Pizza and pasta – two Italian favorites that are ubiquitous in American cuisine. But what gives these treats their iconic, coveted flavor? Sauce of course! Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are two tomato-based sauces that are essential ingredients in pizza and pasta dishes. But what exactly is the difference between pizza sauce and marinara sauce?
In this blog post, “Pizza Sauce vs Marinara” we’re going to dive into the details of these two sauces, looking at their ingredients, flavors, textures, and best uses so you have can determine when to use each type. Whether you’re looking to improve your homemade pizza or pasta or just want to become an expert in Italian sauces, read on to learn all about the similarities and differences between pie sauces. pizza and marinara!
The Origins of Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce
Pizza Sauce
The origins of Pizza Sauce can be traced back to the classic Neapolitan pizza from Italy. Traditional pizza sauce has been made with tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano and basil for centuries. It was originally used on flatbreads called “pizzaiola” in Naples before being adopted around the world as a quick and easy topping for pizzas. Nowadays, pizza sauce is readily available in most supermarkets, usually sold pre-made in cans or jars.
This pizza sauce typically contains cooked tomatoes (or tomato paste), salt, sugar and spices like oregano with extra seasonings added depending on the brand. The combination of these ingredients provides the perfect base for any type of pizza – so when deciding between pizza sauce and marinara it’s all about personal preference!
Whether you choose traditional Italian flavors or zesty American-style toppings, both offer unique flavor profiles that will make your dish stand out! Pizza sauce vs. Marinara can invoke different taste sensations depending on your mood – so experiment and find what suits you best!
Marinara Sauce
The origins of Marinara Sauce can be traced back to the classic Neapolitan cooking style from Italy. The traditional Marinara Sauce is made with tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano and other herbs and spices. It was originally used on flatbreads called “pizzaiola” in Naples before becoming popular around the world as a condiment for pastas, pizzas and many other Italian dishes. Nowadays it’s usually pre-made and available in stores ready to use.
Marinara Sauce commonly features cooked tomatoes (or tomato paste), salt, sugar and spices like oregano for an added flavor kick plus any other special seasonings depending on the brand you get. This combination gives a delightful tangy/sweet flavor profile that will enhance any dish!
So when choosing between these two sauces – Pizza Sauce vs Marinara – it’s all about personal preference! Whether you go for classic Italian flavors or zesty American-style toppings – both offer unique taste profiles that make your meal truly unique. Experiment and find what suits your palate best!
Pizza Sauce vs. Marinara Sauce: What’s the Difference?
Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are two popular tomato-based sauces that are often used in Italian recipes. While they may appear similar, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Pizza sauce tends to be thicker and richer in flavor than marinara sauce. This is because it’s designed to hold up against the high heat and moisture of pizza dough. Pizza sauce is also typically seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil to enhance its flavor profile.
Marinara sauce, on the other hand, is thinner and has a more straightforward tomato flavor. It’s made from simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings such as salt and black pepper.
While both sauces can be used in various dishes, pizza sauce is specifically formulated for pizza while marinara sauce is more versatile and can be used in everything from pasta dishes to stews and casseroles.
How to Make Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce from Scratch
Pizza Sauce
1. Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes and herbs (basil and oregano). Stir to combine before reducing the heat to low-medium for about 10 minutes or until desired thickness is reached .
4. Once sauce has thickened, season with salt and black pepper to taste before adding any additional ingredients like sugar or Parmesan cheese if desired.
5. Use immediately as pizza sauce or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
6. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating on stovetop over low heat till warm throughout – stir occasionally while reheating!
Marinara
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, and add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste and oregano (optional).
3. Reduce the heat to low-medium for about 10 minutes or until desired thickness is reached. Stir occasionally while simmering.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before adding any additional ingredients like sugar or Parmesan cheese if desired (optional).
5. Use immediately as marinara sauce or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer once cooled down completely after cooking..
6. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating on stovetop over low heat till warm throughout – stir occasionally while reheating!
