The Ultimate Beer and Pizza Pairing Minute Guide

Pizza and beer are one of the most recognizable and adored pairings in the food industry. They are the mainstay of informal dining and go well with celebrations, game nights, and casual Friday evenings. However, going above and beyond simply taking any cold bottle out of the refrigerator can make your meal truly remarkable. With the help of this quick guide, you can perfect the art of pairing different beer styles and pizza to produce a harmony among the flavors that will leave every bite and drink unforgettable. 

Why Does Pairing Pizza and Beer Work?

Creating balance is the aim of a great food pairing. The correct beer can cut through rich oils and cheeses, clear your palate, and bring out the flavors of your pizza. According to one expert, it’s about ensuring that the pie and the pint complement each other rather than overpower one another and instead enhance your meal. Many beer styles have natural bitterness and carbonation, which work especially well to reset your taste buds so you can enjoy your next mouthwatering bite.

The Golden Rules of Pairing

Before we dive into specific matches, remember these two simple principles:

Match Intensity: A bold, loaded pizza requires a strong beer, while a delicate pizza requires a lighter one. 

Complement or Contrast: You can use contrasting flavors to balance them out (e.g., hoppy bitterness to cut through oily pepperoni) or pair similar flavors to increase them (e.g., malty beer with sweet tomato sauce).

Your Guide to the Perfect Pizza-Beer Match

Here are some ideas for pairing beer with some of the most well-liked pizza varieties. 

1. The Classic Cheese Pizza or Margherita Pizza

With its fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella, a cheese pizza or traditional Margherita pizza is simple enough to require a beer that is cleansing without being overpowering. The ideal beer is a crisp, light lager or pilsner. Sharp carbonation and a clean profile bring out the subtle, fresh flavors without overpowering them. There’s a reason why this combination is so classic.

2. Spicy & Meaty Pizzas (e.g., Diavola, Pepperoni)

You need beer that can handle the heat when your pizza has peppers or spicy salami. Your best ally is a strong, hoppy IPA. According to a brewer named Wahlquist, the hop’s bitterness serves as a wonderful counterpoint to the fat and spice, bringing the heat under control and clearing your palate. Many IPAs from leading breweries have a strong character that is intended to meet this exact challenge. 

3. Pizzas with Salty & Savory Toppings (e.g., Prosciutto, Anchovies)

The saltiness from meats like prosciutto and anchovies longs for a companion that provides a cool contrast. A hint of citrusy or banana-like sweetness from a German-style Hefeweizen or an aromatic Pale Ale perfectly balances the saltiness. After every salty, savory bite, the beer’s fizz and faint bitterness revitalize the palate. 

4. Rich, Umami-Driven Pizzas (e.g., Mushroom, Truffle)

A beer with depth is necessary for earthier pizzas topped with truffle oil or wild mushrooms. The nutty, caramel notes of a malty amber ale or a brown ale complement the savory, umami-rich flavors without overpowering them. The depth of the toppings is reflected in the malt backbone, making for a harmonious and incredibly fulfilling combination.

5. Unique & Vegetarian Pizzas

The Belgian Witbier, also known as a fruity Saison, is a versatile and sometimes disregarded style for pizzas topped with fresh vegetables, goat cheese, or even fruit like pears. These beers can enhance the fresh, vegetal flavors and give each slice a new dimension because they frequently contain notes of orange peel, coriander, and pepper. 

The Final Slice

In the end, your favorite is the best one. Make use of this brief guide as a springboard for your own research. Don’t be scared to try new things; sometimes the most surprising pairings, when governed by the concepts of contrasting and complementing, result in the most delightful discoveries. 

Come test out these pairings with us at Il Birrificio. Discover your new favorite pizza-beer pairing with our menu of artisanal pizzas and freshly brewed beers from our on-site brewery.