The Perfect Beer Pairing for Pizza: The Ultimate Guide

What goes better with pizza than beer? With so many beer and pizza styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to figure out what will make the perfect pairing. As the ultimate guide to beer and pizza pairings, this post will take you through a delicious journey of flavor combinations to make your next pizza night the most delicious ever. From the classic lager and pepperoni pizza to a more adventurous wild ale and caramelized onion pizza, next time you order pizza, you’ll find the perfect beer to go with it. So, pour yourself a pint, grab a slice and get ready to discover an epic pizza and beer pairing experience. What beer goes good with pizza? Cheers!

Types of Beer That Go Well with Pizza

When it comes to pairing beer with pizza, there are a variety of choices available. Different types of beers have different flavor profiles that can work in tandem with the ingredients on the pizza to create a delicious combination. Some might argue that pale ales and IPAs are the best choice for pizza, while others might say that lagers are the ideal option.

Those who prefer darker beers may suggest malty brown ales or porters as an ideal pairing for pizza because their robust and often sweet flavors can stand up to the richness of ingredients like bacon and cheese. There’s also a chance the bitterness from hops can be toned down when mixed with salty or savory toppings.

On the other hand, some enthusiasts advocate lighter beers like lager or wheat ales. These beers typically have a crispness that won’t overpower the rest of your pizza ingredients, leaving room for more complementary flavors such as herbs and vegetables. A light beer will even refresh your palate in between bites if you decide to pig out on a heavy dish.

Ultimately, the perfect beer to pair with pizza is going to depend on personal preference, but it’s worth experimenting with different types of beers before settling on one type or another. Each beer type has something unique to offer when paired with pizza; whether it be maltiness, hoppy notes, bright acidity or sweetness, all types can bring something special to your next slice of pie.

Moving forward into this guide let’s look specifically at how two common beer styles – pale ales and IPAs – can enhance your pizza experience.

• According to a 2020 survey by the Papa John’s Pizza chain, 46% of respondents claimed that IPAs pair best with pizza.
• A 2017 study found that more complex flavors in pizza pair better with more bitter beers like IPAs, while simpler pizzas and topping combinations worked better with malty lagers.
• Research conducted in 2021 showed that 25% of 18 to 35 year olds generally prefer craft beers or lagers when pairing with pizza, while 33% chose pilsner and 28% IPA.

Pale Ales and IPAs

Pale Ales and IPAs are very popular choices for beer pairings for pizza. When looking for a pairing with the acidity present in pizzas, there are several good choices amongst these two styles of beer.

IPAs tend to have higher hoppy bitterness and bolder flavors that can help cut through the acidity and richness of the cheese on many pizzas. Since they also have some sweetness, they can work well to provide balance when paired with cheeses that have been baked with stronger flavors such as pepperoni or sausage.

Pale ales, on the other hand, have a lighter and more subtle hop aroma and flavor profile than IPAs. This style can be a great complementary choice when paired with milder-flavored pizzas such as plain cheese or Margherita as it does not overpower their delicate flavors. The malt character of pale ales provides an added layer of complexity to these more understated pizzas.

Ultimately, when selecting a beer to pair with a pizza, it is important to consider the flavor profile of both the food and beverage in order to choose something that will enhance rather than overpower each component. Pale ales and IPAs offer something for nearly every palate, so any selection from this style of beer should be palatable regardless of what type of pizza is being served.

Moving on from pale ales and IPAs, we will now explore the potential benefits of pairing lagers and wheat beers with pizza.

Lagers and Wheat Beer

Lagers and wheat beers are great options to pair with pizza, as they offer a crisp, light flavor profile that won’t overpower the pizza toppings. Pilsner, lager, and cream ales have moderate bitterness and some malt flavors that balance out the salty flavors of the pizza. Hefeweizens and other wheat beer styles tend to have banana, clove, and subtle smoke notes that work well with the melted cheese on top.

Both lagers and wheat beers provide great refreshment for eating a hot slice of pizza, as both are usually served cold. Additionally, their effervescence acts to cleanse the palate between bites and really brings out the flavor of the cheese, sauce and toppings. However, these beers tend to lack intense or bold flavors that might be needed when pairing with more exotic pizzas like Hawaiian or Mexican-style pies. While they are certainly capable of providing a solid match with any type of pizza, lagers and wheat beers may require additional distinctive ingredients or spices to make it a truly interesting pairing.

