4 Best Pizza Sauces and their Recipes

How To Make Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

• Canned Whole Tomatoes (28-ounce can): For their rich flavour, choose premium pizza sauce brands like San Marzano.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A few tablespoons to improve richness.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Season the sauce properly.
• Optional Additions: Fresh garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, dried oregano, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for added depth.

Steps For Making Best Pizza Sauce

Here is how you can make a quick pizza red sauce recipe:

• Blend Tomatoes: Take a can of whole tomatoes and put them into your blender.
• Add Ingredients: Put 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
• Blend: Hit the blend button for 10 seconds until it is smooth. Do not go more than that.
• Optional: For more flavours, add garlic, fresh basil, or oregano before blending.

I. Improving Flavour

I often find that adding a few extra ingredients, like a touch of fresh garlic, basil, or even a pinch of dried oregano, really improves the flavour. Inspired by a carbon pizza oven review, I have experimented with these additions in my kitchen to match my preferences. After all, the best pizza sauce is the one that suits your palate.

II. Quality of Ingredients

Chef Anthony Mangieri claims high-quality canned tomatoes like DOP San Marzano or trusted California brands like Bianco DiNapoli and Stanislaus.

His trick is to drain the liquid from the canned tomatoes, then mix them with heated/fried garlic in olive oil, pepperoncini, dried oregano, and fresh basil.

III. Simplicity and Freshness

Sometimes, less really is more. I recommend a fast, fresh Pomodoro sauce with ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil. A quick, gentle boil keeps the tomato’s natural brightness intact. The result will be a deep, fresh flavour better than heavier, slow-cooked sauces.

IV. Avoiding Common Surprises

Whatever you do, do not overcomplicate things. Too many ingredients or overcooking can ruin a sauce’s balance. The goal is to allow the tomatoes to work with natural sweetness and tanginess.

Types of Pizza Sauce

The following are some types of pizza sauces;

1. Classic Red Pizza Sauce

Classic Red Pizza Sauce is the choice for many pizza lovers. It is a tomato-based sauce made with crushed tomatoes or tomato paste. It is mixed with herbs like oregano, basil, and a hit of garlic and sometimes onions.

The result is a spicy, slightly sweet flavour made to improve your favourite toppings. This pairs exceptionally well with a poolish pizza dough recipe, creating a harmonious balance. This is the foundation for many of the best pizza varieties. It is the best pizza sauce if you like the classics.

2. White Pizza Sauce

White sauce or garlic Alfredo sauce is made from butter, garlic, flour, milk (or cream), and often Parmesan cheese. I always look forward to this sauce’s rich, creamy aroma as it cooks the scent makes you hungry even before the pizza is ready.

Its rich, savoury flavour works well with earthy toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or chicken. If you are going for a gourmet-style pizza, this is hands-down the best sauce for pizza.

3. Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that comes in paste form. The most famous version is the Pesto alla Genovese, straight from Genoa, Italy. The homemade recipe is simple, with just seven ingredients: basil leaves, olive oil, pecorino cheese, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt.

It is also healthy! While it is best known as a pasta sauce, it can be used for other dishes.

4. BBQ Sauce for Pizza

BBQ sauce is no longer just for grilled meats it is now an alternative to tomato-based sauces on pizza. Its smoky, spicy, and sweet flavour profile combines with toppings like grilled chicken, bacon, and onions to create a perfectly balanced flavour profile.

Here are a few BBQ sauce varieties to try (and yes, they are all best in their way):

1. Original BBQ Sauce: Sweet and sour, this option works with nearly anything. Think about grilled chicken, red onion, bell peppers, and a good layer of mozzarella.
2. Hickory or Smoky BBQ Sauce: If you want a smokey taste, this sauce is a choice for toppings like pulled pork or crispy bacon.
3. Spicy BBQ Sauce: Want some heat? Spicy BBQ sauce adds just the right spice, with toppings like jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy sausage.
4. Honey BBQ Sauce: Honey BBQ is the perfect sauce for sweet tooth lovers. Its sticky sweetness goes perfectly with grilled chicken, red onions, and bell peppers.
5. Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Chipotle brings both smoke and spice, making it perfect for toppings like chipotle-marinated chicken, black beans, and corn.
6. White BBQ Sauce: This mayo-based and spicy sauce adds a unique twist. Combine it with grilled chicken, bacon, and red onions.

