What Goes with French Bread Pizza? 10 Surprising Pairings You Must Try!

French bread pizza is a beloved comfort food for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly customizable. But what goes with French bread pizza? This question is one that plagues many a pizza lover. The answer, thankfully, is quite varied and can be tailored to your specific taste preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a world of delicious sides, salads, and other pairings that will elevate your French bread pizza experience to new heights.

The Classic Pairing: Salads

No French bread pizza feast is complete without a refreshing salad. Salads provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the pizza with crisp, fresh ingredients. Here are some salad ideas that perfectly complement French bread pizza:

• Caprese Salad: The simplicity of this salad, with its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is a perfect foil for the savory flavors of the pizza.
• Greek Salad: The tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and crisp cucumbers in a Greek salad offer a vibrant counterpoint to the pizza’s cheesy goodness.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad create a satisfying combination with the pizza’s warm, cheesy crust.
• Mixed Greens Salad: For a lighter option, a simple mixed greens salad with your favorite dressing can be a refreshing accompaniment.

Beyond the Salad: Soup and Sides

While salads are a classic choice, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Soups and other sides can also make delicious additions to your French bread pizza meal.

Hearty Soups

• Tomato Soup: The acidity of tomato soup cuts through the richness of the pizza, creating a satisfying and comforting pairing.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food, chicken noodle soup is a perfect choice for a cold day, especially when paired with a warm and cheesy French bread pizza.
• French Onion Soup: The rich and savory flavors of French onion soup complement the cheesy crust of the pizza, making for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Other Sides

• Garlic Knots: These cheesy, garlicky bites are a perfect match for any pizza, and French bread pizza is no exception.
• Breadsticks: A classic side for any Italian meal, breadsticks provide a simple yet satisfying accompaniment to your French bread pizza.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy and flavorful, potato wedges add a satisfying crunch and a touch of potato goodness to your meal.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, bruschetta offers a light and refreshing contrast to the pizza.

Sweet and Savory: Dessert Pairings

While French bread pizza is often thought of as a savory dish, there are actually some delicious dessert pairings that complement its cheesy goodness.

• Fruit Salad: The sweetness of fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the pizza.
• Ice Cream: A classic pairing for any pizza, ice cream offers a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and cheesy pizza.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: The warm, chewy texture of chocolate chip cookies pairs well with the warm, cheesy crust of the pizza.

Drinks to Complement Your French Bread Pizza Feast

No meal is complete without a delicious beverage, and French bread pizza is no exception. Here are some drink ideas to complement your pizza feast:

• Soda: A classic pairing for pizza, soda offers a refreshing and bubbly counterpoint to the rich flavors of the pizza.
• Beer: A light lager or a pale ale can pair well with the cheesy and savory flavors of the pizza.
• Wine: A crisp white wine or a light red wine can also complement the pizza’s flavors.
• Juice: A refreshing glass of juice can help to cut through the richness of the pizza.

Tips for Creating the Perfect French Bread Pizza Pairing

• Consider the Pizza Toppings: When choosing a side, think about the toppings on your French bread pizza. For example, if you have a pizza with a lot of meat, a lighter salad would be a good choice.
• Balance the Flavors: Aim for a balance of flavors in your meal. If your pizza is heavy on cheese, a lighter salad or side would be a good choice.
• Think about the Season: In the summer, a light salad or fruit salad would be a good choice. In the winter, a heartier soup or side would be more appropriate.
• Don’t be Afraid to Experiment: The best way to find the perfect pairing for your French bread pizza is to experiment! Try different combinations until you find what you like best.

French Bread Pizza Pairings: A Culinary Adventure

As you can see, there are countless options when it comes to what goes with French bread pizza. From classic salads to hearty soups and even sweet dessert pairings, the possibilities are endless! Embrace the flexibility of this versatile dish and explore the exciting world of French bread pizza pairings. Get creative, experiment, and discover your perfect combination!

Information You Need to Know

Q: What is the best side to serve with a French bread pizza with pepperoni and sausage?

A: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a perfect match for a pepperoni and sausage French bread pizza. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, while the crisp vegetables will provide a nice contrast in texture.

Q: What kind of wine pairs well with a French bread pizza?

A: A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, would be a good choice. These wines have enough fruit and acidity to stand up to the richness of the pizza without overpowering it. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also be a good option.

Q: What is a good side to serve with a vegetarian French bread pizza?

A: A side salad with a light vinaigrette or a simple side of roasted vegetables would be a good choice for a vegetarian French bread pizza. These sides will provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor without overwhelming the pizza.

Q: What is the best way to make a French bread pizza?

A: There are many ways to make a French bread pizza, but a simple and delicious method involves spreading a layer of pizza sauce on a loaf of French bread, topping it with your favorite cheeses and vegetables, and then baking it in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add meat toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham.

Q: What are some creative topping ideas for French bread pizza?

A: The beauty of French bread pizza is its versatility. You can get creative with your toppings and experiment with different flavors. Some creative ideas include:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread BBQ sauce on the French bread, top with cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Spread buffalo wing sauce on the French bread, top with cooked chicken, crumbled bleu cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
• Mediterranean Pizza: Spread pesto sauce on the French bread, top with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes.