What can I use Instead of Pizza Sauce?

While some pizza lovers stop at making their own dough when attempting to achieve the perfect bake, it is not the end of journey. It is in the variety of toppings and the different sauces used that the real art of pizza making comes to life. Although the traditional tomato sauce used for pizza is an all-time classic, it’s not the only option available. Making alternative pizza sauces can introduce all sorts of new flavour combinations for your pizzas. So, whether you’re looking to cater to dietary requirements or simply try something new, there are numerous sauce options to explore.

From Bechamel to Crème Fraîche

A creamy base can be an indulgent alternative to the classic tomato sauce. Bechamel sauce, often known as white sauce, is one of the four grand classic French sauces from which another thousand derivative variations of toppings were born. It’s made with butter, flour, and milk, and is perhaps one of the richest, perfect for combining with toppings as sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, and tender chicken. Another creamy option is crème fraîche, the tangy, cultured cream adding a subtle creamy flavour to pizzas. Crème fraîche works beautifully with smoked salmon, capers, and dill for a light and refreshing summer pizza.

BBQ Sauce and Pesto

For those who like a bolder level of flavour for their pizzas, BBQ sauce and pesto are a great option. Given the fact that it carries sweet, smoky, and partially spicy notes, barbecue sauce tends to essentially appeal to people who truly love sweet flavours. It goes best on pizzas with grilled chicken and red onions. The combination of BBQ sauce and cheese creates a rich and slightly tangy blend of flavours.

Other options include pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Again, this is a bold and highly fragrant option. But be warned: you don’t need to add much, as it can be very overpowering if not used sparingly. It is great option to either add to the base of the pizza, or added on top of your creation after cooking, topped with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and rocket.

Vegetable Purees

Vegetable purées are a great way to add interest to your pizza in a healthy and tasty way. Butternut squash puree evokes the natural sweetness and creamy texture that work brilliantly as a base for autumn-inspired pizzas. Decorate it with roasted vegetables and sage, finish off with crumbles of goat cheese. Beetroot puree will add vivid colour with an earthy flavour that matches well with tangy feta cheese, rocket, and walnuts.

Here at the Pizza Oven Shop we have found the pizzas topped with vegetable purees go down incredibly well with not just vegetarians but carnivores too! The vibrant colours are also a hit with the kids, so getting them involved with topping the dough is also a must.

Cheese Sauces and Rarebits

For the cheese fans, there’s bound to be a cheese-based sauce that will transform your pizza into a whole new dimension. Cheese sauces, which are made using a Bechamel base like mentioned above, or the classic the Welsh rarebit, are both a rich and indulgent alternative to tomato sauce. A basic cheese sauce with sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère can combine well with crispy bacon, sliced apples, and a drizzle of honey.

Welsh rarebit is a savoury sauce made of melted cheese, beer (like a dark ale or even Guinness), and mustard which can be used as a pizza sauce for a bold flavour with quite a bitter taste. Top this with some sautéed mushrooms in garlic and finish off with a poached egg, making sure the yolk is still runny for the added richness.

Oil, Butter and Herb Options

The simplicity of infused oils, infused butters, and herbs for pizza sauce alternatives is a means of showing off the toppings. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil infused either with garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme can be the fragrant and flavourful base that sets off your pizzas. This approach is perfect when pizzas are topped with fresh and seasonal ingredients like deep red beef tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Another alternative is to make use of garlic infused olive oil with a few red chilli flakes for some added heat. Another great option would be to mix butter with flavours like njudu and roasted red peppers. Whack it all in a food processor, blitz until smooth, and add to the base of your pizza. Watch that butter melt! Trust us, this is indulgence at its best, but boy, is it more than worth it!

Final thoughts

Experimenting with different pizza sauces can be a delightful way to customise your homemade pizzas and explore new flavours. The beauty of pizza lies in its versatility, so whether you opt for a creamy base, a tangy BBQ twist, a vegetable puree, a cheese sauce, or a simple herb-infused oil, each alternative offers a unique taste. So, fire up your pizza oven and have a go! And of course, if you’d like to talk to any of our expert team, they’re on hand to offer advice every step of the way. You can get in touch on 01423 608648 or email in a question on sales@thepizzaovenshop.com.