Planning a pizza night and wondering how to make it extra special? These 8 perfect side dishes have you covered! As a true pizza lover myself, I know that while pizza is always the star of the party, the right sides can take the whole experience to the next level.
That’s why I’ve handpicked dishes that are not only easy and delicious but guaranteed to make your pizza spread feel complete. These are my personal favorites and I’m sure they’ll quickly become yours, too!
So next time you host a pizza party, pair your slice with at least one of these sides and get ready for everyone to rave about your menu.
And for all the pizza enthusiasts out there, don’t miss my tasty Vegan Mexican Pizza!
1. Garlic Knots
I’ve always loved starting a pizza night with warm, buttery garlic knots. They’re soft, garlicky, and perfect for dipping into marinara while the pizza is finishing in the oven. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Variation: Add parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the knots: Roll the pizza dough into 1-inch ropes and tie each rope into a small knot.
- Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Brush the knots: Coat each dough knot generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake: Place knots on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the knots and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips:
- Sprinkle grated parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.
- These are perfect for what to serve with pizza at a party for kids or adults they disappear fast!
2. Caprese Salad Skewers
Whenever I make a pizza party spread, I love adding a fresh element, and these Caprese salad skewers are my go-to. They’re light, colorful, and balance the cheesy richness of pizza beautifully. Plus, they’re so easy to assemble no cooking required!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Difficulty: Very easy
Variation: Add a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 20 small skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Assemble the skewers: On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Season: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Pro Tips:
- These skewers are perfect what to serve with pizza besides salad, because they’re easy finger food and look beautiful on a party platter.
- You can prep them a few hours in advance just cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Classic Caesar Salad
For me, a Caesar salad is a must-have at any pizza party. The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons are the perfect contrast to gooey pizza cheese. I usually make a big bowl so everyone can help themselves it’s always a hit!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for homemade croutons, optional)
Difficulty: Easy
Variation: Make it vegetarian by using a dressing without anchovies.
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: freshly cracked black pepper, lemon wedges
For Homemade Croutons (optional):
- 2 cups cubed bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the croutons (if using homemade):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Add Parmesan cheese and croutons. Toss gently again.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with black pepper and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Pro Tips:
- Caesar salad is a classic what to serve with pizza at a party for adults, but kids love it too if you skip the extra black pepper.
- Serve immediately so the croutons stay crunchy!
4. Buffalo Wings
I don’t know about you, but pizza night just isn’t complete without wings. Buffalo wings bring that spicy kick and finger-licking goodness that pairs perfectly with cheesy pizza. I love making them for both kids and adults just adjust the heat to taste!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Variation: Make a milder version with barbecue sauce for kids.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split at joints
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Prep the wings:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the wings dry and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake:
- Arrange wings on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine hot sauce and melted butter.
- Toss wings in sauce:
- Place baked wings in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Arrange wings on a platter with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pro Tips:
- These wings are perfect what to serve with pizza for a party vegetarian friends just swap with crispy cauliflower wings and toss in buffalo sauce.
- For a pizza night, wings are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike!
5. Stuffed Mushrooms
I’ve always loved serving stuffed mushrooms at a pizza party. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and feel a little fancy without being complicated. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, making them a great addition if you’re wondering what to serve with pizza for a party vegetarian.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Variation: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients
- 16 large button mushrooms, stems removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the mushrooms:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush mushroom caps lightly with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
- Make the filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Stuff the mushrooms:
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap generously.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter and garnish with extra parsley.
Pro Tips:
- These make a great finger-food appetizer for pizza parties or pizza nights.
- You can prep them ahead of time and bake right before serving for the freshest taste.
6. Mini Caprese Flatbreads
If you love pizza as much as I do, you know that little bites that echo pizza flavors are always a hit. These mini Caprese flatbreads are perfect for a pizza night they’re fresh, cheesy, and so easy to grab while mingling. I like them because they’re simple to make, but they still feel special.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Variation: Add a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 small flatbreads or naan
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the flatbreads:
- Place flatbreads on a baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes on top.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and edges are slightly crisp.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
- Optional: drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
Pro Tips:
- These are a fun way to answer what to serve with pizza at a party for kids they’re small, cheesy, and kid-friendly.
- You can prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before baking for an easy pizza night appetizer.
7. Roasted Veggie Platter
Whenever I host a pizza party, I like to balance all that cheesy goodness with some roasted veggies. They’re colorful, flavorful, and surprisingly addictive. Honestly, even my kids reach for these first sometimes! This is my go-to answer when someone asks, what to serve with pizza for a party vegetarian.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Variation: Swap vegetables based on season zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots work beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prep the veggies:
- In a large bowl, toss all vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast:
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Pro Tips:
- Roasted veggies are a colorful, healthy option that pairs perfectly with pizza night favorites.
- Serve alongside dips like hummus or tzatziki to make your pizza party spread even more inviting.
8. Fun Sweet Treats
No pizza party is complete without a little dessert, right? I like to keep things simple but fun something you can grab with your hands between slices of pizza. These treats are perfect for both kids and adults, and they’re my secret way of adding a little sweet balance to a savory pizza night.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0–15 minutes (depending on choice)
Difficulty: Easy
Variation: You can make fruit-based bites or mini brownies for variety.
Option 1: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 4 oz (115g) dark or milk chocolate
- Optional: sprinkles or crushed nuts
Instructions
- Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each strawberry into the chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Optional: sprinkle with crushed nuts or sprinkles while chocolate is still wet.
- Place on parchment paper and let chocolate set at room temperature or in the fridge for 15 minutes.
Option 2: Mini Cookie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chocolate chips or M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop small balls of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips:
- These desserts are easy to prep ahead, which is a lifesaver for busy pizza parties.
- Fun, bite-sized sweets make it easy for guests to enjoy without taking a break from pizza or socializing.