Do you sometimes get stuck in a pizza-making rut, unsure of the best way to top your pie? If so, have you ever considered whether can you use marinara sauce for pizza as an alternative to traditional tomato sauce or pesto?
Marinara may seem like a strange choice for pizza at first glance, but this classic Italian ingredient can create some surprisingly delicious results. Read on to learn more about why marinara might just be the perfect topping for your next homemade pizza!
What Is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce made from crushed or puréed tomatoes, garlic, herbs (often oregano and basil), and olive oil. It’s thicker than traditional pizza sauces but still has the same acidity and flavor profile that makes it an ideal choice for pizzas.
The taste of marinara can vary from recipe to recipe, with some versions being sweeter and others having more kick. If you’re looking for a mild flavor, look for a marinara with less garlic and herbs.
What Is The Pizza Sauce?
The term “pizza sauce” is often used to refer to a thicker tomato-based sauce, usually made from puréed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt. It’s usually spiced up with red pepper flakes or other seasonings for added flavor.
The pizza sauce is the traditional choice for pizza and can be used to create a variety of toppings. It has a thicker consistency than marinara, making it ideal for layering onto the dough before adding other ingredients.
Can You Use Marinara Sauce For Pizza?
Yes, you can use the marinara sauce for pizza. Although it’s not as common or traditional as tomato sauce, it still adds a great flavor to pizzas and has the same acidic bite that makes it an ideal choice for toppings.
It also works well with a variety of cheeses and other toppings such as veggies, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc. Use your favorite marinara recipe (or make one from scratch) to create the perfect pizza.
What’s The Difference Between Marinara Sauce And Pizza Sauce?
The main difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce is its texture: Marinara is usually thicker than traditional tomato-based pizza sauce, while pizza sauces are thinner and smoother. Additionally, marinara tends to have fewer spices than pizza sauce—which often includes oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings.
When it comes to flavor, marinara and pizza sauce both have the same acidic bitterness derived from tomatoes. However, pizza sauce may be slightly sweeter than marinara due to added sugar or sweeteners.
Can You Store The Marinara Sauce Easier Than The Pizza Sauce?
Yes, you can store the marinara sauce for longer periods than pizza sauce. Since it’s thicker and has fewer spices, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated as quickly as pizza sauce. You can usually keep a jar of marinara in the refrigerator for up to a week before needing to discard it.
The pizza sauce, on the other hand, should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days. It has more spices and less acidity than marinara sauce, making it susceptible to spoilage if left out for too long.
If you freeze both sauces, marinara can last for up to three months, while pizza sauce will only last a few weeks.
What Pizza Topping Should You Choose To Pair With Marinara Sauce?
When pairing marinara sauce with pizza toppings, it’s best to keep things simple. Look for classic Italian ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, mushrooms, olives, or other vegetables.
For a unique twist on the traditional topping combination, try adding fresh herbs like basil and oregano to your marinara sauce before spreading it onto the pizza dough. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make your pie stand out from the rest!
How To Make The Marinara Sauce At Home?
Making marinara sauce at home is a fairly simple process. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade marinara sauce:
Marinara Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Cup
- 1 Mixer
- 1 Knife
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 28 Ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Unit cloves garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:Begin by heating the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2:Next, putting the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for approximately 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn.
- Step 3:Pouring the crushed tomatoes, along with their juices, into the pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4:Mixing in the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the spices are well incorporated.
- Step 5:Let the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Then, lower the heat to a low setting and let it simmer without a lid for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time.
- Step 6:Seasoning the sauce and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning based on your personal taste preferences.
- Step 7:Remove the sauce from the heat once it has thickened
Notes
Where To Buy The Best Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t want to make your own marinara sauce, you can always buy it. There are plenty of great store-bought options on the market today.
If you want a classic Italian marinara sauce, look for brands like Rao’s Homemade or Don Pepino that are made with all-natural ingredients and no added sugars or preservatives. For more upscale varieties, seek out gourmet sauces such as those from Pomi or DeLallo.
You can also find specialty artisanal sauces at farmers’ markets or local grocery stores that might not be available in larger chain stores.
FAQs
Can You Mariana Sauce For Pizza?
Yes, you can use the marinara sauce for pizza. It adds a great flavor to pizzas and has the same acidic bite that makes it an ideal choice for toppings.
What Is The Difference Between Marinara Sauce And Pizza Sauce?
The main difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce is its texture: Marinara is usually thicker than traditional tomato-based pizza sauce, while pizza sauces are thinner and smoother. Additionally, marinara tends to have fewer spices than pizza sauce—which often includes oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, or other seasonings.
Is Pizza Sauce Recipe The Same As Marinara Sauce?
No, the pizza sauce recipe is different than marinara sauce. Pizza sauce usually includes spices such as oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and other seasonings that are not found in marinara sauce. It also has a thinner consistency than marinara and can be used as a base for toppings.
Let see the Marinara sauce recipes
Can You Freeze The Marinara Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the marinara sauce for up to three months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer.
Can You Make The Marinara Sauce From Scratch?
Yes, you can make marinara sauce from scratch by combining canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. It’s an easy and delicious way to add flavor to your pizza or pasta dishes.
Conclusion
Can you use marinara sauce? The combination of marinara sauce and pizza is a match made in heaven. Not only is it flavorful and savory, but it also provides a unique twist to trusty pizza flavors. Marinara sauce makes an excellent alternative to traditional pizza toppings, such as tomato sauce or cheese. Plus, marinara allows you to experiment with different ingredients so you can try something new each time you make pizza!
Donato Mazzi is an incredibly talented Italian chef who has earned a reputation for himself as being the absolute best in crafting delicious and authentic artisanal pizzas. His masterful technique and passion for making every dish from scratch make his pizza-making skills truly unique. With over twenty years of experience, Donato has a keen eye for detail and takes great pride in the quality of each and every pizza he creates.