Leading into the next section about fruit beer:

For a unique depth of flavor, due to their bright, fruity aromas and tartness try fruit beers paired with pizzas.

Fruit Beer

Fruit beer is a unique choice for pizza pairings, but don’t count it out! It can be a great contrast to the spice of a tomato-based sauce. Fruit beers are low in hop bitterness and have offers from refreshing to tart flavors. Depending on the beer, you may find notes of malt, sugar, or citrus which will enhance the sweetness of the tomato sauce. Fruit beers also tend to be quite effervescent so they offer a light carbonation and texture contrast to the greasy cheesiness.

On the other hand, some fruit beers can be too sweet and overpower the flavors of the pizza. If you’d prefer something less sweet than regular fruit beers, consider American Wild Ales instead, whose acidity level is perfect for brightening up the pepperoni or ham in your favorite pie. Additionally, do not feel limited to just selecting one fruit beer – several varieties may also work when paired with some pizzas.

No matter what kind of pizza you’re having, fruity beers that are light-bodied and full of flavor will pair best with these cheesy delights. However, if you want an even bolder combination for an intense flavor experience, try pairing your pizza with a Stout next.

Stouts

Stouts are a deep, dark style of beer that have an intense roasted and sweet malt flavor, often combined with chocolate and coffee undertones. This type of beer is usually lower in alcohol but surprisingly packed with flavor. For pizza pairings, stouts are especially good with pizzas that are topped with sweeter ingredients like honey, caramelized onions and figs.

When matching a stout with a pizza you want to think about the flavors that will be brought out when pairing them together. Generally speaking, stouts have a strong malty character which pairs well with the sweetness of pizzas like those covered in caramelized onions and figs. Additionally, they can work well with pizzas topped with creamier cheeses and sauces. The beer’s roasted flavors will bring out the sweetness in the cheese and sauce while cutting through any fattiness from the cheese or other toppings.

On the other hand, stouts might not be suited for all pizzas. Chef Nooch suggests avoiding pale ales or IPAs if you’re after a balance between sweetness and bitterness on your pizza because their hoppy flavor can overwhelm it. Additionally, if you’re looking for something light for your pizza night try a wheat beer instead to reduce the intensity of the stout but still get some nice carbonation and refreshing malty notes.

In conclusion, stouts work great as a pairing for pizzas covered in sweeter toppings like caramelized onions or figs. The intense roasted and sweet malt flavor plays off nicely against these types of ingredients while still providing enough bitterness to cut through any creaminess from cheese or sauce. With that said, it is important to consider whether your topping selection will work best with either an IPA or wheat beer instead so that the flavors don’t become too overwhelming. Now let’s explore how to match flavorful toppings like spicy sausage and green peppers to achieve the perfect beer-pizza pairing.

Flavorful Toppings

When deciding on the perfect beer pairing for pizza, it is important to consider the different toppings that can influence a flavor profile. Flavorful and bold toppings such as pepperoni, onions, red peppers, spinach, and olives can make all the difference in finding the optimal beer choice.

Using pepperoni or meat for example, these items contribute elements of saltiness and spiciness to a pizza. With this in mind, many find that hoppy India Pale Ales (IPAs) tend to pair exceptionally well. Suggested treats include Bell’s Two Hearted Ale or Russian River’s Pliny The Elder for maximum enjoyment.

Onions alone offer a wide variety of flavors ranging from sweet to savory depending on how they are cooked. Generally speaking, this topping pairs best with lighter styles such as light-bodied lagers or pale ales. This gives drinkers room to experience the full complexity of the onions while still allowing them to enjoy the flavor of their pizza.

Red peppers may be one of the most unique toppings when it comes to pairing beers with pizza because they can add both sweetness and spiciness depending on how they are prepared. A good compromise might be a Belgian Style Witbier which highlights these same qualities while having a light body compared to an IPA. For something truly special try Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Mind Haze IPA which nicely compliments this topping’s spicy character and sets off its sweetness too.

Veggie pizzas with spinach will likely be best paired with wheat beers due to its full-bodied mouthfeel and refreshing qualities such as banana and clove that enhances the herbaceous nature provided by the spinach. When trying out this pairing look no further than Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier original from Bavaria. Lastly, olives can add an umami note that calls for another one of Belgium’s offerings – Flanders Red Ale which expands upon the savory component for an exemplary experience.

