Pizza and beer—is there a more classic combination? While both are delicious on their own, when paired correctly, they can elevate each other to new heights of flavor. At Pizza Depot, we're proud of our Canadian roots, so we've partnered with local breweries across the country to create this definitive guide to pairing Canadian craft beers with our signature pizzas.
Understanding Flavor Pairing Principles
Before diving into specific pairings, let's understand some basic principles that guide food and beverage matching:
- Complement: Flavors that share similar characteristics often work well together.
- Contrast: Sometimes opposing flavors create an interesting balance.
- Intensity: The intensity of the food should match the intensity of the beer.
- Cleanse: Carbonation and bitterness in beer can cleanse the palate between bites.
Now, let's explore some perfect pizza and Canadian craft beer pairings:
Classic Cheese Pizza
Our classic cheese pizza features a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan on our signature tomato sauce. The simplicity of this pizza allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
Perfect beer pairing: Blonde Ale or Kölsch-style beer
Why it works: The light, crisp nature of these beers complements the creaminess of the cheese without overpowering it. The subtle maltiness enhances the flavor of our crust, while the gentle hop bitterness cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Canadian recommendation: Side Launch Wheat from Side Launch Brewing Company (Collingwood, Ontario) or Stanley Park Noble Pilsner from Stanley Park Brewing (Vancouver, BC)
Pepperoni Pizza
Our pepperoni pizza features premium, slightly spicy pepperoni that develops those perfect crispy edges when baked.
Perfect beer pairing: Vienna Lager or Amber Ale
Why it works: The malty sweetness of these beers balances the slight spice and saltiness of the pepperoni, while their medium body stands up to the richness of this classic topping.
Canadian recommendation: Fat Tug IPA from Driftwood Brewery (Victoria, BC) or Muskoka Cream Ale from Muskoka Brewery (Bracebridge, Ontario)
The Canadian (Bacon, Mushroom, and Maple Ham)
Our tribute to Canadian flavors features local bacon, fresh mushrooms, and our specialty maple-glazed ham.
Perfect beer pairing: Maple Porter or Brown Ale
Why it works: The roasted, caramel notes in these darker beers echo the smokiness of the bacon and the earthy flavors of the mushrooms. If you can find a maple-infused porter, the complementary flavors with our maple ham create a truly Canadian experience.
Canadian recommendation: Maple Porter from Nickel Brook Brewing Co. (Burlington, Ontario) or St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout from McAuslan Brewing (Montreal, Quebec)
Mediterranean Veggie Pizza
Our vegetarian option is topped with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, red onions, feta, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Perfect beer pairing: Saison or Wheat Beer
Why it works: The bright, sometimes slightly spicy character of a Saison complements the fresh vegetables, while the citrus notes often found in wheat beers enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
Canadian recommendation: Four Winds Saison from Four Winds Brewing Company (Delta, BC) or Blanche de Chambly from Unibroue (Chambly, Quebec)
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Our BBQ Chicken pizza combines tangy barbecue sauce with grilled chicken, red onions, and a blend of cheeses.
Perfect beer pairing: Smoked Porter or Rauchbier
Why it works: The smoky characteristics in these beers echo the BBQ flavors, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the grilled notes in both the pizza and the beer.
Canadian recommendation: King Maker from Left Field Brewery (Toronto, Ontario) or Smoke & Mirrors Imperial Smoked Ale from Coal Harbour Brewing Company (Vancouver, BC)
Spicy Italian (Sausage, Hot Peppers, Olives)
For heat lovers, our Spicy Italian pizza brings the perfect amount of kick with spicy Italian sausage, hot peppers, and olives.
Perfect beer pairing: India Pale Ale (IPA) or Pale Ale
Why it works: The pronounced hop bitterness of an IPA stands up to the spice, while the citrus and pine notes common in many IPAs complement the herbal flavors in the Italian sausage. The carbonation helps cool the palate between bites.
Canadian recommendation: Collective Arts Ransack the Universe IPA (Hamilton, Ontario) or Red Racer IPA from Central City Brewers (Surrey, BC)
Meat Lovers Pizza
Our hearty Meat Lovers pizza is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham—a protein powerhouse!
Perfect beer pairing: Scotch Ale or Doppelbock
Why it works: These rich, malty beers have the strength to stand up to the intense flavors of multiple meats. Their sweetness balances the saltiness of the toppings, creating a satisfying experience.
Canadian recommendation: La Fin du Monde from Unibroue (Chambly, Quebec) or Innis & Gunn Original from Innis & Gunn Brewing Company (Canadian-owned)
Hawaiian Pizza (Yes, It Was Invented in Canada!)
Regardless of where you stand on the "pineapple on pizza" debate, this Canadian-invented pizza combines ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory experience.
Perfect beer pairing: Fruit Beer or Hefeweizen
Why it works: The fruity esters in these beer styles complement the pineapple, while their light body and refreshing nature balance the salty ham.
Canadian recommendation: Whistler Brewing Paradise Valley Grapefruit Ale (Whistler, BC) or Granville Island Brewing False Creek Raspberry Ale (Vancouver, BC)
Host Your Own Pizza and Beer Pairing Night
Why not gather some friends and host a tasting night? Order a variety of our pizzas and pick up a selection of Canadian craft beers. Have everyone take notes on which combinations they enjoy most—it's a fun way to discover new favorites!
At Pizza Depot, we're proud to support local Canadian breweries, just as we support local food suppliers. Many of our locations now offer a selection of craft beers for delivery alongside your favorite pizzas, making it easier than ever to enjoy these perfect pairings at home.
What's your favorite pizza and beer combination? Share your discoveries in the comments below!
