22 Alternative Pizza Sauces: Make Pizza Night Fun Again

Pizza night is a cherished tradition in many households, but sometimes, it’s good to break away from the routine and experiment with new flavors. One of the easiest ways to do this is by trying out different alternative pizza sauces. In this article, we’ll explore 30 creative pizza sauce ideas that will elevate your pizza night to a whole new level of deliciousness. From classic options to unique and unexpected choices, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds.

Best Pizza Sauce Alternatives

When it comes to making pizza, the sauce is a crucial component that contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the final dish. While traditional tomato pizza sauce is a classic choice, several delicious alternatives can bring a unique twist to your pizza creations. Here are some of the best pizza sauce alternatives to consider:

Pesto

Pesto, with its vibrant green color and aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, is a classic Italian sauce that can transform your pizza into a gourmet delight. Spread it over your pizza dough, add some fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, and you have a pizza that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Bechamel

Bechamel sauce, a rich and creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, offers a luxurious twist to your pizza. It provides a velvety texture and pairs perfectly with toppings like mushrooms, spinach, and roasted chicken. A white pizza with bechamel sauce is an indulgent treat.

Salsa

Salsa brings a zesty kick to your pizza, with its combination of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a Southwestern or Mexican-inspired pizza. Try it with grilled chicken, black beans, and corn for a fiesta on your plate.

Hummus

For a unique and creamy pizza sauce alternative, consider hummus. This Middle Eastern spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic adds a delightful nuttiness and a hint of tang to your pizza. Top it with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil for a healthy twist.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is a flavor-packed option that adds sweetness and smokiness to your pizza. Whether you prefer classic barbecue chicken or pulled pork as toppings, BBQ sauce can take your pizza to a whole new level of savory goodness.

Pumpkin and Beet Marinara

Embrace the flavors of fall with a pumpkin and beet marinara sauce. Roasted beets and pureed pumpkin combine to create a vibrant, slightly sweet sauce that complements autumn-inspired toppings like goat cheese and caramelized onions. It’s a seasonal delight that will make your taste buds dance.

Pumpkin Pizza Sauce

If you’re a pumpkin enthusiast, why not go all-in with a pumpkin pizza sauce? This sauce is a blend of pureed pumpkin, spices, and a touch of cream for richness. It’s perfect for creating a pumpkin-themed pizza topped with ingredients like sage, bacon, and Gruyere cheese.

Carrot-Harissa Sauce

When it comes to fusion cuisine, the Carrot-Harissa Sauce reigns supreme. This delectable sauce marries the earthy sweetness of carrots with the fiery kick of harissa, a North African chili paste. To craft this masterpiece, simmer diced carrots until tender, then blend them with a generous scoop of harissa, yielding a vibrant orange sauce that effortlessly elevates roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for crispy fries.

Tapenade

Originating from the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, tapenade is a savory condiment that showcases the rich flavors of olives, capers, anchovies, and aromatic herbs. The briny notes from the olives, paired with the pungency of capers, create a balanced, umami-packed spread that serves as a perfect companion to crusty bread or as a topping for grilled seafood.

Ranch Sauce

A beloved classic, Ranch Sauce is a creamy, tangy delight that adds zing to salads, chicken wings, and more. Its creamy base, typically comprising buttermilk and mayonnaise, harmonizes beautifully with a medley of herbs and spices, including dill, chives, and garlic. Drizzle it over your favorite greens or use it as a dip for crispy veggies for an instant flavor boost.

Garlic Oil

Simple yet indispensable, garlic oil is a kitchen essential that can elevate any dish with its aromatic intensity. To create this versatile condiment, infuse high-quality olive oil with crushed garlic cloves over low heat until they turn golden brown. The result is a fragrant elixir that can be drizzled over pasta, used for sautéing, or brushed onto grilled meats for a subtle yet impactful garlic flavor.

Pepper Jelly

For those seeking a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, pepper jelly is the answer. Crafted from a combination of peppers, sugar, and vinegar, this condiment boasts a unique juxtaposition of flavors. Spread it on crackers with cream cheese for an appetizer that tingles the taste buds, or use it as a glaze for roasted meats to infuse them with a hint of sweet heat.

Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a culinary marvel, showcasing the transformative power of slow cooking. Sliced onions are slowly sautéed over low heat until they turn golden brown and sweet, creating a luxurious condiment that can be used to enhance sandwiches, pizzas, or even a humble bowl of mashed potatoes. Their sweet, savory depth of flavor is unparalleled.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese, although technically not a sauce, is a versatile ingredient that deserves a place in every kitchen. Its creamy, slightly grainy texture makes it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Use it as a filling for stuffed pasta, a creamy base for desserts, or a topping for toast, drizzling honey for an extra touch of decadence.

Harissa

Harissa, hailing from North Africa, is a fiery chili paste with a complex flavor profile. Comprising roasted red peppers, chili peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices like coriander and caraway, it provides a vibrant and bold kick to your dishes. The heat of harissa can be tempered by adjusting the quantity used, making it versatile for different palates. Incorporate it into stews, couscous, or even as a marinade for grilled meats for a fiery twist.

Curry

Curry, a culinary gem from the Indian subcontinent, is a symphony of spices and herbs. It encompasses a diverse range of flavors, from the mild and aromatic to the intensely spicy. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger are just a few of the spices that dance together in this enchanting blend. Whether you’re preparing a rich chicken curry or a vegetarian masala, curry powder is the key to unlocking a world of taste that’s both comforting and exotic.

Fig Jam

Fig jam, with its natural sweetness and subtle tanginess, is a condiment that adds an elegant touch to both savory and sweet dishes. Made from succulent, ripe figs, this jam pairs wonderfully with cheese platters, roasted meats, and desserts. Its luscious texture and deep, fruity notes make it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Vodka Cream Sauce

Vodka cream sauce, often associated with Italian cuisine, is a velvety indulgence. This sauce combines heavy cream, tomatoes, and vodka, resulting in a rich, creamy texture with a subtle hint of alcohol. It is a superb complement to pasta dishes, such as penne alla vodka, providing a luxurious creaminess that coats each strand of pasta, leaving your taste buds delighted.

Za’atar and Olive Oil

Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, offers a unique and earthy flavor profile. Comprising dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, along with toasted sesame seeds and sumac, it’s a versatile seasoning. When mixed with olive oil, it becomes a fragrant and savory dip for bread, a marinade for grilled meats, or a seasoning for roasted vegetables, imparting an exotic Mediterranean flair to your dishes.

Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce, a specialty of Catalonia, Spain, is a luscious blend of roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, and olive oil. Its rich, nutty flavor with a hint of smokiness makes it a perfect accompaniment for grilled seafood, chicken, or vegetables. Romesco sauce is a testament to the culinary diversity of Spain, adding a delectable twist to your dining experience.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce, originating from Argentina, is a zesty and vibrant green sauce made with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes. Its tangy, herbaceous notes make it an excellent partner for grilled meats, enhancing their flavors with a burst of freshness. Drizzle it over a perfectly cooked steak or use it as a marinade to infuse your barbecue with South American flair.

Soy-Miso Sauce

Soy-miso sauce, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, combines the rich umami flavor of soy sauce with the complexity of fermented miso paste. It’s a savory, salty, and slightly sweet condiment that elevates dishes like sushi, stir-fries, and marinades. Its versatility in balancing flavors makes it an essential ingredient for both traditional Japanese and fusion cooking.