Best Pizza Sauce Recipes

The following are some of the recipes for pizza sauce:

1. Classic Red Pizza Sauce Recipes

You can enjoy these pizza sauces when choosing classic red pizza sauce recipes:

I. No-Cook Pizza Sauce

A no-cook tomato sauce is good for fresh flavours and is quick to prepare. This technique is used in authentic Neapolitan pizzas.

Ingredients:

• Canned whole tomatoes (San Marzano, if you can find them)
• Fine sea salt
• Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Method:

1. Get a bowl and pour in the canned tomatoes.
2. Crush the tomatoes by hand until you get a little chunky texture—do not worry, it is supposed to be rustic, not perfect.
3. Add salt to taste.
4. You can mix in olive oil and some torn basil leaves for extra depth, but that is totally up to you.
5. Use this fresh sauce instantly on your pizza dough.

II. Slow-Simmered Italian Red Sauce

A slow-simmered sauce works better for a bold, deeply developed flavour of Italian-American pizza style.

Ingredients:

• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Sugar (optional, to break the acidity)

Method:

1. Warm some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Put in the minced garlic and fry it until it smells amazing—about 1 minute. (Do not let it burn unless you like bitter sauce!)
3. Mix in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano.
4. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the tanginess.
5. Let it simmer on low heat for 30–60 minutes.
6. Once cooled, it is ready to spread on your pizza dough.

III. Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

Authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is famous for its simplicity and use of raw ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Canned San Marzano tomatoes
• Fine sea salt

Method:

• Put the canned tomatoes into a bowl.
• Hand-crush the tomatoes to a little chunky texture.
• Add sea salt to taste.
• Use the sauce raw; it will cook atop the pizza in the oven.

2. White Pizza Sauce Recipes

Try these pizza sauces when choosing white pizza sauce recipes:

I. Creamy Garlic White Sauce

Making a creamy garlic white pizza sauce at home is easier. Here is a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Fry the Garlic: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Keep an eye on it; garlic burns faster.
2. Make the Roux: Spread in the flour while mixing nonstop. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Slowly add the milk. There should be no bubbles. Mix continually as the sauce thickens, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and churn in the Parmesan cheese until it fully melts.
5. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper. Adjust as needed, but do not overdo it.
6. Cool and Use: Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before spreading it over your pizza dough.

This recipe makes about 1½ cups of sauce, enough to cover 4 (10-inch) pizzas.

II. Alfredo Pizza Sauce

This recipe produces approximately 1½ cups of sauce for four 10-inch pizzas. For best results, you can store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups milk (2% or whole)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, mashed or finely grated
• ¼ cup sliced Parmesan cheese

Method:

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Put in the flour and continue spreading it for 1-2 minutes. It should not get brown.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth, thickened, and bubbly.
4. Mix in the salt, pepper, and garlic.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk for another 30 seconds.
6. Remove from heat and continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Allow the sauce to cool before spreading it over your pizza dough.

3. Pesto Pizza Sauce Recipes

Try these pizza sauces when choosing pesto pizza sauce recipes:

I. Classic Basil Pesto Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, packed.
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (around 2 ounces— fresh is better!).
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
• 1/3 cup of pine nuts (or go for chopped walnuts if that is more your choice).
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (roughly 1 tablespoon).
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or add more to suit your taste.
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

Methods:

1. Start by putting your basil leaves and pine nuts into a food processor. Give it a few quick pulses—do not overdo it; you are not making a smoothie!
2. Add the garlic and Parmesan (or Romano, if you are feeling fancy) and pulse a few more times. Pause here to scrape down the sides.
3. Keep the food processor running while you slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Go slow and steady; this helps everything blend smoothly without the oil separating.
4. Once you are satisfied with the texture, spice it up! Add a bit of salt and a bit of freshly ground black pepper.

