Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world. It’s versatile, customizable, and loved by people of all ages. But have you ever wondered what sauce is closest to pizza sauce? It’s a question that many people ask, whether they’re out of pizza sauce, looking for alternatives, or just curious about different options. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore everything about pizza sauce and suggest some sauces that can be used as substitutes.
Introduction to Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce plays a crucial role in defining the flavor of a pizza. It’s the base that ties together all the toppings, cheese, and crust. Without a good sauce, even the best pizza ingredients can fall flat. But what makes pizza sauce so special? And why is it different from other tomato-based sauces? Let’s dive in!
What Makes Pizza Sauce Unique?
At its core, pizza sauce is made from tomatoes, but it’s the way it’s prepared that makes it stand out. Unlike pasta sauce or marinara, pizza sauce is uncooked. That’s right—you don’t simmer it for hours like you would with spaghetti sauce. Pizza sauce is fresh and more concentrated, which means it packs a punch of flavor.
It’s seasoned with a combination of herbs like oregano, basil, garlic, and sometimes a little bit of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Another key difference? Pizza sauce is thicker and spreadable, making it perfect for slathering on pizza dough.
The Key Components of Pizza Sauce
So, what exactly goes into a pizza sauce? The answer is simple: just a few basic ingredients, but each plays a key role in delivering that unforgettable pizza experience. Let’s break it down!
🍅 Tomatoes: The Heart of Pizza Sauce
The base of any pizza sauce is tomatoes. You’ll usually find either crushed tomatoes or tomato purée in most recipes. But why tomatoes?
✅ They provide that rich, tangy flavor that complements cheese and toppings perfectly.
✅ They contribute to the sauce’s natural sweetness.
✅ They offer a smooth, thick texture when blended properly.
San Marzano tomatoes are a top choice for pizza sauce due to their sweet, low-acid flavor. Fresh tomatoes work well too, but canned tomatoes are often more convenient and consistent.
“Tomatoes are the primary ingredient in pizza sauce, contributing to its rich, tangy flavor. Learn more about the history and varieties of tomato sauce on Wikipedia.”
🌿 Herbs and Spices Used in Pizza Sauce
The secret to a delicious pizza sauce lies in the herbs and spices. The classic combination includes:
✔ Oregano – A quintessential pizza herb that adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
✔ Basil – A sweet, aromatic herb that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
✔ Garlic – Adds a punch of flavor that enhances the freshness of the tomatoes.
✔ Red Pepper Flakes – For a little bit of heat, if you like your sauce spicy!
✔ Salt & Pepper – For seasoning and balancing out the flavors.
A pinch of sugar can also be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making your sauce smoother and richer.
Sauces That Are Closest to Pizza Sauce
Now that we’ve discussed what makes pizza sauce so special, let’s talk about other sauces that can serve as close substitutes. There are plenty of options that mimic the flavor and texture of pizza sauce. Let’s explore some of the best ones.
🍅 Marinara Sauce: A Close Contender
Marinara sauce is one of the closest alternatives to pizza sauce. Both are made from tomatoes and share similar flavors. However, marinara sauce is more liquid and less concentrated than pizza sauce. It also contains more garlic, onion, and sometimes even wine or sugar, which slightly alters its flavor profile.
💡 How to Use Marinara as Pizza Sauce: If you’re using marinara as a substitute, you can easily thicken it by simmering it for a while or adding a bit of tomato paste to achieve the desired consistency.
🍝 Spaghetti Sauce vs Pizza Sauce
Spaghetti sauce is another tomato-based option, but it’s not always the best choice for pizza. Like marinara, spaghetti sauce tends to be:
❌ More liquid and runny
❌ Sweeter due to added carrots, onions, or sugar
❌ Cooked for a longer time, which changes the freshness of the flavor
💡 Tip: If you want to use spaghetti sauce for pizza, try cooking it down to remove excess liquid. You can also add extra oregano, basil, and garlic to bring the flavor closer to pizza sauce.
🍅 Tomato Sauce as a Pizza Alternative
Tomato sauce can work as a backup for pizza sauce, but it’s thinner than what you need. Store-bought tomato sauces are often too runny, which can make your pizza soggy. However, with a few tweaks, you can make it work.