Taste Test: Pizza Sauce vs. Marinara Sauce
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce has a thicker texture and richer flavor than marinara since it is made with Italian tomatoes and uses herbs like garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The added depth of flavor from the spices makes it great for creating truly mouth-watering pizzas. However, the thickness can make it difficult to spread evenly across an entire pizza or other dish without adding extra time in preparation.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce has a simple taste with only garlic and oregano as its main ingredients. The thin consistency makes it easier to spread quickly over a dish or pizza compared to pizza sauce. On the other hand, pizza sauce has a thicker texture and a richer flavor due to the use of Italian tomatoes and herbs, including garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference, and both can be used to create delicious dishes.
After trying both sauces, I preferred the richer, more robust flavor of the pizza sauce. The marinara was good but had a flatter, less complex flavor. The pizza sauce seems like it would add more to a dish and pair well with heartier foods like pizza or meatballs. Based on this taste test, I’d choose the pizza sauce over the marinara for most uses. But the marinara sauce has its place for lighter dishes that don’t need as much punch.
Pizza Sauce vs. Marinara Sauce: Which is Healthier?
Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are similar yet different in important ways that impact their healthfulness. Here are the main points to consider:
Ingredients: Pizza sauce tends to have more added sugar, salt and fat compared to marinara sauce. This is because pizza sauce usually contains ingredients like vegetable oil, butter and high-fructose corn syrup to make it thicker and sweeter. Traditional marinara sauce uses olive oil, herbs and little to no added sugar.
Nutritional profile: As a result of the different ingredients, marinara sauce is generally lower in calories and higher in antioxidants. A typical 2 tablespoon serving of marinara sauce has around 25 calories and no fat. The same serving of pizza sauce can range from 45 to 60 calories with 3 to 5 grams of fat.
Flavor: Pizza sauce has a distinctive sweet and tangy flavor designed to complement the richness of cheese and cured meats on pizza. Marinara sauce tends to be more savory and garlic-forward, highlighting the flavors of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Related post: How To Thicken Pizza Sauce?
What Spices and Herbs are Used in Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce?
Pizza Sauce
Usually crafted from Italian tomatoes, Pizza Sauce incorporates seasonings such as garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and scarlet pepper flakes. These constituents impart a flavor intensity that elevates pizza sauce to be ideal for whipping up truly drool-worthy pizzas. This medley of components within Pizza Sauce delivers health-boosting benefits such as curbing inflammation, fortifying cardiovascular defenses, and combating cancer risks.
Marinara Sauce
Primarily mixed with garlic and optionally oregano, Marinara Sauce renders a simpler flavor profile compared to Pizza Sauce. The latter blends Italian tomatoes and aromatic elements like garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, along with the punch of black and red pepper flakes. These ingredients not only pack a rich taste but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits while boosting heart health and fighting off cancer.
Picking between these two savory sauces, both potentially nutritious, rests on individual preference. In the Marinara vs Pizza Sauce debate, neither emerges as superior—they both contribute unique taste dimensions to standout culinary creations!
Tips for Using Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce in Different Dishes
Pizza Sauce
1. For a delicious pizza base, spread your favorite brand of Pizza Sauce evenly over the dough and bake it in a preheated oven until golden.
2. Make a simple yet tasty side dish by cooking up some angel hair pasta or spaghetti and tossing it in warmed up Pizza Sauce before serving.
3. Create a creamy meatloaf with some ground beef, ricotta cheese, herbs, garlic and onion – then top with generous amounts of gooey Pizza Sauce before baking in an oven for about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
4. Spice up plain shepherd’s pie by adding layers of richness in flavor throughout the dish using Pizza Sauce as one layer – this also helps to keep the casserole moist during baking!
5. For a scrumptious appetizer try mini pizzas topped with thin slices of deli meats like salami & pepperoni along with thinly sliced vegetables such as onions & bell peppers – add dollops of flavorful Pizza Sauce over each bite-sized pizza creation before baking them off!
6. Swap out tomato sauce for an Italian-flavored twist on classic macaroni & cheese by mixing cooked macaroni noodles together with melted cheese and heated Pizza Sauce before baking it in an oven until golden.
Marinara Sauce
1. Create a classic Italian dish of spaghetti & meatballs by sautéing lean ground beef or turkey with herbs, garlic and onions – then simmer the mixture in Marinara Sauce to give it that authentic taste!
