Pizza Sauce vs Marinara Sauce: What is the Real Difference?

Is marinara sauce the same as pizza sauce? They may look similar, but both are tomato-based and smell delicious too. But the truth is, marinara sauce and pizza sauce are not the same thing.

They differ in their ingredients, preparation, texture, and flavor, and using the wrong one can completely change the taste of your dish.

What is Pizza Sauce?

Pizza sauce is the flavorful base spread over the crust before adding cheese and toppings. It’s specifically made to be cooked with the pizza, which means it’s usually uncooked before baking. This allows the sauce to blend perfectly with the cheese and toppings as it bakes, releasing rich flavor into every bite.

It’s different from marinara sauce because it’s typically thicker, smoother, and less watery. Pizza sauce is designed to cling to the dough and enhance flavor without making the crust soggy.

Common Ingredients in Pizza Sauce:

· Crushed or pureed tomatoes

· Tomato paste (for a thicker texture)

· Olive oil

· Garlic and onion powder

· Dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper

· Sometimes a pinch of sugar to balance acidity

What is Marinara sauce?

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce traditionally cooked on the stovetop. It’s often served with pasta, seafood, or used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and mozzarella sticks. The sauce has a lighter, more liquid texture and a fresh tomato flavor.

It’s usually simmered slowly to develop depth, sweetness, and spice. Unlike pizza sauce, marinara is fully cooked before use and is meant to stand on its own as a rich, flavorful sauce.

Common ingredients in marinara sauce include:

· Crushed or diced tomatoes

· Fresh garlic

· Onions

· Olive oil

· Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano)

· Optional: red chili flakes or wine for flavor

Main Differences Between Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce

Why is Pizza Sauce Usually Uncooked?

This might surprise some people, but most traditional pizza sauces are uncooked before baking. The sauce actually cooks on the pizza itself in the hot oven. Cooking it twice would make it overly thick or even a bit bitter.

Keeping it raw preserves the fresh tomato flavor, balancing perfectly with the melted cheese and crisp crust. This method is especially true for Neapolitan and New York–style pizzas.

Why is Marinara Sauce Usually Cooked?

Marinara sauce is all about depth of flavor. Tomatoes, garlic, and herbs are simmered together for 20 to 30 minutes to develop a rich, complex taste. Cooking releases the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and reduces their acidity, resulting in a thicker, richer sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta or dipping bread.

Can You Use Marinara Sauce on Pizza?

Yes, but it depends. If you’re in a pinch, marinara sauce can work as a pizza sauce — just expect a slightly wetter crust and a stronger, herbier flavor. The texture will also be a bit different. For thicker-crust pizzas, marinara works great, but for thin-crust or Neapolitan-style pizzas, it may make the crust a little soggy.

Can You Use Pizza Sauce for Pasta?

Technically, yes, but it won’t taste quite the same. Pizza sauce isn’t cooked beforehand, so it can taste a bit under-seasoned or acidic when used with pasta. If you’re using pizza sauce for pasta, simmer it for 10–15 minutes first and add herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Adjust the salt and sugar for balance. Once cooked, it transforms beautifully into a quick and flavorful pasta sauce.

How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

Here’s a quick and foolproof pizza sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend tomatoes, paste, and spices until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Use directly on pizza (no need to cook).

How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add tomatoes and spices.
3. Simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.

Where to find the best pizza and sauce near you?

No matter which sauce you love, a smooth pizza sauce or a herby marinara, finding your favorite pie is easy with allHungry.

Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita topped with fresh pizza or a cheesy Sicilian loaded with rich marinara, you can find it all fast and fresh, delivered right to your door.

Conclusion

At first glance, marinara and pizza sauce might seem the same, but both red, rich, and tomato-based. But when you taste them side by side, you’ll notice the difference.

Pizza sauce is smooth, lightly cooked, and made to complement the crust and cheese, while marinara is fully cooked, flavorful, and meant to shine on its own.

Both are delicious; it just depends on what you’re making. So next time you bite into your favorite slice, take a moment to appreciate that flavorful layer beneath the cheese.

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