These Perfect Beer-Pizza Pairings Will Elevate Your Pizza Night To A Whole New Level!
I am sure I don’t have to tell you that drinking beer with pizza is pretty awesome! But what if I told you that certain beers pair better with certain pizzas? And what if I told you that if you get this combination right, you’ll elevate your pizza night from just ‘great’ to absolutely unforgettable? Well, with this quick and easy guide to pairing pizza and beer, this invaluable information is ready to be gobbled up like a slice of pepperoni pizza! And speaking of pepperoni pizza, let’s first look at the beer that pairs best with this classic pizza dish.
Best Beers With Pizza
Pepperoni Pizza
The best beer to pair with a pepperoni pizza? An IPA! I first discovered this fantastic combination after trying a wood-fired pepperoni pizza with a Session IPA at a local tap room. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the richness of the pepperoni and cheese, and the citrusy notes found in many IPAs perfectly complement the spicy, savory flavors of the pepperoni. So, next time you’re having a pizza night, if you opt for a pepperoni pizza, make sure you’ve some IPAs in the fridge.
Margherita Pizza
The best beer to pair with a Margherita pizza? A Pilsner! Pilsners are light, crisp, and have a distinct hop bitterness. Pilsners’ light, crisp nature complements the fresh flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella without overpowering them. The beer’s subtle maltiness and clean finish can enhance the simplicity of a Margherita pizza. You can try Czech Pilsner Or German Pilsner, but personally, I prefer Czech Pilsner with Margherita pizza.
Meat Feast Pizza
The best beer to pair with a meaty pizza? Stout! Stouts are dark, full-bodied beers with a strong flavor profile. The dark, rich flavors of these beers can stand up to the intense, meaty, umami flavors of the pizza. The roasted malt character in the beer complements the smoky, savory taste of the meats.
Vegetable Pizza
The best beer to pair with a vegetable pizza? A Saison. The light, earthy, and sometimes slightly fruity or spicy character of a Saison pairs well with the variety of vegetables on the pizza. It’s refreshing and helps to enhance the natural flavors of the veggies.
If, however, you are opting for a spicy vegetable pizza, then Session IPA would be a good choice because the hoppy character of IPAs can stand up to the spice, while the lower alcohol content of Session IPAs ensures the heat doesn’t get too intense.
Hawaiian Pizza
The best beer to pair with a Hawaiian Pizza? Belgian Witbier! Beers like Hoegaarden pair incredibly well with Hawaiian pizzas as the light, fruity, and citrusy nature of these beers harmonize with the sweetness of the pizza. Also, the subtle spices in Hoegaarden, like coriander and orange peel, can add an interesting dimension to the taste of the pizza, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
The best beer to pair with BBQ chicken pizza? An Amber Ale. The caramel malt profile of an Amber Ale complements the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, while its balanced hop bitterness can cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese. There are many amber ales out there, but my personal favorite to pair with BBQ chicken pizza is Fat Tire Amber Ale.
Learn More About Beer-Food Pairing
Thanks for reading! I hope you have as much fun trying out these beer-pizza pairings as I did! If you would like to learn more about what beers pair with what foods, and key concepts like complementary and contrasting flavors, then check out our free and easy Guide To Beer Food Pairing.