II. Spinach Pesto

Ingredients:

• Spinach: Traditional pesto depends on basil, but spinach is mild and easy to find.
• Garlic: No Italian recipe is complete without garlic.
• Pine Nuts: Nuts have a mild taste and a satisfying texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is salty and has a sharp flavour.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a layer of richness.
• Lemon Juice: A quick lemon juice splashes brightens the pesto with a fresh spice.
• Salt and Pepper: These balance flavours and add just the right amount of seasoning.

Method:

1. First, gather your ingredients. Measure everything out so you are ready to go.
2. Grab your food processor. Add the measured ingredients right into the bottom where the blade attachment is.
3. Start by pulsing to break up the pine nuts. Then, mix everything until the texture is smooth.
4. Drizzle in the olive oil while mixing, and keep going until it is just how you like it.
5. Transfer your pesto into an airtight container or jar using a rubber spatula. Spread it on your favourite dishes, and you’re good to go!

4. BBQ Pizza Sauce Recipes

Try these pizza sauces when choosing BBQ pizza sauce recipes:

I. Sweet and Smoky BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

Method:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients.
2. Churn well to mix thoroughly.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
4. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, mixing until the sauce thickens to your chosen consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. Use directly on your pizza or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

II. Spicy BBQ Sauce

This homemade recipe brings the heat with just the right amount of sweetness.

It is perfect for grilled meats or a bold, spicy pizza base because who doesn’t love multitasking sauces?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water (optional for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients except the cornstarch mix to a medium saucepan. We will save that for later.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Want it thicker? Churn in the cornstarch mix and simmer until it is as thick as you like.
4. Use it right away or store it in the fridge.

III. Honey BBQ Sauce

This sweet and spicy honey barbecue sauce is excellent for burgers, chicken wings, pizza, and more.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and mix to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, mixing sometimes.
3. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15 minutes, letting the flavours combine and the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipes

These are some practical tips you can follow for your homemade pizza sauce recipes:

I. Adjusting Consistency

The consistency of your pizza sauce plays a huge role in making it good. I remember when my sauce turned out too watery it looked more like soup than pizza sauce! I simmered it on low heat without a lid to fix it, and it worked like a charm. 

This lets the extra moisture evaporate slowly. Use a heavy bottomed pot it is good because it spreads heat evenly and avoids scorching (nobody wants burnt sauce).

Stir often with a wooden spoon to prevent the sauce from sticking, especially along the bottom. Want a thinner sauce? No problem! Add a bit of liquid, like water, tomato juice, or even red wine. 

II. Balancing Flavours

Getting the right balance of flavours improves pizza sauce. Add sugar or honey to balance the sharpness if your sauce tastes too acidic. Honey works particularly well as it combines smoothly without destroying the tomato’s natural flavour.

Fresh herbs like basil and oregano bring a garden-fresh aroma. Red pepper flakes can be added for a touch of heat, but always mix these ingredients well before simmering to ensure they combine perfectly. 

III. Storing and Freezing Pizza Sauce

Storing your sauce correctly guarantees that hard work will not be wasted—or worse, forgotten at the back of your fridge. 

From experience, I have learned that using smaller, portion-sized containers or ice cube trays works wonders for keeping leftovers manageable, especially when making pizza for one.  For the best flavour and freshness, keep it in an airtight container, put it in the fridge, and finish it within three to four days. 

Need it to last longer? Freezing is an option! Use portion-sized containers or even ice cube trays for easy, single-use servings. Make sure those containers are closed tightly to stop oxidation and moisture loss.

Pizza Sauce Recipes FAQs

Conclusion

A great pizza is not just about the toppings it starts with the sauce. With these 5-minute recipes, you have the tools to create sauces that fit any style, from classic marinara to bold BBQ or creamy white bases.

The main factors are simplicity and flexibility; whether cooking for a crowd or a cosy night, you will have restaurant-quality flavour in no time.