💡 How to Fix It:
✅ Add some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and olive oil to enhance the flavor.
✅ Simmer it down to thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavors.
🌿 Pesto Sauce for a Unique Twist
If you’re looking to try something different, pesto sauce can be a creative alternative. Made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, pesto has a rich, herbaceous flavor that works well on pizzas, especially when paired with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, or chicken.
✔ Works well with veggie or white pizzas
✔ Provides a fresh, nutty, and garlicky taste
❌ Not tomato-based, so it offers a completely different pizza experience
Common Problems When Substituting Pizza Sauce
Substituting pizza sauce isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. There are some common challenges that you might run into, but don’t worry—we’ve got some solutions for you!
⚠️ Flavor Differences & How to Fix Them
Different sauces have different herb blends, sugar levels, and consistencies. Some might be too sweet, too herby, or just not taste quite right on pizza.
💡 Solution:
✅ Adjust the seasonings by adding oregano, basil, or garlic.
✅ If the sauce is too sweet, balance it out with a pinch of salt.
✅ If it lacks richness, add a drizzle of olive oil for a deeper flavor.
⚠️ Consistency Issues
One of the biggest problems with using an alternative sauce is that it’s either too thick or too thin.
💡 Solution:
✅ If your sauce is too thin, simmer it on low heat to reduce excess liquid or stir in tomato paste.
✅ If it’s too thick, add a little bit of olive oil or water to thin it out.
How to Customize Your Pizza Sauce Substitute 🎨🍅
Sometimes, even the best substitutes need a little tweaking to taste just right. Whether you’re using marinara, spaghetti sauce, or tomato sauce, here are some simple ways to make them taste more like authentic pizza sauce.
🧂 Adding More Herbs and Spices to Boost Flavor
If your substitute sauce lacks that bold pizza flavor, try adding these key seasonings:
✔ Oregano – The classic pizza herb, giving a slightly peppery, earthy taste.
✔ Basil – Sweet and aromatic, balancing out the acidity of tomatoes.
✔ Garlic Powder – A must-have for depth and richness.
✔ Onion Powder – Adds a mild sweetness and extra savory notes.
✔ Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – A little heat for spice lovers.
✔ Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
💡 Tip: If you’re using marinara or spaghetti sauce, they might already have some herbs, so taste your sauce before adding extra seasoning!
🥄 Adjusting Consistency for a Better Application
One of the biggest issues with substitute sauces is that they might be too runny or too thick for pizza. Here’s how to fix them:
🔹 If your sauce is too thin:
✅ Simmer it on low heat for 10-15 minutes to thicken it.
✅ Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a richer texture.
✅ Mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch (dissolved in water) to help thicken it.
🔹 If your sauce is too thick:
✅ Add a small amount of olive oil or water to loosen it.
✅ Blend in a spoonful of crushed tomatoes to balance the consistency.
💡 Perfect pizza sauce should be spreadable but not watery!
🍯 Balancing Acidity and Sweetness
Tomato-based sauces can sometimes be too acidic or too sweet. Here’s how to fix that:
✅ Too Acidic? Add a pinch of sugar or a small splash of heavy cream to mellow out the sharpness.
✅ Too Sweet? Add a dash of salt or a little bit of red wine vinegar to balance the flavors.
💡 The secret to a well-balanced pizza sauce is getting the acidity, sweetness, and salt just right!
🍕 Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (Easy & Delicious!)
If you want the best pizza sauce, why not make your own? Here’s a quick and easy homemade pizza sauce recipe that tastes just like your favorite pizzeria’s!
🛒 Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned tomatoes (San Marzano preferred) | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Blend the tomatoes: In a food processor or blender, pulse the canned tomatoes until smooth.
2️⃣ Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add ingredients: Stir in tomato paste, blended tomatoes, oregano, basil, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
4️⃣ Simmer: Let the sauce cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps concentrate the flavors.
5️⃣ Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sugar if needed.
6️⃣ Cool and use: Let the sauce cool before spreading it on your pizza dough.
