Dipping sauces have become a beloved sidekick to pizza, much like they are to fries, wings, and breadsticks. According to Eater, dipping sauces were first introduced as an accompaniment to breadsticks by major pizza chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars. However, it was Papa John’s that truly pioneered the pizza-dipping trend in 1984, when it introduced its signature garlicky, buttery dipping sauce. The success of this pairing quickly inspired other pizza chains to follow suit, and now, a wide array of dipping sauces—ranging from creamy and zesty to spicy, cheesy, and even sweet—are available to pizza lovers everywhere.
While pizza dipping has become a common practice in many parts of the world, not everyone is a fan. Several pizza chefs have voiced their disapproval, telling The Independent that if a pizza needs to be dipped, it suggests that the pizza itself is either unauthentic or poorly made. And if you ever find yourself in Italy, the birthplace of pizza, you might want to avoid asking for a dipping sauce, as it’s not considered part of the traditional pizza experience, according to Authentic Vacations.
For those of us who embrace the dipping trend, however, the variety of options available is nothing short of exciting. Whether you’re dunking your crust or the entire slice, there’s no shortage of sauces to try, from store-bought classics to unique, handcrafted creations. Below, we’ve ranked the most popular pizza dipping sauces—from the iffy to the truly delectable—so you can make the most of your pizza experience.
Grab your pizza, whether it’s freshly delivered or homemade, and prepare to dive into the ultimate guide to pizza dipping sauces!
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