A great pizza is more than just crust and toppings, its true magic lies in the sauce. Often underrated, the sauce is the flavour foundation that brings the entire pizza together, balancing textures, enhancing toppings, and giving every bite its character. Whether you love the classic tang of tomato or prefer experimenting with creamy, fiery, or smoky bases, exploring various pizza sauces can completely transform your slice.
In this guide, we explain which pizza sauces you should choose from the bold to classic. Whether you are at home or visit your favourite restaurant, understanding sauce options helps you to make a pizza that perfectly suits any cravings.
Why Pizza Sauce Matters
Pizza sauce is the flavour intermediary between the crust, cheese, and toppings. A good sauce keeps the pizza moist, adds balance, and helps all the ingredients come together harmoniously. By choosing the right sauce, even a simple pizza can be transformed into something memorable. There are many ways to make your pizza more delicious. You can also order large pizza with your favourite sauce.
Whether you choose bold spices, creamy richness, or garden-fresh herbiness, there is a sauce to match your taste.
Popular Types of Pizza Sauces and How They Elevate Your Pizza
Below are the most popular pizza sauces to choose from your taste, each bringing a unique flavour and pairing perfectly with various toppings.
1. Classic Tomato Sauce: The Timeless Favourite
The classic tomato sauce is perfect for traditional pizza. Its bright, tangy flavour, balanced with herbs and aromatics, makes this sauce a great choice for pizzas.
Key Ingredients
-
Crushed or pureed tomatoes
-
Garlic
-
Olive oil
-
Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
How to Enhance It at Home
To make your tomato base richer and more intense:
-
Use San Marzano tomatoes for a natural sweetness
-
Simmer the sauce for at least 45 minutes
-
Add some sugar to reduce acidity
-
Mix in fresh basil to enhance the aroma.
Best Toppings
-
Fresh mozzarella
-
Pepperoni
-
Basil
-
Italian sausage
-
Mushrooms
This versatile sauce pairs perfectly with nearly any topping combination and remains the perfect choice for classic Margherita, pepperoni, or supreme pizzas.
2. Pesto Sauce: Fresh, Nutty, and Herbaceous
If you are looking for something bright and flavourful, pesto is a fantastic alternative to tomato. Its vibrant green colour and aromatic ingredients create a refreshing base that complements a wide variety of toppings.
Ingredients
-
Fresh basil
-
Parmesan cheese
-
Garlic
-
Olive oil
-
Pine nuts
Best Pairings
Pesto shines with toppings such as:
-
Grilled chicken
-
Sun-dried tomatoes
-
Goat cheese
-
Artichokes
Its rich yet fresh flavour makes it ideal for Mediterranean-style pizzas or anyone craving an herb-forward taste.
3. BBQ Sauce: Sweet, Smoky, and Bold
BBQ sauce brings a completely different flavour profile to pizza, a mix of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that make each bite lively and exciting.
Core Ingredients
-
Tomato paste
-
Molasses
-
Vinegar
-
Spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic
Top Toppings
-
Shredded BBQ chicken
-
Red onions
-
Bacon
-
Cilantro
If you enjoy sweet heat and smoky undertones, BBQ sauce is a perfect match. Choose smoky, spicy, or honey-based versions depending on the depth of flavour you prefer.
4. White Sauce: Creamy, Savoury, and Indulgent
White sauce, often known as béchamel or Alfredo, adds a velvety richness that turns any pizza into a delicious treat.
Various Ingredients
-
Butter
-
Flour
-
Milk
-
Garlic
-
Parmesan cheese
Top Pairings
This creamy base pairs well with:
-
Spinach
-
Mushrooms
-
Grilled chicken
-
Shrimp
-
Roasted garlic
It’s ideal for those who prefer a more indulgent and smooth flavour profile. For extra depth, add herbs, nutmeg, or even cream cheese.
5. Garlic Olive Oil: Light, Simple, and Full of Aroma
For minimalists, garlic olive oil is one of the most flavourful yet simple bases you can choose. Brushing garlic-infused olive oil over the crust creates a crispy, aromatic foundation that allows toppings to shine.
Best Toppings
-
Prosciutto
-
Fresh tomatoes
-
Arugula
-
Burrata
-
Fresh mozzarella
This sauce alternative is excellent for flatbreads and artisan pizza style, where the crust and toppings take center stage.
6. Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: A Fiery Alternative
If you enjoy a bit of heat, arrabbiata sauce is a bold and exciting choice. Its spicy kick adds energy to every slice without overwhelming the rest of the ingredients.
Ingredients
-
Tomatoes
-
Red chili flakes
-
Olive oil
-
Garlic
Top Pairings
-
Spicy sausage
-
Jalapeños
-
Caramelized onions
-
Bell peppers
Arrabbiata adds intensity and depth, perfect for heat lovers who want more than a basic tomato base.
How to Choose the Perfect Sauce for Your Pizza
Choosing the perfect sauce depends on your taste preferences, unique toppings, and crust style.
1. Consider Your Flavour Taste
Do you want something?
-
Classic and balanced? Go for tomato.
-
Rich and creamy? Choose white sauce.
-
Herbaceous and fresh? Choose pesto.
-
Sweet and smoky? Try BBQ.
-
Light and crispy? Garlic olive oil.
-
Spicy and bold? Try Arrabbiata.
2. Match the Sauce to Your Toppings
Rich toppings need bold sauces, while delicate toppings do better with milder bases.
3. Think About Your Crust
Thin crusts pair best with light sauces, whereas thick crusts complement creamy or hearty sauces. You can choose your perfect sauce and enjoy a large pizza delivery.
Sauce Pairing Tips for Homemade & Restaurant Pizza
-
Blend sauces: Mix tomato with white sauce or pesto for perfect combinations.
-
Customize your order: When you order pizza from a reputable restaurant, choose your sauce wisely to match your taste.
Final Thoughts
It can be the classic coziness of the traditional tomato sauce or the bold flavour of BBQ, or the fragrant flavour of pesto; each of the sauces has its own story to share with your pizza. It is a good idea to learn about various bases, as it is a tasty and entertaining experience to find a new favourite, particularly when you are home-cooking pizzas or trying out something new at your local restaurant.
With a great selection of delicious flavours and pizzas and high-quality sauces, Pizza Fellas offers a variety of tasty choices when you are in need of expertly made pizzas. Choose traditional, creamy, spicy, or adventurous, and they offer wonderfully satisfying pizzas that suit everybody.
Next time you have a craving for a saucy, memorable slice, let Pizza Fellas take your pizza experience to the next level.
