For balance, include simple sides for pizza like a light salad or roasted vegetables.

What is good to dip pizza in?

Popular dips for pizza include ranch, marinara, or garlic butter. These complement the flavors well, making them some of the best sides for pizza.

What is the best combination with pizza?

The best combination with pizza is a Caesar salad, breadsticks, and a refreshing drink. These sides for pizza provide a mix of flavors and textures that enhance the meal.

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