Flavorful toppings like these can help guide you towards an ideal beer pairing when enjoying your favorite pizza. Now we will explore how these ingredients will further define our approach in determining acceptable pairings. In our next section we will discuss: “How Toppings Influence Pairings”.

How Toppings Influence Pairings

When it comes to pizza, toppings are key. Different topping combinations can have a big impact on which beer pairs best with them. For example, a basic Margherita pizza featuring tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese is an extremely simple pizza but can be perfectly matched with a light lager or blonde ale. On the other hand, heavier topping combinations such as sausage and jalapeno peppers may require a heartier brew to cut through their strong flavors and mellow them out.

When considering what type of beers go well with different toppings, it’s important to take into account factors such as spiciness, fat content and sweetness from ingredients like onions or bell peppers. Some cheeses – such as blue cheese – can also make for delicious pizza toppings, but do not always work well with all types of beer due to their intense flavor profile.

A good general rule to follow is that if the toppings of a pizza lean towards the sweeter side then you should look for a fruity or sour beer which will act as a nice contrast to the natural sweetness present in those types of toppings. On the other hand, if the toppings are more rich in flavor or contain some heat then opt for a darker beer that has enough body to handle the intensity of those ingredients.

Toppings range from traditional favorites like pepperoni and mushrooms, to more adventurous creations using alternative meats like beef brisket and poultry. With creative ingredient pairing comes greater opportunity when matching drinks. When deliberating how which beer to pair your particular topping combination, don’t be afraid to get outside traditional choices and branch out with an unfamiliar craft beer that catches your eye!

When it comes down to it, experimenting with different toppings and combining them with various beers is one of the most enjoyable parts about creating pizza-beer pairings. Next up in our guide we discuss unique pizza and beer combinations – so grab your favorite slice and start sipping!

Unique Pizza and Beer Combinations

When it comes to pairing beer with pizza, there is no right or wrong answer. In fact, some of the most exciting combinations are those that defy expectations and combine flavors in unexpected ways. When it comes to unique beer and pizza combos, the possibilities are almost endless.

To get started on your own exploration of new flavor pairings, here are a few ideas to consider. If you like classic Italian flavors, try pairing an earthy and rusty Sicilian-style pizza with a light but malty lager such as an Oktoberfest beer. Fresh pesto sauce gives new life to a grassy pilsner, and even more robust styles such as IPAs and Belgian ales pair well with barbecued pineapple or roasted garlic. For the daring culinary explorer, complex sour beers can provide an interesting counterpoint to unusual toppings such as smoked tuna or mackerel.

No matter what pizza-and-beer combination you decide to explore, keep in mind that experimentation is key. While some of these selections may add subtle complexity to the dish, others could clash badly. Ultimately, part of the fun is finding your favorite combinations through trial and error.

The next section will explore which types of beers work best with different styles of pizza—from classic Margherita pies to experimental Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Tips for Picking Beer and Pizza Combinations

When it comes to combining beer and pizza, there are so many options that it can seem overwhelming.

1. Consider flavor profiles: While the type of cheese, toppings, crust, and even the type of pizza will affect your pairing choices, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the beer as well. A light, refreshing lager or pilsner can pair well with a classic margarita or pepperoni pizza, while something hoppy like a pale ale may pair better with a thicker crust and more flavorful toppings. It’s all about finding balance—the profile of the beer should complement but not overpower the flavors of the pizza.

2. Contrast instead of matching: When it comes to beer and pizza pairings, contrasting styles can often be more interesting than matching them. For example, an India Pale Ale (IPA) can balance out creamy cheeses or make a spicy pizza pop even more. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something richer and malty, try a stout or porter to enrich your favorite deep dish.

3. Think locally: If you’re aiming for an authentic experience, don’t forget to check out beers from local breweries in the area. Whether they specialize in a particular style of beer that pairs well with pizza or use regional ingredients in their recipes, these brews are sure to enhance your pairing.

4. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try something new – you never know when you might find your new favorite combo! To prevent disappointment or waste money on expensive beers only to find out they don’t pair well together, start with a few smaller bottles of different styles first before investing in full-sized brews.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person’s taste preferences when it comes to incorporating beer into their pizza experience; there is no “right” answer when it comes to the perfect beer and pizza pairing. So go ahead – try something new and explore different combinations until you find what works best for you!