Pizza

Can You Use Marinara Sauce for Pizza?

Pizza has a history in America, but that is not to say you should make it exactly as your grandparents did. Today you can make pizza using different sauces using homemade pizzas. 

What kind of pizza do people love? Is it possible to use marinara on pizza? Often, the question comes up. For a fresh and original take on an old favorite, marinara is an alternative to tomato sauce on pizza crusts. The sweetness of tomato mixed with oregano and garlic produces flavors suitable for serving on breadsticks or braising for appetizers after dinner.

So, what is the difference between marinara and other tomato sauces, and what can you use it for besides pasta? 

Does Marinara Sauce Work on Pizza?

You might be thinking, “Can you use marinara sauce for pizza?” Marinara sauce and pizza sauce have the same fundamental components, so you can use marinara on a pizza instead of other tomato-based sauces. 

On a particularly soft pizza, a marinara sauce might not work as well since the liquid consistency can get sucked into the dough, making it difficult to taste. A crispier pizza will absorb less sauce and work better with marinara sauce.

If you use a marinara sauce on your pizza, the result will be a pizza with a much deeper flavor. The lengthy cooking method for marinara adds a layer of complexity to the sauce, which is noticeable from the first bite.

What Is Marinara Sauce?

The majority of us think of marinara when we think of tomato sauce. Marinara is actually just a thinner version of standard tomato sauce, and people usually put it on pasta.

Garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and herbs like basil and oregano give the sauce its distinct flavor. You can use any tomato variety to create marinara, although San Marzano or plum tomatoes work best according to some people.

Marinara sauce is ideal for pasta and pizza since it has a basic taste profile. It may be called “pizza sauce” at the store.

Pizza vs Marinara Sauce: What’s the Key Difference?

When it comes down to it, the difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce isn’t significant. Marinara sauce is often a basic tomato-based sauce with aromatic additions like onions and garlic. 

Depending on personal taste, other flavors and herbs such as basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes blend in nicely. Marinara sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, as well as a pizza sauce, or added to pasta.

Spaghetti sauce employs the same foundation components but adds meat or veggies to take it to the next level. It results in a thicker sauce, which people sometimes call a “meat sauce.”

How Each Sauce Was Developed

Marinara sauce may be traced back to the 16th century when tomatoes first arrived in Europe. It has become a beloved recipe not just in Italy, but also across the world since then, particularly in the United States.

The traditional Italian recipe “alla marinara” refers to a tomato, basil, and oregano-based sauce. You can, however, make a variety of marinara sauces with olives.

Pizza sauce has a long history, almost as long as the pizza itself. Pizza sauce was born the moment someone spread pureed tomatoes over a slice of bread.

Pizza was conceived in 1889 as a present for King Umberto and Queen Margherita by Raffaele Esposito, chef at Pizzeria Brandiin in Naples. He placed the red tomatoes, green basil, and white cheese to mimic the Italian flag on the pizza.

What Else Can Marinara Sauce Be Used For?

Marinara sauce works in a variety of dishes. If you use it instead of generic tomato sauce, you’ll notice a huge difference. Are you ready to go on your first marinara adventure? Here are a few delectable suggestions:

  • Chicken Afritada: Despite its Italian origins, marinara works in various Spanish-Filipino dishes, including this classic.
  • Menudo: Menudo, another Filipino delicacy, is a substantial pork dinner anchored by a thick tomato sauce.
  • Marinara Meatballs: Make some meatballs, fry them, simmer them in marinara sauce, toss in some spaghetti, and you’re done! There you have it, classic meatball spaghetti.
  • Minestrone: You may make this excellent colorful soup using marinara sauce instead of canned chopped tomatoes.
  • Shakshuka: Don’t be fooled by the unfamiliar name; this meal is quite simple to prepare. It’s a fantastic egg and tomato sauce meal!
  • Fish Parmigiana: The acidity of the marinara wonderfully balances the freshness of the fish.
  • Mozzarella sticks: The reliable marinara will always be the best companion to gooey, crispy mozzarella sticks.

In Conclusion

Marinara sauce, often known as tomato sauce, is a simple combination that adds flavor to various dishes, including pizza. Whether you buy it from the store or make your own, you’ll always have a use for this tomato sauce in your home.