The Best Sauces to Take Your Pizza to the Next Level

Pizza, a universally loved dish, is all about balance. A perfect crust, flavorful toppings, and the all-important sauce. While the classic tomato sauce remains a favorite, the world of pizza sauces is vast and varied, offering endless possibilities to elevate your pizza experience. 

Whether you're a fan of bold flavors, a lover of creaminess, or someone who enjoys a bit of heat, there’s a sauce out there for every palate. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best sauces you can use to take your pizza to the next level.

1. Classic Tomato Sauce

No pizza is complete without a traditional tomato sauce. It’s the foundation for many of the classic pies, from Margherita to pepperoni, and remains the go-to for many Canadians. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and a pinch of salt, it offers a balance of acidity and sweetness that pairs perfectly with cheese and toppings.

Why It Works:

When to Use:

A tomato-based sauce is ideal for classic pizzas like Margherita, Neapolitan, or a simple cheese pizza. It works best when you want the toppings to shine, without overpowering them.

2. White Garlic Sauce

If you're tired of the traditional red pizza sauce, a creamy white garlic sauce is a great alternative. This rich, velvety sauce is typically made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It's particularly popular in Canada, where comfort food like creamy dishes is a favorite.

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White garlic sauce is perfect for pizzas with hearty toppings such as chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or bacon. It pairs wonderfully with vegetarian pizzas or even seafood-inspired pies like a shrimp pizza.

3. Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a fragrant, herbaceous sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. While traditionally associated with pasta, pesto is also a fantastic alternative to tomato sauce on pizza. It adds a burst of flavor and is especially popular during the summer months when fresh basil is in season.

Why It Works:

When to Use:

Use pesto sauce on pizzas that feature Mediterranean ingredients, such as tomatoes, olives, goat cheese, and arugula. It's also perfect for a pizza topped with grilled chicken, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.

4. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce offers a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with bold toppings. Whether it's chicken, bacon, or sausage, BBQ sauce adds a delightful zing that creates a mouthwatering contrast with the cheese and crust.

Why It Works:

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BBQ sauce is best suited for pizzas with hearty, savory toppings such as BBQ chicken, pulled pork, bacon, or sausage. It pairs well with caramelized onions, cilantro, and even pineapple, creating a balance between sweet and savory flavors.

5. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is another creamy option that brings a rich, cheesy flavor to your pizza. Made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce is smooth and velvety, making it a popular choice for pizza lovers who enjoy a little indulgence.

Why It Works:

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Alfredo sauce is a great choice for pizzas that feature creamy or earthy toppings, such as spinach, chicken, mushrooms, or even shrimp. It’s the perfect sauce for a white pizza or a chicken Alfredo pizza.

6. Buffalo Sauce

For those who love spice and heat, buffalo sauce is a game-changer. Made from hot sauce and butter, buffalo sauce has a fiery kick that can transform a pizza into something bold and exciting. It’s particularly popular with chicken wings, so why not incorporate it into your pizza?

Why It Works:

When to Use:

Buffalo sauce is perfect for pizza with spicy toppings, such as buffalo chicken, sausage, or pepperoni. It also goes well with creamy elements like blue cheese or ranch dressing, adding a cool contrast to the heat.

7. Hot Honey

For a sweet and spicy twist, consider drizzling hot honey over your pizza. This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with a touch of heat from chili flakes or cayenne pepper. It’s an unconventional choice but one that’s gaining popularity, particularly in North America.

Why It Works:

When to Use:

Drizzle hot honey over pizzas with spicy meats, such as pepperoni or sausage. It can also be paired with more delicate flavors like ricotta and arugula for a more sophisticated pie.

8. Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze is a sweet and tangy sauce made by reducing balsamic vinegar with sugar. Its rich, complex flavor makes it a great finishing touch on pizza, particularly when drizzled on after baking. It’s particularly popular in Canada, where balsamic vinegar is a staple in many kitchens.

Why It Works:

When to Use:

Balsamic glaze is ideal for topping pizzas like Margherita, or any pizza with fresh veggies or cheeses. It’s especially delicious on a pizza topped with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes.

When it comes to pizza, the sauce you choose can make all the difference. Whether you're in the mood for a classic tomato sauce or want to try something new like buffalo or hot honey, each sauce brings its own unique twist to the pizza experience. Canada’s diverse food culture makes it the perfect place to experiment with different flavors and combinations, allowing you to create a pizza that’s truly next-level. So, get creative and elevate your pizza game with these incredible sauce options — your taste buds will thank you.

Try Stone Baked Pizza at Joe's Pizza Stone in Fort St. John

Get ready to taste some of the best pizza in Canada. With a variety of sauce options and fresh, high-quality ingredients, you'll get to experience the deliciousness of pizza like never before. Our pizza in Fort St. John, BC is made with love and passion, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Come visit us at Joe's Pizza Stone and try our signature stone-baked pizza for a taste you will never forget.