Two of the most popular tomato-based sauces are pizza sauce vs. marinara. Both sauces are staples of Italian cuisine, but their distinct differences make each uniquely suited for specific dishes.
Understanding the primary differences, cooking methods, and uses of these sauces can help you elevate your culinary game and choose the best sauce for your needs. Let’s dive into the key similarities and differences between pizza sauce and marinara.
What is Pizza Sauce?
Pizza sauce is specifically designed for use on pizza crust, serving as the flavorful base for your toppings. Unlike many other types of tomato sauce, it often uses uncooked tomatoes as its foundation, creating a simple sauce with a smooth, thicker consistency.
Ingredients. Traditional pizza sauce typically includes pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a tangy flavor profile.
Consistency. The consistency of pizza sauce is thicker than marinara, ensuring it doesn’t soak into the pizza dough, maintaining a sturdy base for toppings like Italian sausage, parmesan cheese, or vegetables.
Cooking Process. In many recipes, pizza sauce is left uncooked to allow the flavors to meld during the pizza’s baking process.
What is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a versatile option with a thinner, more liquid consistency. It’s often used for pasta dishes, chicken parmesan, or as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks and meatball subs. Marinara is cooked before use, enhancing its complex flavors.
Ingredients. Classic marinara sauce recipes feature crushed tomatoes, plum tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, and occasionally a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat. The use of fresh basil leaves and Italian seasoning is common to achieve its characteristic flavor.
Cooking Methods. Marinara is simmered to develop a deeper flavor, making it suitable for dishes that require a richly flavored red sauce.
What are the main differences between pizza sauce and marinara?
The cooking process, thicker pizza sauce for pizza, and the different ingredients used to build complex flavors are the principal distinctions.
Key Differences Between Pizza Sauce and Marinara
The Method of Cooking Time. Pizza sauce is typically uncooked until baked. Whereas, the marinara sauce is cooked before serving.
Consistency. Pizza sauce has a thicker consistency to prevent it from soaking into the crust. And marinara is a thinner sauce. Perfect for coating pasta or using as a dipping sauce.
Purpose. Marinara is a versatile sauce used in a variety of dishes like pasta and arrabbiata sauce. Pizza sauce is designed for making a good pizza sauce for pizza night.
Ingredients. Pizza sauce leans on a relatively basic recipe with fewer ingredients to highlight the toppings. Marinara incorporates additional ingredients like onions, garlic, and bay leaves for a more robust flavor.
How to Choose Between Pizza Sauce and Marinara
The most important thing to consider is your dish. If you’re making a pizza, stick with traditional pizza sauce to ensure the right texture and flavor balance. For pasta dishes like spaghetti or chicken parmesan, marinara is the better choice due to its richness and thinner consistency.
Marinara vs Pizza Sauce: Similarities
While marinara and pizza sauce are distinct in purpose and preparation, they share many similar ingredients and characteristics that make them staples of Italian cuisine. Here’s what connects these two beloved tomato-based sauces.
Tomato Base
Both sauces use fresh tomatoes as their primary ingredient, often featuring high-quality varieties like San Marzano tomatoes, plum tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes. This creates a rich and flavorful red sauce that’s the foundation of their appeal.
Common Ingredients
Both marinara and pizza sauce share key ingredients that contribute to their classic taste, including.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning (a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- A touch of red pepper flakes for heat.
These shared components give both sauces a characteristic flavor that pairs well with Italian dishes.
Versatility in Italian Cuisine
Both sauces are essential Italian sauces and can be used in multiple dishes. Marinara and pizza sauce can serve as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, a base for meatball subs, or a topping for dishes like chicken parmesan or Italian sausage sandwiches.
Pantry Staples
Both marinara and pizza sauce are often considered pantry staples, whether homemade or store-bought. Jars of sauce are commonly found in grocery stores, offering convenient options for quick meals.
Easy to Customize
Both sauces are adaptable and can include additional ingredients like fresh herbs, spices, or even vegetables, depending on the dish and the cook’s personal preference.
Tomato Sauce Choices
At their core, marinara and pizza sauce are both types of tomato sauce, showcasing the versatility and flavor of this essential ingredient in different forms.
While marinara and pizza sauce have distinct differences in consistency, preparation, and specific use, these similarities underscore their shared roots in traditional Italian cooking. Both are delicious, easy to make, and capable of elevating a wide variety of dishes.
Can you use marinara sauce on pizza?
Yes, you can use marinara on pizza, but it may result in a softer crust since marinara has a thinner consistency.
What makes a good pizza sauce?
The best pizza sauce uses a popular brand of San Marzano tomatoes, is slightly sweet with a thick consistency, and incorporates fresh or dried herbs for flavor.
Can pizza sauce be used for pasta?
Yes, pizza sauce can work as a substitute for spaghetti sauce, but you might need to thin it out with water or broth and add Italian seasoning for more flavor.
How long does ragu pizza sauce last in the fridge?
According to RAGÚ®’s official guidelines, once opened, their tomato-based sauces, including pizza sauce, should be used within five days when properly refrigerated.
To maximize the shelf life of your pizza sauce, ensure it’s stored in an airtight container and kept at a consistent refrigerator temperature. Always inspect the sauce for any signs of spoilage, such as mold growth, off-putting odors, or changes in color or texture, before use. If any of these signs are present, it’s best to discard the sauce to avoid potential foodborne illness.
For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and use it within three months for optimal quality. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the sauce’s texture, so it’s advisable to stir it well after thawing before use.
Both pizza sauce and marinara are staples in Italian cooking, but their distinct characteristics make them suited for different recipes. Whether you’re preparing homemade pizza with the freshest ingredients or crafting a bowl of pasta with a rich, flavorful pasta sauce, understanding these sauces ensures you’ll always make the right choice. Whether you prefer the combination of simplicity in pizza sauce or the complex flavors of marinara, these popular sauces are sure to enhance your next meal.
References
Ragu. Ragu FAQ.
The Kitchn. Is There a Difference Between Pizza Sauce and Pasta Sauce?
