Pizza Perfection: A Pizza Expert’s Guide to the Best Store-Bought Pizza Sauces
Creating the perfect pizza at home can feel like an art. While mastering the dough and selecting the freshest toppings are crucial, the unsung hero of a truly exceptional pizza is the sauce. But let’s face it, not everyone has the time or inclination to simmer a homemade sauce for hours. That’s where store-bought pizza sauces come in. But with so many options lining the shelves, how do you choose the best one? Fear not, pizza enthusiasts! As a seasoned pizza maker with years of experience crafting both traditional Neapolitan pies and innovative gourmet pizzas, I’m here to guide you through the often-confusing world of store-bought pizza sauces.
This guide isn’t just about listing brands; it’s about understanding what makes a great pizza sauce, identifying key ingredients to look for (and avoid), and ultimately, helping you choose the perfect sauce to elevate your homemade pizza game.
## What Makes a Great Pizza Sauce?
Before diving into specific brands, let’s break down the characteristics of a truly outstanding pizza sauce. The ideal sauce should possess a balance of flavors, a pleasing texture, and the ability to complement, not overpower, your toppings. Here are the key factors I consider:
* **Flavor:** This is paramount. A great pizza sauce should be bright, slightly sweet, and possess a noticeable tomato flavor. The best sauces achieve this naturally, without relying on excessive sugar or artificial flavorings. The tomato flavor should be fresh and vibrant, not tinny or processed.
* **Acidity:** Tomatoes are naturally acidic, and that acidity needs to be balanced. Too much acidity can make the pizza taste sour, while too little can result in a bland, flat flavor. The best sauces use high-quality tomatoes and a careful cooking process to achieve the perfect balance.
* **Sweetness:** A touch of sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the acidity. However, the sweetness should be subtle and derived from the tomatoes themselves, not from added sugar. I prefer sauces that let the natural sweetness of the tomatoes shine through.
* **Texture:** The texture should be smooth and spreadable, but not watery or overly thin. A good sauce should cling to the dough without soaking it, providing a consistent layer of flavor in every bite. It should be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that it’s difficult to spread.
* **Ingredients:** High-quality ingredients are non-negotiable. Look for sauces made with ripe, flavorful tomatoes (such as San Marzano or Roma), extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, and basil. Avoid sauces with excessive amounts of sugar, salt, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
* **Balance:** All the elements mentioned above must come together in harmony. The sauce shouldn’t be too sweet, too acidic, too salty, or too bland. It should be a well-balanced symphony of flavors that enhances the overall pizza experience.
## Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Reading the ingredient list is crucial when choosing a store-bought pizza sauce. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the labels:
**Ingredients to Look For:**
* **High-Quality Tomatoes:** San Marzano tomatoes are widely considered the gold standard for pizza sauce, but Roma tomatoes are also a great choice. Look for sauces that specify the type of tomatoes used and whether they are peeled, crushed, or whole.
* **Extra Virgin Olive Oil:** This adds richness and flavor to the sauce. It’s a sign of a higher-quality product.
* **Garlic:** A touch of garlic enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.
* **Oregano:** This classic Italian herb adds a warm, earthy note.
* **Basil:** Fresh basil provides a bright, aromatic flavor.
* **Salt:** Salt is necessary to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, but it should be used sparingly.
* **Black Pepper:** A pinch of black pepper can add a subtle kick.
**Ingredients to Avoid:**
* **Added Sugar:** While a touch of sweetness is desirable, excessive sugar is a red flag. It often masks the flavor of inferior tomatoes.
* **High Fructose Corn Syrup:** This is a highly processed sweetener that should be avoided.
* **Artificial Flavors:** These are a sign that the sauce is lacking in natural flavor.
* **Preservatives:** While some preservatives are necessary to extend shelf life, excessive amounts can alter the flavor of the sauce. Look for sauces with minimal preservatives.
* **Vegetable Oils (Other Than Olive Oil):** These oils are often used as cheaper alternatives to olive oil and can negatively impact the flavor and texture of the sauce.
