What’s better than a piping hot slice of pizza on a Friday night? Pairing it with a cold beer, of course! But with so many types of beer to choose from, it may be overwhelming to decide what pairs best with your favorite pie. Look no further, we’ve gathered some information to help guide you through the world of beer and pizza pairings.
IPA
IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a popular beer choice when it comes to pizza. The bitter hops in an IPA flavor complement the savory flavors of the pizza, making for a delicious and satisfying combination. The sharp hops are great for cutting through the greasy cheese and toppings, making the pizza less heavy and more refreshing.
Some top IPAs to pair with pizza include Lagunitas IPA, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Stone Brewing’s Ruination IPA.
Stout
Stouts may not be the first beer you’d think to reach for when pairing with pizza, but they actually create a unique and delicious pairing. Stouts are often paired with rich and heavy food, and pizza is no exception. The sweet and chocolatey notes in a stout beer complement the smoky and salty flavors of a pizza, creating a perfect balance.
Some recommended stouts to pair with pizza include Guinness Stout, Founders Breakfast Stout, and Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout.
Pilsner
Pilsners are a lighter beer option that pair well with pizza. They’re refreshing and don’t overpower the flavors of the pizza. The crisp and clean taste of a pilsner beer balances the complex flavors of a pizza, making it the perfect beer to choose if you want to enjoy the pizza toppings without overpowering them.
Some great pilsners to pair with pizza include Pilsner Urquell, Miller High Life, and Victory Prima Pils.
Sour
Sour beers may not be for everyone but they can create a unique pairing experience with pizza. The tangy and acidic nature of sour beers helps cut through the heavy cheese and toppings, making the pizza a lighter meal. Sour beers can also help balance out the sweetness of pizza sauce and toppings like peppers or onions.
Some recommended sour beers to pair with pizza include Gose by Westbrook Brewing, Sour Monkey by Victory Brewing, and Berliner Weiss by Mikkeller.
Pale Ale
If you’re a fan of the hoppy IPA but want something a little lighter, a Pale Ale is a great option. Pale Ales have a milder bitterness than IPA’s which can make them a better pairing option for pizzas with a delicate flavor profile. The fruity and floral notes of a pale ale help complement vegetables and lighten up meatier pizzas.
Recommended pale ales to pair with pizza include Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Dale’s Pale Ale, and Boulevard Pale Ale.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beers are a light and refreshing beer choice for pairing with pizza. They have a lighter carbonation than pilsners but still offer a crisp and clean taste. Wheat beers can pair well with vegetarian pizzas as well as pizzas with spicy toppings and herbs.
Some great wheat beers to pair with pizza include Blue Moon Belgian White, Allagash White, and Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier.
Now that we’ve explored some popular beer pairings for pizza let’s break down some of the factors to consider when choosing which beer to pair with pizza.
Consider the weight of your pizza
The weight of your pizza is an important factor to consider when choosing which beer to pair with it. If your pizza is loaded with heavy meats and sauces, a lighter beer option like a pilsner or wheat beer can balance it out.
On the other hand, if your pizza is light on toppings, a strong and hoppy IPA might pair well since it can provide a bold contrast to the pizza’s delicate flavors.
Consider the acidity of your pizza
The acidity of your pizza’s sauce can also play a role in choosing which beer to pair with it. If your pizza sauce is acidic, consider pairing it with a sour beer or a beer with a higher hop profile like an IPA.
Consider the flavor profile of your pizza
Finally, the flavor profile of your pizza can guide you in choosing the right beer to pair with it. For example, if your pizza is topped with a variety of vegetables, a refreshing beer like a pilsner or wheat beer can balance out the earthy flavors.
If your pizza is topped with spicy and bold flavors like jalapenos and pepperoni, a hoppy beer like an IPA can help cut through the spice and balance the flavors.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down the best beer options to pair with your next pizza night. Experiment with different beer styles and pairings to find your perfect match. Cheers and enjoy your pizza and beer combination!
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