11 Spices That Go Well Go in Pizza Sauce

Knowing what spices go in pizza sauce can be the difference between a good pizza and a great pizza.

While there are many spices that can be used in pizza sauce, there are eleven that stand out above the rest.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the 11 best spices for pizza sauce, as well as how to use them.

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what spices go in pizza sauce

11 Spices That Go Well Go in Pizza Sauce

I take pizza night very seriously (as I’m sure you do, too).

So when it comes to making the perfect pizza sauce, I only settle for the best spices.

After all, the sauce is what ties the whole pizza together.

Here are 11 of the best spices to put in your pizza sauce:

1. Garlic Powder

Garlic Powder

If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder is the next best thing.

It’s a key ingredient in many dishes, including pizza sauce.

Garlic powder adds both flavor and texture to the sauce.

A little goes a long way, so start with a few dashes and add more to taste.

There are different types of garlic powder available, including granulated, flaked, and ground.

Each has its own distinct flavor, so experiment to see which you prefer.

2. Onion Powder

Onion Powder

Nobody likes crying while they cook, which is why onion powder is such a great alternative to fresh onions.

It has all the flavor of a fresh onion without the tears. Just a little bit of onion powder goes a long way, so be careful not to add too much.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

There are two types of onion powder: granulated and flaked.

Granulated onion powder is made from dehydrated onions that have been ground into a fine powder.

Flaked onion powder is made from onions that have been dried and then flaked into small pieces.

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Both types of onion powder will give your pizza sauce a nice onion flavor, so it’s up to you which one you choose.

3. Oregano

Oregano

No pizza is complete without this classic herb. Oregano is key for adding that signature pizzeria flavor to your homemade pies.

It’s also great for adding a bit of zing to any Italian-inspired dish.

When it comes to using oregano, a little goes a long way.

Too much oregano can overpower the other flavors in your sauce, so start with a small amount and add more to taste.

There are two main types of oregano available: Mediterranean and Mexican.

Mediterranean oregano has a more pungent, earthy flavor, while Mexican oregano is milder and slightly sweeter.

Use whichever type you prefer, or a combination of both.

4. Basil

Basil

Basil is another super popular pizza spice.

It’s known for its sweet, peppery flavor and its ability to really tie a pizza together.

I like to use about 1/4 teaspoon of basil per pizza, but you can adjust this to your own taste.

There are many different types of basil available, but I think the most common ones used in pizza are Italian basil and sweet basil.

Both of these types of basil will give your pizza a nice, fresh flavor.

5. Thyme

Thyme

Thyme usually has a sharp, almost minty flavor that can really liven up a dish.

It’s a versatile herb that can be used in a lot of different ways, but I think it’s best in pizza sauce.

A little thyme goes a long way, so you don’t need to use too much.

Just a pinch or two should be enough to give your sauce a nice flavor.

There are a few different types of thyme available, but I think the best one to use for pizza sauce is the lemon thyme.

It has a slightly citrusy flavor that goes well with the tomato sauce.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary

Rosemary is sage-like and peppery (think: rosemary-infused olive oil).

It’s a strong herb, so a little goes a long way.

Because it’s so pungent, it’s often used as a garnish rather than an ingredient.

But when it comes to pizza sauce, rosemary is a must.

It adds a unique flavor that really ties the whole pizza together.

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There are two types of rosemary: fresh and dried.

Fresh rosemary has a more potent flavor, so you’ll need to use less of it.

Dried rosemary is more subtle, so you can use a bit more.

I prefer to use fresh rosemary when it’s available, but either type will work well in pizza sauce.

7. Red Pepper Flakes

Red Pepper Flakes

If you’re the type of person who likes a little bit of heat in their food, then red pepper flakes are the perfect way to add a little bit of spice to your pizza sauce.

Just a pinch or two of these flakes will add a nice bit of flavor to your sauce without making it too spicy.

There are different types of red pepper flakes available, so you can choose the level of heat that you want in your sauce.

  • For a milder sauce, you can use flakes that are made from bell peppers.
  • For a more medium sauce, you can use flakes that are made from cayenne peppers.
  • And for a hot sauce, you can use flakes that are made from habanero peppers.

8. Black Pepper

I always have black pepper on hand to add a little bit of spice to my dishes.

I love the flavor it gives to pizza sauce. Just a pinch or two is all you need to really bring out the flavor of the tomatoes.

I prefer to use freshly ground black pepper, but you can use pre-ground pepper if that’s what you have on hand.

There are also different types of black pepper available, such as Tellicherry and Malabar.

I think that Tellicherry pepper has a more complex flavor, while Malabar is a bit spicier.

9. Paprika

Paprika has a special place in my heart when it comes to pizza sauce.

It’s a perfect balance of sweet and smoky, and it gives the sauce a beautiful red hue.

I always use smoked paprika, as it gives the sauce an extra depth of flavor.

I would recommend using about 1 teaspoon of paprika per 1/2 cup of sauce.

As for the types of paprika available, I prefer Hungarian paprika, but you can also use Spanish paprika.

10. Fennel Seed

This one doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

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Fennel seed is a key ingredient in Italian sausage and gives the same anise-like flavor to your pizza sauce.

I like to use about a teaspoon per batch of sauce.

It’s worth noting that there are different types of fennel seed available.

Some are more potent than others, so adjust the amount you use accordingly.

11. Salt

I of course had to include salt in my list of essential spices for pizza sauce.

Salt is a key ingredient in any dish, but it is especially important in pizza sauce.

The salt helps to bring out all the other flavors in the sauce and gives it a nice depth of flavor.

It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

I recommend using a good quality sea salt or Himalayan salt for this recipe.

You don’t need a lot, just a couple of pinches.

You can always add more salt to taste.

There are many different types of salt available on the market these days.

I prefer to use sea salt or Himalayan salt because I find they have a more complex flavor than table salt.

However, you can use whatever type of salt you prefer.

Just remember to taste your sauce before adding the salt so you don’t end up with a too salty sauce.

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what spices go well in pizza sauce

11 Spices That Go Well Go in Pizza Sauce

When you're craving pizza, there's nothing quite like a slice (or five) of your favorite pie. But what makes a good pizza sauce? Is it the tomatoes? The spices? The cheese?
The answer is all of the above! A good pizza sauce is a balance of sweetness from the tomatoes, spice from the herbs and garlic, and creaminess from the cheese.
Here are 11 spices that go well in pizza sauce!
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 2 minutes
Course Herbs, Sauce, Spices
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 27 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Black Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Fennel Seed
  • Salt

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite spices from this list to add to your pizza sauce recipe.
  • Prepare the rest of your meal.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword what spices go in pizza sauce