* **Citric Acid:** While citric acid can be naturally occurring in tomatoes, it is sometimes added as a preservative or to adjust the acidity of the sauce. Excessive amounts can make the sauce taste sour.
## My Top Picks: Best Store-Bought Pizza Sauces (According to a Pizza Expert)
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: my recommendations for the best store-bought pizza sauces, based on flavor, ingredients, and overall quality. I’ve tested dozens of brands, and these are the ones that consistently deliver exceptional results.
**1. Bianco DiNapoli Organic Pizza Sauce:**
* **Why it’s great:** Bianco DiNapoli uses organically grown, vine-ripened tomatoes from California. The sauce is incredibly fresh, bright, and naturally sweet, with a clean tomato flavor that shines through. It has a slightly chunky texture that I find very appealing. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward: organic tomatoes, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic basil, organic oregano, salt, and black pepper.
* **Flavor Profile:** Bright, fresh, naturally sweet, clean tomato flavor.
* **Texture:** Slightly chunky, spreadable.
* **Ingredients:** Organic tomatoes, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic basil, organic oregano, salt, and black pepper.
* **Where to find it:** Available at many specialty grocery stores and online retailers.
* **Tips for using:** I love using this sauce as is, but you can also customize it by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a clove of minced garlic.
**2. Mutti Pizza Sauce:**
* **Why it’s great:** Mutti is an Italian brand renowned for its high-quality tomato products. Their pizza sauce is made with 100% Italian tomatoes and has a rich, intense tomato flavor. It’s slightly thicker than Bianco DiNapoli and has a smooth, velvety texture. The ingredient list is minimal: tomatoes, salt, basil, and oregano.
* **Flavor Profile:** Rich, intense tomato flavor, slightly sweet, herbaceous.
* **Texture:** Smooth, velvety, thick.
* **Ingredients:** Tomatoes, salt, basil, oregano.
* **Where to find it:** Available at many grocery stores and online retailers.
* **Tips for using:** This sauce is fantastic on its own, but you can also add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
**3. Rao’s Homemade Pizza Sauce:**
* **Why it’s great:** Rao’s is known for its premium Italian sauces, and their pizza sauce is no exception. It’s made with Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The sauce has a complex, savory flavor and a slightly rustic texture. It’s a bit more expensive than other store-bought sauces, but the quality is worth the price.
* **Flavor Profile:** Complex, savory, slightly rustic, herbaceous.
* **Texture:** Slightly rustic, spreadable.
* **Ingredients:** Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper.
* **Where to find it:** Available at most grocery stores and online retailers.
* **Tips for using:** This sauce is already well-seasoned, so you don’t need to add much. I recommend using it sparingly to avoid overpowering your toppings.
**4. Cento Certified San Marzano Pizza Sauce:**
* **Why it’s great:** If you’re looking for a sauce made with authentic San Marzano tomatoes, Cento is a great option. This sauce is made with DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region of Italy. It has a bright, acidic flavor and a slightly watery texture. The ingredient list is simple: San Marzano tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, and basil.
* **Flavor Profile:** Bright, acidic, clean tomato flavor.
* **Texture:** Slightly watery, spreadable.
* **Ingredients:** San Marzano tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, basil.
* **Where to find it:** Available at many specialty grocery stores and online retailers.
* **Tips for using:** Because this sauce is a bit watery, I recommend draining off some of the excess liquid before using it. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help thicken it up.
**5. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Pizza Sauce:**
* **Why it’s great:** For a more budget-friendly option, the Whole Foods 365 brand organic pizza sauce is a solid choice. It uses organic tomatoes and a simple ingredient list similar to the other top contenders: organic tomato puree, water, organic extra virgin olive oil, salt, organic oregano, organic garlic powder, and organic basil. The flavor is reliably good and the price point is very accessible.
* **Flavor Profile:** Balanced tomato flavor, slightly sweet, herbaceous.
* **Texture:** Smooth, spreadable.