💡 Store extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!
🍕 Nutrition Facts for Homemade Pizza Sauce
| Nutrient | Amount per 1/4 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
💡 This sauce is healthier than store-bought options, with no artificial preservatives or excess sugar!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🤔
❓ Can I Use Alfredo Sauce Instead of Pizza Sauce?
Yes! Alfredo sauce is a delicious alternative, especially for white pizzas. It’s creamy, cheesy, and pairs well with chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. However, if you love classic tomato-based pizza, Alfredo won’t give you the same tangy kick.
❓ How Can I Make a Spicy Pizza Sauce?
Want some heat? 🔥 Try these simple ways to spice up your sauce:
✅ Add extra red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
✅ Stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
✅ Use finely chopped fresh chili peppers for intense spiciness.
💡 Be careful—spicy sauces can overpower delicate pizza toppings!
❓ Is BBQ Sauce a Good Substitute for Pizza Sauce?
BBQ sauce works great for certain pizzas, like BBQ chicken or pulled pork pizza. It’s smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet. However, if you want a traditional pizza flavor, BBQ sauce isn’t the best choice.
❓ What Can I Use Instead of Tomato-Based Pizza Sauce?
If you’re looking for a tomato-free pizza sauce, try:
✔ Pesto Sauce – Fresh and herby, perfect for veggie pizzas.
✔ Garlic Butter Sauce – Rich and creamy for white pizzas.
✔ Ranch Dressing – Great for chicken bacon ranch pizzas!
✔ Hummus – A unique, healthy alternative.
💡 Non-tomato sauces can open up a whole new world of pizza flavors!
🔥 Pro Tips for Making the Best Pizza Sauce at Home
Want your homemade pizza sauce to taste just like (or better than) the one from your favorite pizzeria? Here are some expert tips to take your pizza game to the next level!
1️⃣ Use High-Quality Tomatoes 🍅
The best pizza sauce starts with the best tomatoes! If possible, use San Marzano tomatoes—they are sweeter, less acidic, and have a rich, deep flavor.
✅ If using canned tomatoes, go for whole peeled tomatoes and blend them yourself for a fresher taste.
✅ If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe and juicy. Blanch and peel them for a smoother sauce.
2️⃣ Keep It Simple (Less is More) 🧄🌿
Many people make the mistake of adding too many ingredients to their pizza sauce. But the truth is, a simple sauce is the best sauce!
💡 Stick to:
✔ Tomatoes
✔ Garlic
✔ Olive oil
✔ Salt & pepper
✔ Oregano & basil
Let the natural flavors shine! 🍕✨
3️⃣ Don’t Cook the Sauce (For Authentic Flavor) 🔥
Did you know that traditional pizza sauce is never pre-cooked? Unlike pasta sauce, which is simmered for hours, pizza sauce is meant to be fresh!
👉 Cooking changes the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes.
👉 The sauce cooks on the pizza in the oven, blending perfectly with the cheese and toppings.
💡 Exception: If using raw tomato sauce, make sure your oven is hot enough (450°F+ or 230°C+) to fully cook the sauce while baking the pizza.
4️⃣ Let the Sauce Rest for 30 Minutes ⏳
Patience pays off! If you let your sauce sit for 30 minutes before using, the flavors will blend beautifully. The garlic, basil, and oregano will infuse into the tomatoes, making your sauce richer and more aromatic.
5️⃣ Avoid a Soggy Pizza! (Use Less Sauce) 🚫💦
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too much sauce. If your pizza gets soggy, here’s how to fix it:
❌ Don’t overload the pizza with sauce—a thin layer is enough!
✅ If using a thin crust, use even less sauce to prevent soaking through.
✅ If your sauce is too watery, simmer it for a few minutes to thicken it.
💡 Pro Tip: Spread your sauce 1/2 inch away from the edge for that perfect crust-to-sauce ratio!
🍕 Creative Sauce Variations to Try
If you want to step outside the box, try these unique pizza sauce ideas for a fun and delicious twist!
