43 Best Appetizers That Go With Pizza
Pizza alone is already good, and I don’t mind eating it as it is but add a few appetizers to go with the pizza, and now you have a foodgasm.
Depending on how hungry my family is, there are different appetizers that I love to make on a pizza night.
Just like you have endless pizza topping combinations, it is only fitting to have a list of different appetizers that go amazingly well with pizza.
From chicken wings, fries, and salads, to pasta, soups, and fruits, I cover it all in this list. This list takes care of everyone’s choices, so bookmark it for the future or pin it on Pinterest.
What I like about most pizza places is that they have side dishes and appetizers that I can choose from, which I try to recreate on my pizza nights.
So, here is the list of all the different appetizers that I think go exceptionally well with pizzas, and I even specify which appetizer would go well with what type of pizza.
Make sure to read till the end and drop your favorite appetizer in the comments below.
Best Appetizers That Go With Pizza
1. Keto Antipasto Salad
You do not have to stick to the recipe with this appetizer. This veggie-centric appetizer is a great side for your pizza.
This Italian appetizer is keto-friendly and is full of flavors, even for a veggie-based appetizer.
2. Crispy Boneless Chicken Wings
The recipe uses hot pepper sauce to flavor the chicken wings, which is my favorite. The hot pepper sauce is great with the juicy boneless chicken wings.
You can make your favorite sauce from this ‘wings sauce recipe’ list and add it to the chicken wings as a substitute for the hot pepper sauce used in the recipe.
Since I am a big fan of hot and spicy food, this boneless chicken wing recipe is always a go-to if I want to start my meal with something with a kick.
3. Meatball Soup
Whatever your main dish is, soup always makes for a great appetizer. It prepares your palate, and this meatball soup pairs well with pizza or any Italian classic.
Add some vegetables and herbs to get the right flavors that you want, and you have yourself a delicious appetizer for your pizza.
4. Old-fashioned Onion Rings
I love onion rings with cold beverages like beer or soda. However, they are also great as a pizza appetizer with a sweet and savory flavor and crispy texture.
There are also different dipping sauces like ranch, cheese, sweet and spicy, and more that go well with onion rings.
5. Summer Fruit Salad
I usually like something light for appetizers, so a mix of fruits does the job perfectly. It also makes for a great side to balance the saltiness and spice on the pizza.
You can also make a fruit salad at home as a snack or even as dessert after eating your pizza.
6. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is probably the most popular type of salad, and it goes with everything. The crispiness and freshness it brings make it a perfect palate cleanser and appetizer.
Add some croutons, and you have yourself the best appetizer for homemade pizza.
7. Italian Bruschetta Bar
With different types of food in one tray, you can take your time to snack on different flavors as you wait for your pizza.
An Italian Bruschetta bar already gives you familiar flavors before digging into your more fulfilling pizza. It also gives you more time to cook your pizzas as everyone gets quite busy with this.
8. Charcuterie Board
With a mixture of cheese, meat, and crackers, a charcuterie board can awaken your taste buds and warm up your appetite for a good homemade pizza. Taste different fresh flavors before digging into the pizza.
From buttery flavors on the cheese to more savory flavors from the meat, your charcuterie board will blend with almost any pizza you have.
9. Potato Skin Bites
Savory, soft, and light. This potato skin bites recipe is perfect for a healthy appetizer if you want something savory.
This appetizer also has bacon, so it is perfect to start your meal as if you were having a light snack before your dinner.
10. Mozzarella Sticks
Keeping the flavors in line is essential when I am having an appetizer. Mozzarella sticks are easy to make and are also full of flavors.
Mozzarella sticks are one of the best appetizers that go with pizza because of the similar ingredients used. I do not have to shop for anything extra to make these.
You can make mozzarella sticks with essential ingredients, and yet they taste bomb.
11. Bacon Crackers
Light, sweet, savory, and with a little bit of spice. Bacon crackers also have all the texture you need, from the crispy bacon strips to the chewiness the melted sugar brings.
Bacon crackers hit all the spots on your palate to prepare you for your delicious pizzas.
