Pizza and Beer: The Perfect Combination
There’s a good reason why pizza and beer often get associated. After all, there’s nothing quite like a nice cold beer and hot cheesy pizza to end off the day. Whether it’s a late night snack or a party with friends, beer and pizza have been proven time and time again to make for a great duo. So, what beer goes best with a late-night pizza party? Let’s take a look!
Analyzing the Flavors
The trick to finding the beer that pairs best with pizza is to understand the flavors of both. Pizza is undeniably savory, sometimes a little sweet or tangy depending on the toppings, and can range from cheesy to spicy. The key is to balance out this savoriness with a beer that cuts through the pizza’s intensity. On the other hand, it’s important to consider how the beer flavors might compliment the pizza topping flavors.
Ales are the Way to Go
Generally speaking, ales are usually the beer of choice when going for a late-night pizza party. As a general rule of thumb, the more bitter the beer is, the better it will pair with the savory flavor of the pizza. A hoppy IPA (India Pale Ale) works especially well with pizza as its hallmark hoppiness augments the savoriness of the pizza. On the flip side, ale is also great for cutting through the cheese and adding some light bitterness to the dish.
Lagers for Light Toppings
For lighter topping pizzas, such as margherita or even cheese pizzas, lagers are the way to go as they have a lighter and slightly more acidic taste than ales. This makes them particularly well suited for light toppings and can help even out the flavor of the pizza. When it comes to lagers, try finding an American-style lager as this will pair better with the savory flavor found in most pizzas.
Wheat and Pale Ales to Compliment
For toppings such as vegetables and pepperoni, wheat and pale ales can provide just the right amount of sweetness and bitterness to create a perfect balance. Pale ales are particularly great for pairing with pizzas due to their smooth, malty finish and hoppy bite. Meanwhile, wheat ales provide a hint of sweetness as well as a nice crisp finish, which makes them perfect for vegetable-based pizzas.
Porters and Stouts to Enhance
When it comes to pizzas with more intense toppings, such as meats and hearty cheeses, a richer-tasting beer is the way to go. Try a porter or stout for enhanced savory flavors. The flavors of porters and stouts can add complexity to the dish and can help to bring out the flavors of the toppings. With these darker beers, it’s important to find the right nuance, so try different porters and stouts to find the perfect one for your pizza.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best beer for your late-night pizza party will depend on what kind of topping you’re making. Ales are a great all-around choice that pairs well with all kinds of pizza, while lagers are better for lighter topping pizzas and wheat and pale ales for vegetable-based ones. Finally, for more intense pizzas and toppings, try a porter or stout. Whichever beer you choose, you’re sure to have an awesome late-night pizza and beer party!
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