The main distinction between spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce is that spaghetti sauce is cooked, while pizza sauce remains uncooked. Pizza sauce is cooked alongside the pizza dough and toppings. Spaghetti sauce has a chunkier and more watery consistency, as it uses diced tomatoes rather than tomato puree, which is used in pizza sauce. Spaghetti sauce also contains more herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance its flavor, whereas pizza sauce typically does not since the pizza toppings provide flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Spaghetti sauce is cooked, while pizza sauce is uncooked.
- Spaghetti sauce is chunkier and more watery due to the use of diced tomatoes, while pizza sauce is smoother and creamier due to the use of tomato puree.
- Spaghetti sauce uses more herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance its flavor, while pizza sauce has fewer seasonings as the pizza toppings already provide flavor.
What is Spaghetti Sauce?
Spaghetti sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, resulting in a thinner consistency that spreads easily on spaghetti. The sauce requires more seasoning than pizza sauce, including ingredients like salt, dried oregano, and pepper. It may also contain tomato chunks and meat. The flavors of spaghetti sauce are best brought out when simmered. To enhance the taste, sides such as cheesy French bread or fresh green beans can be added. Spaghetti sauce ingredients usually include:
1/8 cup olive oil
3 pounds ripe diced tomatoes
3 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves (optional)
6 cloves of garlic, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 large onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
After heating the olive oil, tomatoes and other ingredients are added, boiled while stirring frequently, and then simmered for about 10 minutes with occasional stirring. During cooking, the tomatoes should be crushed using a spatula.
What is Pizza Sauce?
Pizza sauce is generally uncooked, made with plain tomatoes, tomato paste, or pureed uncooked tomatoes, which may also include spices and herbs. This results in a thicker texture than spaghetti sauce, preventing the pizza from becoming soggy while cooking. Pizza sauce may contain ingredients such as Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic salt, onion powder, and sugar. The spices, along with the fats and oils in the cheese used on pizzas, contribute to an aromatic and appetizing flavor. A thin layer of pizza sauce is spread on the pizza dough before adding toppings and cooking. The taste of the sauce is considered crucial to a delicious pizza. Traditional pizza sauce is red, but alternatives include:
Olive Oil and Garlic
Barbecue Sauce
Pesto
Alfredo Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce
Tapenade
Sweet Chili Sauce
Ricotta Cheese
Ranch Dressing
Balsamic Glaze
Buffalo Wing Sauce
Ingredients for making pizza sauce are:
6 oz. tomato paste
15 oz. tomato sauce (smooth, without any chunks)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 Tbsp. salt or garlic salt
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1-2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning (to taste)
Dried or fresh oregano (to taste)
Dried or fresh basil (to taste)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
These ingredients are mixed to create the pizza sauce, which can be used immediately or refrigerated for several weeks.
What is the Difference Between Spaghetti Sauce and Pizza Sauce?
The primary difference between spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce is that spaghetti sauce is cooked, while pizza sauce is uncooked. Although spaghetti sauce is often cheaper and can be used as a substitute for pizza sauce in homemade pizzas, the tastes differ.
Summary – Spaghetti Sauce vs Pizza Sauce
In summary, spaghetti sauce is cooked, while pizza sauce is uncooked. Spaghetti sauce is chunkier and more watery due to the use of diced tomatoes, while pizza sauce is creamier and smoother because of the use of tomato puree. Spaghetti sauces contain more herbs, spices, and seasonings than pizza sauces to enhance their flavor, while pizza sauces have fewer seasonings since pizza toppings already contain many seasonings.