12. Southwestern Sauteed Corn
Corn is one of the easiest ingredients to find. This sauteed appetizer can get you a nice combination of sweetness, savory flavors, and herb taste.
In less than 10 minutes, you will have a delicious appetizer with this recipe.
13. Ham And Pickle Roll-ups
A healthy mix of protein from the ham and crunchy texture from the pickles make for a great appetizer that both kids and adults love.
The cream cheese that goes into the mix also binds all the flavors. Eating this along with pizza will certainly make you want more pizza slices. The combo tastes great together.
14. Creamy Potato Salad
This one might not be the most common. I love having potato salad during barbecues but trying it out with pizzas totally changed the game.
Potato salad is light with mayonnaise and fresh herbs so it goes great with the heavier ingredients on the pizza.
15. Air Fryer Taco Stuffed Shells
This taco stuffed shells recipe has a great mixture of savory flavors from cooked beef and a buttery texture from the melted cheese inside. This is also a favorite for my kids.
The soft shells are slightly crisp outside and make perfect snacks or appetizers before you dig into a delicious slice of pizza.
16. Hand-cut French Fries
One of the most simple yet popular side dishes is french fries. I love them because they are light on the stomach, and it just goes universally well as an appetizer.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. French fries are great, and there are so many seasonings you can choose from, so it combines well with any pizza.
17. Garlic Cheese Log
I usually go with this recipe when I am hosting a pizza party with my friends. Within 10-15 minutes, this large cheese log is ready.
I just prepare some crackers on the side and the garlic cheese log disappears in just minutes because of the infused garlic and herb flavors in the cheese.
18. Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Cheese and meat always go well together. This bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers recipe is one of my favorite appetizers to go with pizza because of the savory flavors.
With simple ingredients and quick and easy preparation, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are the perfect food to start your meal.
19. Buffalo Chicken Celery Sticks
I love a little spice on my food and yes, even on appetizers. This mix of mild chicken topped with ranch dressing is perfect for getting me started for the pizzas.
The celery adds some crunch and light flavor to the appetizer.
20. Garlic Bread
Within 8 minutes, you can make the perfect appetizer. You can even have this garlic bread recipe as a side for your pizza.
Full of savory flavors and crispy texture, it would be as if you are starting to dig into pre-pizza slices.
21. Caprese Salad Skewers
If you want a truly light appetizer that you want to munch on as you wait for your pizzas, this Caprese salad skewer with mozzarella cheese and basil is the one for you.
I usually make these salad skewers in the summer as they bring fresh flavors before eating a pizza slice.
22. Garlic Knots
The best thing about leftover pizza dough is that I always use them to make garlic knots. Garlic-themed appetizers go magically well with pizza, and the same goes for garlic knots.
This garlic knot has some saltiness from the parmesan cheese, and it tastes so great that you have to make these right now!
23. Taco Salad Cups
I know tacos can be a whole different flavor, but this appetizer is bite-sized with all the fresh ingredients in one bite.
The flavors are light and fresh, so you will not get full before getting to the pizza.
24. Coleslaw
If you are not a fan of heavy appetizers before eating pizza, then this coleslaw recipe is perfect. It is light, full of texture, and flavors that balance the flavors and textures of the pizza.
I often leave some of the coleslaw while eating the pizza as I noticed it pairs well with meat toppings.
25. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes are great as either appetizers or desserts. I usually have them with yogurt and other fillings that pair well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
Butter also brings out more flavors from the potatoes, so make sure to try that combo as well.
26. Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Ring
This appetizer is easy to make, and it only takes five simple ingredients. Cheesy chicken and broccoli rings have all the ingredients except the pizza dough.
It is very similar to pizza bites or pizza pockets, and it tastes so good that you will fall in love with these bite-sized appetizers.
27. Baked Zucchini Fries
Believe it or not, zucchini fries taste like french fries if cooked properly. This recipe only has 135 calories, so they are a healthy appetizer before you eat your pizza.
The crunchy exterior sits right with the slightly softer interior; you can eat a lot of these without losing your appetite for pizza.
28. Air Fryer Vegetables
This is my go-to appetizer if I want something healthy and easy to make. Just mix bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and lemon juice and throw them in the air fryer.