2. Add some Mediterranean flair to your meals with classic eggplant Parmesan – layer slices of cooked eggplant with grated mozzarella cheese and simmer in Marinara sauce for about 10-15 minutes before baking until golden brown.
3. For a tasty twist on traditional lasagna, create layers of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, cooked pasta noodles and plenty of savory Marinara Sauce – bake it in the oven until bubbly and lightly golden.
4. Spice up your breakfast with a savory egg dish – whisk together some eggs, garlic and parsley then pour into skillet over low heat and mix in generous amounts of heated Marinara Sauce for an Italian-inspired omelet!
5. Create a simple yet delicious soup by simmering diced tomatoes, onions, celery and carrots in broth – add some fresh herbs like basil & oregano then season with salt & pepper before finishing it off with cup of Marinara Sauce to make it truly special.
6. Make a quick appetizer spread featuring toasted slices of French bread topped with melted cheese, roasted vegetables & thin slices of cooked deli meats – then top it all off with a thin layer of warm Marinara Sauce for extra flavor.
Both Sauces
Both sauces pair well with cheese-based recipes like quesadillas and macaroni & cheese; they are also delicious when added to scrambled eggs or frittatas. Lastly, pizza sauce or marinara sauces can be used in sandwiches to amp up the flavor of any grilled sandwich.
With Pizza Sauce vs Marinara keyword density you can have a delicious meal that everyone will love regardless which one you choose – so get creative and enjoy!
Which Restaurants Serve the Best Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce?
Here are the Restaurants Serve the Best Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce I have researched, you can check it out right below.
Italy Pizza Kitchen (Los Angeles, USA)
The combined creative vigor of celebrated chefs – Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich gave birth to Italy Pizza Kitchen, placing it in the culinary spotlight with its chunky San Marzano based gourmet goodness. Their success rides on carefully chosen ingredients – sweet San Marzano tomatoes luxuriating in native Californian olive oil. By gently heating the tomatoes in a fusion of assorted herbs, the kitchen casts a spell in every slice. Offerings also extend beyond the conventional with bianco pizzas (white pizzas sans tomato sauce), ensuring a magnificent gastronomic journey.
La Pizzera (Naples, Italy)
The famed La Pizzera, born in 1906, has held its ground with an original Italian approach. Only indigenous, superior ingredients pass its pledge of authenticity, and nowhere is this better exhibited than in its well-loved San Marzano covering that the decorated brand parades. The fiery taste of tomatoes from Vesuvius is meticulously engineered with oregano, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic resulting in a boldly earthy, tangy feast on an authentic Neapolitan dough-disc.
Aunt Marie’s (New Haven, USA)
Forget not the low-key yet popular Aunt Marie’s Pizzeria in Connecticut – it soils the memory of customers not just with its charred crust but also its pleasantly spicy and chunky pizza sauce. Their hand on Californian tomatoes flows into creating a coarser sauce offering an edgier richness to your palate.
Uncle’s Slices (Detroit, USA)
Representing the authentic Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, Uncle’s Slices subtly enhances expectations with its toppings drowned in a tantalizing touch of subtly sweet and peppery sauce. The dynamism added by the sauce that floats over the crisply baked cheese crafts an inciting delight with every devour.
If you have been on a quest to hunt down the best sauce-equipped pizzas, you’ve come to the right place – the repository for every sauce-craving + pizza-loving heart worldwide. Prep your senses, it’s time to step on to this global gastronomical tour, searching for the magnificent symphony of the best pizza and marinara sauces around.
How to Store and Freeze Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce.
Pizza Sauce
Preserving and chilling pizza topping effectively is straightforward and handy. You can keep the fresh topping in the fridge up to five days or freeze it for an impressive three months for future usage. To put your sauce on ice, separate it into sealed containers, marking each with the freeze date. Insert the boxes in a freezer that’s down to 0°F or less, ensuring other frozen items don’t meet with its raw components. When it’s time for your frozen topping, slowly defrost it in the fridge overnight before warming for your desired usage.
