What Type of Sauce Goes on Pizza? (16 Best Sauces)

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world.

It’s a go-to meal for many people because it’s affordable, filling, and can be customized to suit anyone’s taste.

One of the best things about pizza is that there are so many different ways to enjoy it.

One way to change up your pizza game is by trying out different sauces.

Sauce can make or break a pizza, so it’s important to choose wisely.

In this post, I will share 16 types of sauces that go great on pizza.

From classic tomato sauce to more unique options like pesto and Alfredo, there’s something for everyone!

What Type of Sauce Goes on Pizza?

There are many types of sauces that can go on pizza. The most popular type is tomato sauce, but there are also other options such as garlic sauce, olive oil, pesto, and Alfredo sauce. You can also get creative and make your own sauce.

Still looking for ideas?

No problem!

Simply keep scrolling!

Here are 16 sauces that go well on pizza:

1. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious!

But sometimes, you want to put your own spin on things.

Here are a few ideas for how to make tomato sauce your own:

• Add some spice with crushed red pepper flakes, or go for a smoky flavor with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• For a sweeter sauce, add a bit of honey or brown sugar.
• And of course, you can always experiment with different herbs and spices. Basil, oregano, and thyme are all classic choices, but get creative and see what you like best.

Toppings that compliment this sauce:

• Pepperoni, sausage, and ham are all classics, but feel free to get creative with your toppings. Chicken, shrimp, and even tofu all work well with tomato sauce.
• Vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives are also great additions. Just be sure to cook them before adding them to your pizza so they don’t make the crust soggy.
• Finally, don’t forget the cheese! Mozzarella is the most popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other types like cheddar, Parmesan, or even goat cheese.

2. Pizza Sauce

I’m sure you’ve seen pizza sauces in grocery stores, but have you ever thought about making your own?

It’s actually quite easy, and you can tailor it to your own taste.

To make a basic pizza sauce, simply combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

You can also add in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Once the sauce is blended, simply cook it over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

One of the great things about making your own pizza sauce is that you can add in whatever flavors you like.

If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

If you like things on the sweeter side, add a tablespoon or two of sugar.

You can also add in other herbs and spices such as oregano or basil.

One of my favorite things to do is to add a bit of balsamic vinegar to my pizza sauce.

It gives it a nice depth of flavor that really compliments the other ingredients.

Give it a try next time you make pizza sauce and see for yourself!

3. Pesto Sauce

Traditional pesto tastes bright and herby, with a strong flavor of basil.

But there are endless ways to make pesto your own.

You can use any type of herb you like, or even a mix of herbs.

I like to use a mix of basil, cilantro, and mint.

You can also add in different types of nuts or seeds, such as pistachios, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.

And for a bit of heat, you can add in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

As for toppings, pesto goes great with just about anything.

You can keep it simple with just cheese and tomato, or get creative with some of your favorite toppings.

One of my favorite twists is to top my pesto pizza with roasted Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon.

This combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!

4. Salsa and Refried Beans

Alright, I know salsa and refried beans sounds like an odd combination, but trust me on this one.

The salsa provides a nice freshness and crunch, while the refried beans add a creaminess and heartiness.

Plus, this sauce is super easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.

Simply combine your favorite salsa with some refried beans (I like to use black beans) and voila!

You’ve got yourself a delicious pizza sauce.

As for toppings, I like to keep it simple with just cheese and maybe some chopped onions or peppers.

But feel free to get creative – this sauce goes great with just about anything.

Now, for my unique twist: try adding some chopped up bacon or chorizo sausage.

It sounds weird, but it’s SO good.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

5. Ranch Dressing

Although not technically a sauce, ranch dressing is a delicious and versatile topping for pizza.

Ranch dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices.

You can easily make your own ranch dressing at home with a few simple ingredients, or you can buy it pre-made at the store.

I like to add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and dill to my homemade ranch dressing.

Toppings that compliment ranch dressing on pizza include chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and green onions.

For a unique twist, try adding barbecue sauce to your ranch dressing pizza.

6. Mayonnaise (Just Trust Me)

Yes, even mayonnaise can be delicious on pizza.

I know it may sound strange, but trust me on this one.

This sauce is actually quite versatile and can be made to suit your own personal preferences.

1. To make the sauce, simply combine equal parts mayonnaise and tomato paste.
2. Then, add in your favorite seasonings. I like to use garlic, oregano, and basil. You can also add a bit of Parmesan cheese if you want a cheesier flavor.
3. Once the sauce is seasoned to your liking, simply spread it on your pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings.

I think this sauce pairs well with sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, but you can really use any toppings you like.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try my unique twist on this recipe and add some chopped up bacon to the sauce.

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

7. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is thick and creamy, with a rich flavor that is perfect for pizza.

This sauce is traditionally made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

I like to add a bit of garlic to my Alfredo sauce to give it some extra flavor.

You can also add other herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Alfredo sauce is delicious with chicken, shrimp, or even just vegetables.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try it with a breakfast pizza.

Just top your favorite pizza dough with Alfredo sauce, eggs, bacon, and shredded cheese.

8. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is often tangy, spicy, and/or sweet, making it the perfect topping for pizza.

You can use store-bought BBQ sauce, or you can make your own.

If you opt to make your own, you can control the level of sweetness, spice, and tanginess.