1️⃣ Spicy Arrabbiata Pizza Sauce 🌶️🔥
Want to add some heat? Use arrabbiata sauce instead of regular pizza sauce!
✔ Start with a traditional pizza sauce base.
✔ Add extra red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers.
✔ Stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Best for: Pepperoni pizza, meat lovers’ pizza, or BBQ chicken pizza.
2️⃣ Garlic Parmesan White Pizza Sauce 🧄🧀
A creamy, garlicky white sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken, spinach, and mushrooms!
✔ Mix butter, garlic, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
✔ Simmer until thick, then season with salt and pepper.
✔ Let it cool slightly before spreading it on your pizza.
Best for: White pizzas, Alfredo chicken pizza, and veggie pizzas.
3️⃣ Sweet & Tangy BBQ Pizza Sauce 🍯🔥
BBQ sauce makes an amazing base for BBQ chicken or pulled pork pizza!
✔ Use your favorite BBQ sauce as the base.
✔ Add a splash of honey and a bit of smoked paprika for extra depth.
✔ If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little water or apple cider vinegar.
Best for: BBQ chicken pizza, pulled pork pizza, and smoky bacon pizza.
“For a unique, sweet, and tangy twist, try using BBQ sauce as your pizza base. It pairs perfectly with chicken, pulled pork, and smoked toppings. If you’re looking for a delicious homemade BBQ-style sauce, check out this Rochester Country Sweet Sauce Recipe to make your pizza even more flavorful!”
4️⃣ Nutty & Fresh Pesto Pizza Sauce 🌿🥜
Pesto isn’t just for pasta—it makes an amazing pizza sauce, too!
✔ Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), olive oil, and Parmesan.
✔ Use as a base for veggie pizzas, Caprese pizzas, or chicken pesto pizza.
Best for: Tomato-free pizzas, fresh mozzarella pizzas, and gourmet-style pizzas.
🚨 Common Pizza Sauce Mistakes to Avoid
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about some common mistakes that could ruin your pizza sauce!
❌ 1. Using Pasta Sauce Instead of Pizza Sauce
Many people think they can swap pasta sauce for pizza sauce, but they’re not the same! Pasta sauce is:
❌ Too runny
❌ Cooked (which changes the flavor)
❌ Often too sweet
💡 Fix it: Simmer pasta sauce for a few minutes, add tomato paste, and season with extra oregano & basil.
❌ 2. Making the Sauce Too Watery
A watery sauce = a soggy pizza! If your sauce is too thin, here’s what you can do:
✅ Simmer it down to remove excess moisture.
✅ Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
✅ Avoid adding too much liquid (like broth or water).
❌ 3. Overloading the Pizza with Sauce
Too much sauce can lead to:
❌ A soggy crust
❌ Uneven baking
❌ Overpowering the other flavors
💡 Rule of thumb: Use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sauce per 12-inch pizza.
❌ 4. Forgetting to Taste & Adjust Seasoning
Every tomato brand is different! Some are more acidic, some sweeter—so always taste your sauce before using it.
💡 If it’s too acidic → Add a pinch of sugar.
💡 If it’s too sweet → Add a little salt or vinegar.
💡 If it’s bland → Boost with garlic, oregano, or basil.
🎉 Final Thoughts: The Perfect Pizza Sauce for You!
We’ve covered everything you need to know about finding the best pizza sauce substitute, making your own sauce, and avoiding common mistakes!
🚀 Quick Recap:
✔ Closest to Pizza Sauce? Marinara (with tweaks).
✔ Best Thickener? Tomato paste.
✔ Want More Flavor? Add oregano, garlic, and basil.
✔ Need a Tomato-Free Option? Try pesto, Alfredo, or BBQ sauce!
✔ Secret to the Best Sauce? Use high-quality tomatoes & don’t overcomplicate it!
Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite pizza sauce? 🍕 Let us know in the comments!
💾 Save This Guide & Try It Out!
Now you have all the knowledge to make the best pizza sauce at home. Whether you’re using a classic tomato base, a creamy garlic sauce, or a spicy BBQ twist, the most important thing is to experiment and have fun! 🎉
🔥 Happy pizza-making! 🍕❤️