Marinara Sauce
Maintaining and freezing Marinara blend is straightforward and useful. To keep your recently prepared Marinara blend, position it in a sealed vessel and refrigerate for a maximum of five days. Alternatively, freeze the Marinara for as long as three months in a safe container designated for freezing. Don’t forget to label with storage dates. Choose a freezer as cold as 0°F or less and maintain safe distance from uncooked items. When it’s time to use your chilly Marinara, allow it to thaw slowly overnight in the fridge, then heat and enjoy as desired.
Conclusion
Pizza and Marinara toppings add a flavorful kick to any meal. Want authentic Italian zest or bold American-style garnishing? Explore numerous fantastic choices — from Joe’s Pizza in New York City, Barroso’s in Los Angeles, to Vesuvio’s in Boston. Each offers distinct flavor palettes sure to impress. Preserving these toppings is a breeze, decant into a sealed jar for a day or ice it up to three months for the long haul. Equipped with the knowledge of securing that ideal pizza or marinara coating, why not venture to these phenomenal spots today?
FAQs
What is the difference between pizza sauce and marinara sauce?
The main difference between pizza sauce and marinara is that marinara typically contains fewer ingredients, usually just tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Pizza sauce has a thicker texture due to having additional ingredients like grated cheese or tomato paste added for flavor.
What are the best restaurants for Marinara Sauce?
Some of the best restaurants that serve Marinara include Mario’s in San Francisco – a family-owned Italian restaurant renowned for their famous “Mario Marinara” which is made from diced fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and an array of herbs; Papa Joe’s in Miami – offering up a special house marinara sauce with fresh oregano, basil and Romano cheese; Vesuvio’s in Boston – serving up their own unique homemade marinara featuring artichokes hearts, capers oregeno and extra virgin olive oil.
Can you freeze pizza sauce?
Yes! You can store freshly made pizza sauce in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months for later use. To freeze pizza sauce, portion it into an airtight container and label with the date of storage. Place the frozen sauce in a freezer set at 0°F or below, ensuring that any other items stored with it will not come into contact with uncooked ingredients while they are being stored.
Can you freeze marinara sauce?
Yes! Storing and freezing Marinara sauce is easy and simple. To store freshly made Marinara sauce, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze your Marinara sauce for up to three months by portioning it into a freezer-safe container or bag. When labeling the container or bag be sure to include the date of storage. Place the frozen sauced in a freezer set at 0°F or below, ensuring that any other items stored with it will not come into contact with uncooked ingredients.
What is the main ingredient of pizza sauce?
The most important and essential ingredient in a good quality pizza sauce is tomatoes. Tomatoes are typically cooked down with onion, garlic, oregano, basil, or other herbs and spices to create a rich flavorful tomato base for the pizza sauce. Other ingredients such as tomato paste or diced tomatoes may also be added to give the sauce a thicker texture.
Is Marinara Sauce gluten free?
Yes! Marinara Sauce does not contain any gluten ingredients which makes it safe for those following a gluten-free diet to enjoy this traditional Italian condiment.
How long can marinara and pizza sauces be stored safely without spoiling?
Freshly made marinara and pizza sauces can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before they start losing their freshness and taste. If you plan on storing them longer than that you can freeze either type of sauce for up to 3 months depending on if they have any additional raw ingredients like vegetables added into them beforehand. To ensure that your sauces stay fresh and free from spoilage, be sure to label them with the date of storage before placing them in the freezer
What is the difference between marinara and pizza sauce?
The main difference between marinara and pizza sauce is that marinara is typically a simpler recipe, made only with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, onions, and olive oil. Whereas pizza sauce usually has additional ingredients like tomato paste or grated cheese added to it for extra flavor as well as a thicker texture. Additionally Marinara Sauce can also be used as a condiment whereas Pizza Sauce is generally used exclusively on pizzas.
Does pizza sauce have cheese in it?
Generally, no. Pizza Sauce does not usually contain cheese as an ingredient. However, some recipes may call for grated cheese to be added in order to give the sauce a thicker texture and richer flavor. To ensure that your pizza sauce is completely dairy-free exclude any cheeses from the recipe and enjoy
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Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.