Serving the perfect pizza at a birthday party is key, but don’t forget about the side dishes. Pairing the pizza with some delicious sides will take your celebration up to the next level.
For example, you can pick out side dishes that contrast and complement the flavors of classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives. Here are some tried-and-true sides that you can serve with pizza at a birthday party!
If you are in a rush and want to know What to serve with pizza at a party, then try any of these- Salad, garlic bread, Veggies & Dip, Breadsticks & Garlic Knots, Caprese Salad, Antipasto Platter, Baked Potato Wedges, Caesar Salad, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli Salad, Potato Skins, Cheese Plate, Fried Foods, Roasted Potatoes, Soup, Potato Chips & Dip, Fruit Salad, Dessert Pizza and Desserts.
20 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pizza at a Birthday Party
1. Salad
Salads are always a great option for any type of party, not just birthday parties. Salads are light and healthy options that give guests something to nibble on in between slices of cheesy goodness.
A classic Caesar salad is an excellent option because it pairs well with pizza and has an abundance of flavorful ingredients like garlic croutons, parmesan cheese, and anchovies.
If you want something a bit lighter than Caesar salad, try making a simple arugula salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette dressing or an Italian chopped salad topped with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, mozzarella balls, and salami slices.
You can go simple with a classic green salad topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing. Or mix it up with a fruit-based salad like this strawberry spinach feta salad. It adds a sweet twist to the traditional green salad, making it perfect for any occasion!
2. Garlic Bread
Another classic side dish to serve with pizza is garlic bread. This delicious treat is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any kind of pizza topping you may have chosen for your birthday party celebration.
Slice up some ciabatta bread into thick slices and top it off with butter, garlic powder, and parsley for an easy side dish that everyone will love.
You can add herb butter or olive oil for extra flavor. If you want something more exciting than plain garlic bread, try making garlic knots or Parmesan pull-apart bread instead!
3. Veggies & Dip
This one is always a hit! Cut up vegetables like carrots and celery sticks, then pair them with ranch dip or hummus for dipping.
The crunchy veggies will provide an added texture that pairs perfectly with the softness of the pizza slices! Plus, it’s another healthy option that everyone can enjoy.
Artichoke dip is always popular at parties; serve it warm and some tortilla chips or pita bread for dipping into this creamy, cheesy goodness!
4. Breadsticks & Garlic Knots
Who doesn’t love breadsticks and garlic knots? They also make great side dishes when you serve up pizza. All you need is store-bought dough (or make your own if you prefer), butter, herbs, and garlic powder to give them that extra kick!
Bake them in the oven until golden brown and serve alongside the pizza slices for a tasty treat everyone will love.
5. Caprese Salad
A simple yet classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It’s light and refreshing and goes perfectly with any type of pizza.
6. Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables is an excellent way to add flavor to any dish. Try grilling bell peppers, zucchini, squash, or mushrooms and serve them alongside your favorite pizza.
7. Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is an excellent way to round out your meal before the main event arrives—pizza without too much effort.
Include meats such as salami or prosciutto, capicola cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone, olives, artichokes hearts, and marinated mushrooms for an easy appetizer before the pizza arrives.
8. Baked Potato Wedges
Baked potato wedges are fast and easy to make but still feel like a special treat when served alongside pizza. All you need is potatoes (cut into wedges), olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning—it doesn’t get much easier than that!
9. Caesar Salad
A classic caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser—especially when paired with pizza! Top romaine lettuce with homemade croutons (or store-bought!), parmesan cheese, and caesar dressing for a flavorful side dish everyone will love.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile—they can be served as part of an entree or as a side dish; either way, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Toss them in olive oil beforehand, then season them with salt and pepper before roasting in the oven for about 20 minutes until crisp on the outside but tender on the inside—delicious!
11. Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni & cheese is always a favorite among kids (and adults!) alike; try making this classic comfort food even better by adding bacon or crispy onions on top before serving alongside your favorite pizzas!
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12. Broccoli Salad
A simple broccoli salad combines fresh vegetables such as broccoli florets, red onion slices, and carrot shavings with bacon pieces in a sweet-tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar…it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering where pizza is served!
13. Potato Skins
Potato skins are another classic comfort food; try topping them off with shredded cheese before baking in the oven until golden brown—the perfect accompaniment to any type of pizza!
14. Cheese Plate
Cheese plates are always popular at parties; they provide something for everyone, no matter what their dietary preferences may be.
Choose cheeses that pair well with the type of pizzas you’ll be serving (such as gouda or brie) and serve them with crackers or slices of baguette.
15. Fried Foods
Who doesn’t love fried food? Whether it’s mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, or even french fries (loaded ones if you want!), fried foods are always popular choices when it comes time to fill up hungry tummies!
16. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes make for an easy side dish that pairs particularly well with cheese-heavy pizzas like white pies or Margherita pizzas.
Cook them in olive oil and season them simply before serving them alongside your favorite pies!
17. Soup
Soup is another delicious option that goes well with pizza. Try creamy tomato soup for something unique, or go classic Italian style with minestrone soup!
Know More: Best Italian Dishes serve with Pizza
18. Potato Chips & Dip
Potato chips are always a crowd-pleaser; serve them alongside some store-bought dip (or whip up your own!) for an easy snack that will keep everyone happy while they wait for their pies.
19. Fruit Salad
For something sweet but still light enough not to weigh down diners after eating their pizza slices, try making a fruit salad using whatever fruits are in season right now; melons work particularly well here, as do berries like blueberries or raspberries.
20. Dessert Pizza
No birthday party would be complete without dessert! Although dessert may seem like overkill after all the pizza (that’s usually enough carbs for one night), it’s always nice for guests to indulge in something sweet after their meal.
Why not finish off your meal by serving dessert pizza? It can be as simple as adding some chocolate sauce onto pre-made dough from the store (or homemade if you have the time) before baking until golden brown—yum!
Or, try serving cannoli cups filled with cream cheese and ricotta cheese or chocolate chip cookie bars topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce!
Best Way to serve pizza at a birthday party
A birthday party just isn’t complete without a few delicious pizzas! To ensure that no one goes starving and everyone has something they enjoy, there are several different ways to serve pizza at a birthday party.
One of the best options is to choose a variety of topping combinations. This ensures that there is something for everyone, including meat lovers, vegetarians, and even those with special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or vegan options.
You can also order from different local pizzerias, so more unique flavors are available other than the standard cheese or pepperoni.
Planning ahead and getting the pizzas delivered to your house at varying temperatures will further guarantee that each one is fresh for guests to enjoy.
Read More: What to serve with Leftover Pizza
Why are Side dishes important to serving with Pizza at a party?
Side dishes are an integral part of serving pizza at a party. Not only do they help make the meal more balanced, but they also provide guests with variety and options.
Adding side dishes to your pizza can help create a complete meal, as well as give your guests a chance to explore different flavors and textures.
Aside from making the meal more interesting, side dishes also provide additional nutrition. Popular options include salads, fruit platters, and vegetable dishes.
Pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese, lasagna, or spaghetti can also be served alongside pizza. This will give guests the opportunity to explore different tastes, as well as provide additional carbohydrates for energy.
These dishes are usually much easier to prepare than pizzas, so they can help stretch a meal further without too much hassle.
Don’t forget to include something sweet. Desserts like cakes, brownies, or ice cream can be served in addition to pizza and side dishes for a truly complete meal. These treats are also great for ending a night on a sweet note!