Pizza night is better with the right sides. Here are 15 easy ideas, from garlic bread, breadsticks and cheese curds to fresh salads and beer and wine pairings. Each one goes well with a take and bake pizza from Eaton’s Fresh Pizza, and several can be added to your pizza order as grab-and-go items. Pick up your pizza, add a side, and dinner is done.
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A weekly pizza night is one of the easiest family traditions to keep. Some weeks it is homemade, some weeks it is delivery, and some weeks it is a take and bake pizza straight from the oven at home. That last option is our favorite, and it is exactly what we make at Eaton’s Fresh Pizza.
You already know that making pizza from scratch takes real time, and that a fresh pizza baked in your own oven tastes better than one that has been riding in a delivery bag. (We broke down the details in our post on Take-and-Bake Pizza vs. Delivery Pizza: Which Is Better?) With the pizza handled, the next question is what goes alongside it.
A good side dish, a fresh salad, and maybe a nice glass of wine can turn “we just needed dinner” into a meal that feels planned. Here are 15 easy ideas, from fast-food style favorites to light salads and drinks.
Pro tip: Add it to your pizza order so dinner comes together in one stop.
Grab at Eaton’s
Pro tip: Serve with warm marinara, pizza sauce, or ranch on the side.
Grab at Eaton’s
Pro tip: Set a bowl on the table while the pizza bakes. Ask your location which flavors are in stock.
⏱ No prep
Pro tip: Bake or air fry on a sheet pan and serve straight away with marinara for dipping.
⏱ 10–15 min
Pro tip: Start these first. Wings need about 40 to 45 minutes in a hot oven, so get them going before the pizza.
⏱ 40–45 min
Pro tip: Cut them thick so they stay fluffy inside. Ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce all work.
⏱ 20–25 min
Pro tip: Serve hot with BBQ sauce or a creamy dip.
⏱ 10–15 min
Pro tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon makes even bottled dressing taste brighter.
⏱ 5 min
Pro tip: Chop everything small so you get every ingredient in each bite.
⏱ 10 min
Pro tip: Dress it right before serving so the leaves stay crisp.
⏱ 3 min
Pro tip: Best in tomato season. Let the tomatoes sit out for a bit so they taste their best.
⏱ 5 min
Pro tip: Reach for a light lager with pepperoni or sausage, and a hoppier pale ale with spicy toppings.
⏱ Chill 30 min
Pro tip: Serve reds slightly cool and whites well chilled.
⏱ Open & pour
Pro tip: Cut pieces the same size so they roast evenly.
⏱ 20 min
Pro tip: Set out sprinkles and sauces and let everyone build their own sundae.
⏱ 5 min
Pizza and Side Pairing Guide
Not sure which side goes with your pizza? Use these pairings for four Eaton’s favorites. Rich, meaty pizzas like something sharp and fresh, while lighter pizzas pair well with creamy or tangy sides.
Meat Lover
Side: Arugula with Parmesan Sip: A crisp lager
Italian Sausage Grill
Side: Italian chopped salad Sip: Chianti
Fresh Italian
Side: Caprese salad Sip: Sparkling wine
Pizza Night Side Dish FAQs
What goes best with pizza for dinner?
Pair pizza with something crisp and something fresh. A bread side like garlic bread or breadsticks adds comfort, and a simple salad such as Caesar or arugula balances the richness of the cheese.
How many sides should I serve with pizza?
Two or three is plenty for a family night. Choose one bread or fried side, one salad or vegetable, and a drink. For a party, add a second salad and one more dippable side.
What vegetable goes well with pizza?
Fresh, crunchy vegetables work best. Think romaine, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, or roasted broccoli. Their brightness and texture contrast with melted cheese and savory toppings.
What side dishes are easy to make while pizza bakes?
Salads need no cooking at all. Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and cheese curds cook in about 10 to 15 minutes in an air fryer or oven, so they fit easily into pizza time.
What drinks pair well with pizza?
A crisp lager or pilsner is a classic match for most pizzas. For wine, try Chianti with tomato-sauce pizzas, or a Pinot Grigio or sparkling wine with chicken and veggie pizzas. Must be 21 or older.
Can I buy garlic bread and breadsticks with my take and bake pizza?
Yes. Garlic bread and breadsticks are available at Eaton’s Fresh Pizza, so you can pick them up with your pizza. Check the menu or ask your location for what is available that day.
Ready for Pizza Night?
Order a fresh take and bake pizza from Eaton’s Fresh Pizza, add garlic bread or breadsticks, and bake it at home when you are ready to eat.