* **Ingredients:** Organic tomato puree, water, organic extra virgin olive oil, salt, organic oregano, organic garlic powder, and organic basil.
* **Where to find it:** Whole Foods Market stores and online.
* **Tips for using:** This is a great base to customize. Add some red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
## How to Use Store-Bought Pizza Sauce Like a Pro
Even the best store-bought pizza sauce can benefit from a little TLC. Here are some tips for using store-bought pizza sauce like a pro:
* **Taste Before Using:** Always taste the sauce before using it. This will give you an idea of its flavor profile and allow you to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
* **Don’t Overdo It:** Less is often more when it comes to pizza sauce. Use just enough to lightly coat the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Too much sauce can make the pizza soggy.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. If it’s too bland, add a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or oregano. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
* **Simmer for Extra Flavor:** For a deeper, more complex flavor, simmer the sauce in a saucepan over low heat for 15-20 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Stir in some fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Experiment with Different Combinations:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and toppings to create your own signature pizza.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza with Store-Bought Sauce
Now that you’ve chosen your sauce, let’s walk through the process of making pizza at home:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, etc.)
* Olive oil, for drizzling
* Cornmeal or flour, for dusting
**Equipment:**
* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional)
* Large bowl
* Rolling pin or your hands
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, ideally 500-550°F (260-290°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will ensure that the stone is hot and ready to cook the pizza evenly.
2. **Prepare the dough:** If you’re using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into a 12-14 inch circle. If you’re using a pizza peel, dust it with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
3. **Add the sauce:** Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Use about 1/2 cup of sauce for a 12-14 inch pizza. Don’t overdo it, as too much sauce can make the pizza soggy.
4. **Add the cheese:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. You can use more or less cheese depending on your preference.
5. **Add the toppings:** Arrange your favorite toppings over the cheese. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of flavors and textures.
6. **Bake the pizza:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. If you’re using a pizza peel, give it a gentle shake to ensure that the pizza is not sticking. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Let it cool slightly:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
8. **Garnish and serve:** Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil or oregano, if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
## Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Pizza
* **Use a Pizza Stone:** A pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust by absorbing moisture from the dough. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crispy.
* **Preheat the Stone:** Preheat the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza. This will ensure that the stone is hot and ready to cook the pizza evenly.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will have a significant impact on the flavor of your pizza. Use high-quality tomatoes, cheese, and toppings for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pizza:** Adding too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and difficult to cook evenly. Use a moderate amount of toppings to ensure that the pizza cooks properly.
* **Rotate the Pizza:** If your oven has hot spots, rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure that it cooks evenly.
* **Experiment with Different Doughs:** There are many different types of pizza dough to choose from, including thin crust, thick crust, and Neapolitan-style dough. Experiment with different doughs to find your favorite.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Try adding roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or artisanal cheeses.
## Beyond Pizza: Other Uses for Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce isn’t just for pizza! Here are some other creative ways to use store-bought pizza sauce:
* **Pasta Sauce:** Pizza sauce makes a great base for pasta sauce. Simply simmer it with some garlic, onions, and herbs for a quick and easy meal.
* **Dipping Sauce:** Warm up some pizza sauce and use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or chicken nuggets.
* **Soup Base:** Add pizza sauce to vegetable broth to create a flavorful soup base. You can add vegetables, beans, or pasta to make a heartier soup.
* **Shakshuka:** Use pizza sauce as the base for shakshuka, a Middle Eastern and North African dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce.
* **Meatloaf Glaze:** Brush pizza sauce over meatloaf before baking for a tangy and flavorful glaze.
* **Marinara Sauce:** With a few tweaks, pizza sauce can easily become a delicious marinara sauce. Simply adjust the seasoning to your liking.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right store-bought pizza sauce can be the key to creating a truly delicious homemade pizza. By understanding what makes a great sauce, reading ingredient labels carefully, and experimenting with different brands, you can find the perfect sauce to suit your taste. So, go ahead and elevate your pizza game with one of my top picks – and get ready to enjoy pizza perfection in the comfort of your own home!