Tomato sauce is the heart of a great pizza. It brings flavor, moisture, and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of cheese and toppings. But not all tomato sauces are created equal. In this guide, we’ll explore the types of tomato sauce used on pizza, how to make them, and tips to elevate your pizza game.
What Makes a Great Pizza Tomato Sauce?
A great pizza tomato sauce is simple yet flavorful. It should enhance the pizza without overpowering it.
The key characteristics of a good pizza sauce include:
Rich tomato flavor: The sauce should taste fresh and vibrant.
Balanced acidity: Tomatoes are naturally acidic, but the sauce shouldn’t be too tart.
Smooth texture: Most pizza sauces are blended to a smooth consistency, though some styles use chunkier sauces.
Herbs and seasoning: Basil, oregano, garlic, and salt are common additions.
Types of Tomato Sauce Used on Pizza
Not all pizzas use the same type of tomato sauce. The style of pizza often determines the sauce.
Here are the most common types:
1. Classic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce
Neapolitan pizza, the original pizza from Naples, Italy, uses a simple, uncooked tomato sauce. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity. The tomatoes are crushed by hand or blended, mixed with salt, and spread directly onto the dough. No cooking is required, as the sauce cooks in the oven.
Key Ingredients:
- San Marzano tomatoes
- Salt
- Fresh basil (optional)
2. New York-Style Pizza Sauce
New York-style pizza sauce is cooked and slightly thicker than Neapolitan sauce. It often includes garlic, oregano, and olive oil for added flavor. The sauce is simmered to reduce its water content, making it ideal for the thin, foldable slices of New York pizza.
Key Ingredients:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
3. Sicilian Pizza Sauce
Sicilian pizza, known for its thick, rectangular crust, uses a robust tomato sauce. The sauce is often cooked with onions, garlic, and herbs, giving it a deeper flavor. It’s spread generously over the dough and sometimes topped with cheese and other ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
- Tomato puree
- Onions
- Garlic
- Basil and oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
4. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Sauce
Chicago deep-dish pizza is unique because the sauce is placed on top of the cheese and toppings. The sauce is thick and chunky, often made with tomato chunks, garlic, and herbs. It’s cooked for a long time to develop a rich, hearty flavor.
Key Ingredients:
- Crushed and diced tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onions
- Italian seasoning
- Sugar (to balance acidity)
5. White Pizza (No Tomato Sauce)
While not a tomato-based sauce, white pizza deserves a mention. Instead of tomato sauce, white pizza uses olive oil, garlic, and sometimes ricotta or Alfredo sauce as a base. It’s a great option for those who prefer a lighter, creamier alternative.
Key Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Ricotta or Alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Homemade Pizza Tomato Sauce
Making your own pizza sauce is easy and rewarding.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a classic tomato sauce for pizza:
Step 1: Choose the Right Tomatoes
The type of tomatoes you use will greatly affect the flavor of your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard for pizza sauce, but other high-quality canned tomatoes can also work. Avoid using fresh tomatoes unless they’re in season and very ripe.
Step 2: Blend or Crush the Tomatoes
For a smooth sauce, blend the tomatoes in a food processor or blender. For a chunkier sauce, crush them by hand or with a potato masher.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Mix in salt, garlic, oregano, and basil to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 4: Simmer (Optional)
If you prefer a cooked sauce, simmer it on the stove for 20-30 minutes. This will deepen the flavor and thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Allow the sauce to cool before spreading it on your pizza dough. This prevents the dough from getting soggy.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Sauce
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the tomatoes and herbs, the better the sauce.
Don’t over-season: Let the natural flavor of the tomatoes shine.
Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, or fresh herbs for a unique twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much sauce: A thin layer is all you need. Too much sauce can make the pizza soggy.
Overcooking the sauce: Simmering too long can make the sauce lose its fresh flavor.
Skipping the salt: Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Pizza Sauce
Store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but it often contains preservatives and added sugar. Homemade sauce allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your liking. If you’re short on time, look for high-quality store-bought sauces with simple, natural ingredients.
FAQs About Pizza Tomato Sauce
1. Can I use pasta sauce for pizza?
Pasta sauce is often too thick and heavily seasoned for pizza. It’s better to use a sauce specifically designed for pizza or make your own.
2. How long does homemade pizza sauce last?
Homemade pizza sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the best tomato variety for pizza sauce?
San Marzano tomatoes are widely considered the best for pizza sauce due to their sweet flavor and low acidity.
4. Can I make pizza sauce without garlic?
Yes, you can omit garlic if you prefer. The sauce will still taste great with just tomatoes, salt, and herbs.
Conclusion
Tomato sauce is a crucial element of pizza, and understanding its nuances can take your pizza-making skills to the next level. Whether you prefer a simple Neapolitan sauce or a hearty Chicago-style sauce, the key is to use high-quality ingredients and let the natural flavors shine. With this guide, you’re ready to create the perfect tomato sauce for your next pizza masterpiece.
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