Price: $30.99
(as of Apr 06, 2025 18:46:42 UTC - Details)

What is the Best Sauce for Pizza? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to pizza, the sauce is arguably one of the most important components. It can make or break your pizza experience. If you're wondering, "What is the best sauce for pizza?" you're in the right place! In this article, we will explore various types of pizza sauces, the best options for different styles of pizza, and even how to make your own delicious sauce at home. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just someone who enjoys a good slice, you’ll find valuable information here to enhance your pizza-making skills.

Understanding Pizza Sauces

The Foundation of Pizza

Before diving into specific sauces, it's essential to understand why the sauce is the foundation of any great pizza. The sauce adds flavor, moisture, and richness to the pizza, balancing out the toppings and cheese. Without a good sauce, even the best crust and freshest toppings can fall flat.

Types of Pizza Sauces

Pizza sauces come in various forms, each contributing a unique flavor profile. Here are some popular types you might consider when asking, "What is the best sauce for pizza?"

1. Traditional Tomato Sauce

One of the most common choices, traditional tomato sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

• Key Ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and basil.
• Flavor Profile: Tangy and slightly sweet, with a rich texture that complements cheese and toppings.

This sauce is excellent for classic Margherita pizzas or any traditional Italian-style pizza.

2. Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is another popular choice that’s thicker and often used as a dipping sauce as well.

• Key Ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs.
• Flavor Profile: Bold and savory, with a more pronounced garlic flavor.

If you love a garlic kick, marinara sauce could be your best bet.

3. Pesto Sauce

Pesto offers a fresh, herbaceous alternative to tomato-based sauces.

• Key Ingredients: Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
• Flavor Profile: Earthy and vibrant, with a nutty undertone.

Pesto is perfect for white pizzas or as a drizzle on top of your favorite pie.

4. Barbecue Sauce

For a unique twist, barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your pizza.

• Key Ingredients: Tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy, with a hint of smokiness.

This sauce works wonders on pizzas topped with chicken or pulled pork.

5. White Sauce

Also known as béchamel, white sauce is creamy and rich, providing a different texture altogether.

• Key Ingredients: Butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
• Flavor Profile: Creamy and mild, allowing toppings to shine.

White sauce is ideal for a decadent pizza topped with spinach and ricotta.

Choosing the Right Sauce for Your Pizza Style

Classic Italian Pizza

When you're making a classic Italian pizza, your best bet is to go with a traditional tomato sauce. This sauce complements the simplicity of fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Gourmet Pizzas

For gourmet pizzas, consider using pesto or a white sauce. These sauces elevate the pizza's flavor and can pair beautifully with upscale toppings like goat cheese, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Meat Lover’s Pizza

If you're a fan of meat-heavy pizzas, barbecue sauce can be a game-changer. The sweetness and smokiness of the barbecue sauce pair well with meats like sausage, bacon, and chicken.

Veggie Lover’s Pizza

For a veggie-packed pizza, a marinara or a white sauce can really bring out the flavors of the vegetables. These sauces allow the freshness of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to shine.

Making Your Own Pizza Sauce

Simple Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you want to take your pizza to the next level, making your own sauce is a great way to go. Here’s a simple tomato sauce recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A handful of fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and basil.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

This homemade sauce is fresh and flavorful, perfect for your next pizza night!

Pesto Sauce Recipe

Making your own pesto is simple and rewarding. Here’s how:

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until well blended.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This pesto sauce will add a fresh and flavorful twist to your pizza.

Conclusion

When asking, "What is the best sauce for pizza?" the answer largely depends on your individual taste and the type of pizza you are making. From traditional tomato sauce to creamy white sauce and zesty barbecue sauce, each option brings its own unique flavor to your pizza.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces and create your own combinations. After all, the joy of pizza lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities for customization. So, grab your ingredients, get creative, and elevate your pizza-making game today!

Happy pizza-making!

AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: Our Pizza Sauce is made to rival any pizzaria in the world. The perfect addition to any Urban Slicer Dough
QUALITY WITH EASE: Our Pizza Sauce is made with ripe California Tomatoes, imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Pecorino. It's also Gluten-Free and contains no preservatives
ENOUGH FOR TWO PIZZAS: Creating Premium Pizzas has never been easier. No mess and each 8oz can contains enough sauce for two Pizzas
PIZZA YOUR WAY: From a traditional red sauce Pizza to the best breadstick dipping, Urban Slicer's Pizza Sauce lets you have Pizza Your Way!
DIRECTIONS: Ready to go, just open and spoon across your favorite Urban Slicer Pizza dough for premium Pizzas that are simple and fun.