What I like most about this is you can either use or skip using oil. Without the oil, roasted vegetables are not just healthier, but they also taste so good.
29. Bruschetta And Mozzarella Chips
Bruschetta and mozzarella chips are a crowd favorite at home when I make them before dinner. The delicious mix of crispy chips and Italian-inspired salsa is just perfect.
A light and refreshing appetizer, just what I need before a heavy pizza meal.
30. Easy Kale Salad
I have to admit; Kale is not my favorite vegetable for an appetizer. However, just a little dash of lemon and garlic changes my perception, so this recipe is my go-to.
This healthy salad can be made at home within a few minutes while you cook your pizza.
31. Homemade Tater Tots
Tater tots are easy to make. They are delicious appetizers for adults and kids alike.
Garnished with parsley and served with a dipping sauce, these homemade tater tots are perfect as appetizers.
32. Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
This updated appetizer that brings the classic flavors of buffalo chicken is another favorite of mine.
This combination of flour tortillas and buffalo chicken dip is like a spring roll with spice and savory flavors that everybody loves.
Spinach is one of the best veggies to make into a salad. It is full of fiber so with this recipe, you can make it delicious enough for the kids to try.
This is a unique salad where you put bacon and boiled eggs to make the flavors even more enjoyable.
34. Brown Sugar Glazed Kielbasa
With only 3 ingredients needed for this recipe, you can make it at home or anywhere you want. Kids also love them, so I recommend trying them out.
This bite-sized appetizer gets your palate going with some sweetness that balances the savory flavors on the pizza.
35. Grilled Chicken
You can make this grilled chicken recipe on your pan; you do not need to light up your grill if you do not have the time. This simple yet delicious appetizer also makes for a great pizza side dish.
I always prefer a light dressing like lemon juice on my grilled chicken, but your favorite dipping sauce will also go well with it.
36. Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls are a favorite in backyard parties and cookouts. They are a bit filling, so one or two of these rolls will be enough appetizers.
The savory flavor from the sausages is balanced by the spices that also bring out more flavors from the rolls.
37. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Instead of vegetables as a base, this salad uses pasta which is also a kid’s favourite. It might take a bit of time to prep it, but it is one of the healthiest and most flavorful appetizers.
This Mediterranean version is full of herbs and spices that are light and fresh.
38. Loaded Queso Dip
Mixing beans, cheese, beef, and red onions make for a delicious dip. You can then bring the nachos or chips to dip into this unique mixture.
For even more unique flavors, why not try it with your pizza slices? You might like it.
39.Nachos
The classic Tex-Mex nachos that everyone loves. With ground beef, cheese, and fresh tomatoes, nachos are the perfect appetizers for pizza.
The fresh flavors keep you coming back for more, so make sure you do not get too full before the pizza arrives.
40. Stuffed Peppers
I already like peppers, so adding some fillings elevates the flavors. These stuffed peppers recipe is savory, cheesy, and can be filling as well.
This recipe includes cooked rice, but you can put any filling of your choice inside the peppers or go with the rice. It would keep everyone busy until you get out of the pizzas.
41. Puff Pastry Bundles
These elegant appetizers are something that I would make during special occasions, but since they are easy to make, you can make them anytime you want.
Cheesy and crunchy, the pastry bundles are also savory, making them perfect just before having pizzas.
42. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
If you are looking for an appetizer that your kids will love, these homemade chicken nuggets are for you. Enjoy this savory and salty treat with your favorite dipping sauce.
It is easy to make, and you can freeze the nuggets later. I usually make mine in a large batch and cook some immediately and freeze the rest for later.
Chicken nuggets make the perfect appetizer for any meal.
43. Bone-in Chicken Wings
I saved the best for last as I love chicken as an appetizer or a whole meal. I also prefer bone-in chicken wings over boneless ones because they are more flavorful.
I always use spicier flavors like buffalo or a sweet and spicy combo like the honey BBQ sauce for my bone-in chicken wings.
But you can choose a different chicken wings sauce recipe depending on the flavor you like and coat that on your cooked chicken wings.
