Pizza night is already a pretty magical thing. Whether it's a Friday wind-down, a midweek treat, or a last-minute dinner party win, pizza always brings people (and appetites) together. But you know what makes it even better? Sides and desserts that bring balance, boldness, and a little extra indulgence to the table.
At Amici’s, we know that a great meal is more than just one great dish. It’s a whole experience, from the first crispy bite of garlic bread to the last spoonful of something sweet. So, if you're looking to level up your next pizza night — whether you're dining in, taking out, or hosting a pizza-and-movie night — here’s how to pair your pizza with the perfect supporting cast.
Start Strong: Appetizers That Set the Mood
Pizza is the headliner, but appetizers are the opening act, and they can totally steal the show if you let them.
Garlic Bread with a Twist
Our Garlic Breadsticks are golden, garlicky, and a little addictive. Pro tip? Add a side of marinara or creamy ranch for dipping. Want to make it a little extra? Ask for it with melted mozzarella on top. You're welcome.
Caesar or Garden Salad
Yes, we said salad. It's not just a filler, it’s the fresh crunch your pizza night craves. The Caesar is classic with crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons. But if you want to keep it light and colorful, go for the Garden Salad. It’s like a palate cleanser between cheesy bites.
Barbeque or Lemon Chicken Wings
Need some heat with that cheese? Our spicy Barbeque or lemon Chicken Wings add the perfect zing. It’s juicy, savory, and deliciously pizza-compatible.
Pizza + Side Combos That Just Make Sense
You know the rule: balance is everything. If you’re going heavy on the cheese, go light on the side. If your pizza’s veggie-packed, throw in something rich and indulgent to round things out. Here are a few must-try pizza and salad pairings at Amici’s.
For the Meat Lover’s Pizza Fans
Pair with: Crispy Caesar Salad + Garlic Breadsticks
The savory richness of meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon pairs beautifully with the crunch of romaine and the clean taste of parmesan. A side of garlic bread helps mop up all that saucy goodness.
For Margherita or Veggie Pizza Lovers
Pair with: Chicken Wings + Garden Salad
Let the pizza be fresh and herby while your sides bring the boldness. The wings add a punch, and the garden salad keeps things crisp and refreshing.
For BBQ Chicken Pizza Cravers
Pair with: Roasted Potatoes + Caesar Salad
That sweet and smoky combo on your pizza gets even better with something hearty and satisfying like roasted potatoes. Caesar brings back the sharp, tangy notes.
Don’t Skip Dessert, You Deserve It
You’ve had the savory moment. Now, enter the sweet ending.
New York Cheesecake
Because nothing says “I’m treating myself” like a smooth, velvety slice of cheesecake. Perfect with fruit-topped pizzas or even a spicy sausage pie—trust us on this one.
Chocolate Tuxedo Cake
Rich, layered, and dressed to impress, this decadent dessert is the ultimate indulgence. Our chocolate tuxedo cake pairs beautifully with a bold pepperoni pizza or a creamy white pie for a sweet-and-savory finish.
Pro Tips for Hosting a Next-Level Pizza Night
Want to take your pizza night from casual to completely unforgettable? Whether you're planning a cozy dinner with family, a casual get-together with friends, or just treating yourself like the pizza-loving legend you are, here are some tips to elevate the experience:
Go Half-and-Half: Why choose just one flavor when you can have two? At Amici’s, many of our pizzas are customizable with half-and-half options, so you can explore two unique flavor combos on a single crust. Think BBQ Chicken meets Margherita or Pesto crossed with New Haven White Clam. It’s a great way to keep things interesting and cater to different taste preferences without ordering extra pies.
Create a Dipping Bar: This one’s a crowd-pleaser: set up a fun, self-serve dipping station featuring ranch, garlic butter, marinara, hot sauce, or even pesto. Dips turn crusts into a mini snack course of their own and make each bite customizable. Bonus: it feels indulgent without needing a ton of prep.
Serve It Up Family Style: Forget individual plates and let everyone dig in! Lay out pizza slices, sides, and salads buffet-style on a big table or kitchen island. Family-style dining brings a relaxed, communal feel to your night and makes mixing and matching flavors way more fun. It also keeps the conversation flowing as everyone passes around their favorite picks.
Want to go all out? Give your pizza night a theme!
Movie Night: Think popcorn, cozy blankets, and maybe our BBQ Wings for that “blockbuster” flavor.
Italian Bistro Vibes: Light some candles, pour a little wine, add an Artichoke Panzanella Salad and some Ravioli, and let the good vibes roll.
Game Day Spread: Go bold with spicy sausage, meatballs, wings, and a Caesar Salad with crunch. Perfect for cheering on your team with a full belly.
A little effort in the theme department makes your pizza party feel extra special—and way more Instagram-worthy.
Can We Talk About Drinks for a Second?
Okay, technically not a side or dessert—but let’s be real, a great drink totally completes the pizza experience. Whether you’re keeping it chill or feeling a little fancy, here are some perfect pairings:
Sparkling Water
Clean, crisp, and a great palate cleanser between cheesy, savory bites. Add a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshingly sophisticated touch.
Craft Beer
Pizza and beer—name a more iconic duo. A hoppy IPA complements bold flavors like sausage or spicy chicken, while a smooth lager goes great with cheesy classics and veggie pies.
Crisp White Wine or Chilled Rosé
For those lighter pizzas—think Margherita, Veggie, or anything with pesto—pair with a bright, chilled white or rosé. It keeps things elegant and easy-drinking without overpowering the food.
Soda or Iced Tea
Sometimes you just want that classic combo. A fizzy cola or a tall glass of sweetened tea brings all the nostalgic vibes of old-school pizza nights—but better.
Hot Espresso or Amaretto (for Dessert Time)
After the last slice disappears, don’t forget dessert’s best friend. A small espresso shot is the perfect way to close out the meal with a little caffeine kick. Or, for something smoother, a splash of amaretto brings out the rich flavors in any sweet finish, especially if you’re serving chocolate, biscotti, or even tiramisu.
Final Slice: Build Your Perfect Bite
At the end of the day, pizza night is about enjoying the moment, and great food only makes it better. Whether you're loading up on sides, saving room for dessert, or curating the ultimate pizza pairings, Amici’s has everything you need to make it memorable.
So next time you're planning your order, don’t stop at the pizza. Think bigger. Think garlic bread, fresh salads, indulgent desserts, and all the delicious details in between. Think Amici’s.