1. To make your own BBQ sauce, simply combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a saucepan.
2. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes, or until it has thickened.

For a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar.

For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

You can also add a bit of liquid smoke to give the sauce a smoky flavor.

When it comes to toppings, BBQ chicken pizza is always a hit.

The sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and the smoky flavor of the cheese.

I also like to add red onions and cilantro to my BBQ chicken pizzas.

Another great option is a pulled pork pizza.

The pork is cooked in the BBQ sauce until it is nice and tender.

Then it is shredded and added to the pizza along with some sharp cheddar cheese.

If you want to go veggie, try a BBQ sauce pizza with roasted red peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

9. Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce

This tangy and spicy sauce is perfect for those who like their pizza with a little bit of a kick.

The sauce is made with hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, and can be easily customized to your liking.

If you want a more intense flavor, add more hot sauce. If you want it to be creamier, add more butter.

And if you want it to be tangier, add more vinegar.

You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce to find the perfect flavor for you.

Once you’ve perfected the sauce, it’s time to start thinking about toppings.

This sauce goes great with chicken, onions, and green peppers.

You could also add some crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for an extra bit of flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try topping your pizza with buffalo chicken wing sauce and ranch dressing.

10. Olive Oil

I know olive oil isn’t a sauce per se, but it’s a great way to enhance the flavor of your pizza.

Simply drizzle olive oil over your favorite pizza, and you’re good to go.

You can also add some garlic or herbs for extra flavor.

If you’re looking for a more traditional sauce, simply combine olive oil with crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

This sauce is delicious on its own, but you can also add some Parmesan cheese or other toppings to really make it your own.

One of my favorite twists on this sauce is to add some caramelized onions and goat cheese.

The sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese, and it’s a truly unique pizza experience.

11. Garlic Sauce

I love the flavor of garlic on my pizza. I usually make my own garlic sauce, which is really easy to do.

I start with a base of olive oil and garlic, and then add some tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

I also like to add a bit of oregano and basil for extra flavor.

You can really make this sauce your own by adding any other herbs or spices that you like.

Once the sauce is made, simply spread it on your pizza dough and then top with your favorite toppings.

I love to top my garlic pizzas with sausage, peppers, and onions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a garlic sauce on a dessert pizza.

Just top with some fruit and a drizzle of honey.

12. Marinara Sauce

I love the taste of a fresh, homemade marinara sauce on pizza.

This type of sauce is simple to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste.

I like to add a lot of garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to mine, but you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

To make the sauce, simply simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and your desired spices in a pot until it reaches the desired consistency.

Once the sauce is done, it’s time to top your pizza.

I like to keep things simple with just cheese and pepperoni, but you could also add mushrooms, onions, or green peppers.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a white pizza with this sauce.

Simply omit the tomato sauce and top the pizza with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and your desired toppings.

13. White Sauce

White sauce is silky, buttery and creamy, and it’s a delicious alternative to red sauce on pizza.

You can make your own white sauce at home with just a few simple ingredients, and it’s a great way to customize your pizza.

To make white sauce, simply melt butter in a pan and then add flour and milk.

Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

I like to add a bit of garlic and onion powder to my white sauce.

Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, simply spread it over your pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings.

I love to top my white pizzas with grilled chicken, bacon, and spinach.

But really, you can top your pizza with anything you like.

White sauce is also a great base for dessert pizzas.

Simply spread the sauce over your crust, top with sliced fruit or chocolate chips, and bake until warm and bubbly.

14. Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

If green sauce is your cup of tea, then you’re in for a treat.

This sauce is traditionally made with cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream, but I like to add a bit of mayo to mine for extra creaminess.

You can also add in some lime juice for a brighter flavor.

This sauce is amazing on pizza, and I like to top mine with chicken, bacon, and onions.

The sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the spice of the jalapeños and the acidity of the lime juice.

If you’re looking for a pizza sauce that will really wow your guests, give this one a try.

15. Yellow Sauce (Spicy and Versatile Aji Amarillo Sauce)

How about some spice on your next pizza night?

This Peruvian yellow sauce, also known as Aji Amarillo, is the perfect way to add some heat to your pizza.

The sauce is made with aji amarillo peppers, which are native to Peru and have a fruity flavor with a hint of spice.

You can find these peppers at your local Latin market or online.

If you can’t find them, you can substitute with another type of chili pepper.

To make the sauce, simply combine the peppers with some water, vinegar, garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

You can then adjust the level of spice by adding more or less peppers.

This sauce is also quite versatile and can be used on other dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or even chicken wings.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this sauce is on a pizza with grilled chicken, bacon, and pineapple.

The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the heat of the sauce.

So go ahead and give it a try on your next pizza night!

16. Brown Sauce

I absolutely love brown sauce on my pizza.

I know it’s not a traditional sauce, but it’s so good!

The key to making this sauce your own is to experiment with the spices.

I like to add a lot of garlic and onion powder, as well as some crushed red pepper flakes.

This gives the sauce a nice kick without being too spicy.

You can also add some Italian seasoning or oregano for extra flavor.

As for toppings, I think brown sauce goes great with sausage, mushrooms, and onions.

But really, you can put anything on a pizza with brown sauce and it will be delicious!

One of my unique twists is to add a bit of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.

This gives it a slight sweetness that is really delicious.