Marinara Sauce vs Pizza Sauce, are they the same thing?

There are endless pizza sauce possibilities to choose from but tomato-based sauces are undoubtedly the most popular choice. A good tomato sauce is essential for traditional pizza cooking but there are many different ways of preparing tomato sauce and you may wonder, what the difference between pizza sauce vs marinara is. Is pizza sauce and marinara the same? While these two sauces may seem very similar, there are a few subtle differences between them and using one or the other can change the flavor and texture of your pizza significantly. So, let's dive into the details and uncover the subtle differences between marinara and pizza sauce.

To better understand the difference between marinara and pizza sauce, let’s first take a closer look at what each sauce is made of and how it is prepared.

What is Marinara Sauce?

Marinara sauce is a simple and versatile tomato-based sauce commonly used in Italian dishes. Marinara sauce is typically composed of tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and a selection of herbs such as basil or oregano. Marinara sauce is known for its fresh, tangy flavor, which makes it a staple in pasta dishes, seafood, and as a dipping sauce.

Marinara Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Usually made from ripe, crushed or pureed tomatoes.
• Garlic and Onion: Sautéed to add depth and fragrance.
• Seasonings: Basil, oregano, and sometimes red pepper flakes.
• Sugar and Salt: helps balance acidity
• Olive Oil: Many recipes also include EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

How is marinara sauce made?

Marinara sauce is prepared by combining the tomatoes with garlic, onion, seasonings, and sometimes olive oil in a pot and simmering the mixture for about 20 minutes. Marinara sauce is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a popular base for many different dishes but particularly pasta.

What Is Pizza Sauce?

Like marinara, pizza sauce is a tomato-based Italian sauce. Pizza sauce however, is crafted specifically for pizza focusing on enhancing overall flavor and texture. Unlike marinara, pizza sauce is designed to complement toppings and cheese and stand up to the intense heat of a pizza oven. It is typically prepared cold and cooked in the oven along with the pizza.

Ingredients in Pizza Sauce

• Tomatoes: Pureed or crushed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Garlic: fresh is best but jarred or even garlic powder may be used.
• Seasonings: Oregano, basil, and sometimes red pepper flakes and/or grated parmesan cheese.
• Sugar and salt: to balance the acidity.
• Olive oil: some recipes also include extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) 

How is pizza sauce made?

Pizza sauce is typically made by combining crushed or pureed tomatoes with spices such as garlic, basil, oregano, grated parmesan, crushed red peppers and sometimes olive oil. The mixture is then spread on the dough and cooked in the oven. 

Is pizza sauce cooked?

Pizza sauce is typically prepared raw but in some instances may be lightly cooked. This is because pizza sauce is meant to cook along with the pizza in the oven. By preparing the sauce raw, it is able to better withstand the high temperatures of a pizza oven without overcooking or burning.

What is the difference between pizza sauce and marinara sauce?

As you have probably noticed, these sauces share strikingly similar ingredients. So, what is the difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce? The primary difference lies in the way the sauce is prepared. Marinara sauce is prepared by cooking the ingredients together in a pot while pizza sauce is prepared by mixing them together raw and then later cooking the sauce in the oven along with the pizza. However, the preparation method is not the only difference between pizza sauce and marinara. There are a few other subtle differences worth noting as well.

Texture and Consistency Differences Between Marinara and Pizza Sauce

Marinara sauce and pizza sauce tend to have slightly different textures. Marinara tends to be on the thinner side and incorporates larger chunks of tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Conversely, pizza sauce is typically a much thicker sauce. Pizza sauce’s thick consistency allows it to sit evenly on the pizza dough and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Pizza Sauce vs Marinara Ingredients

The ingredients used in marinara vs pizza sauce are nearly identical but there are a few small differences. Both sauces start with a tomato base and include a mix of garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. Marinara sauce often incorporates a larger variety of ingredients whereas pizza sauce is meant to be kept light and simple to compliment the toppings so it is less common to find things like onion in pizza sauce.

Preparation of Pizza Sauce vs Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is prepared by mixing together the ingredients into a chunky mixture then simmering for about 20-30 minutes to help meld the flavors together. Pizza sauce, on the other hand, is usually prepared raw or cooked only slightly as it is designed to cook in the oven with the rest of the pizza. Pizza sauce is prepared as a thick paste-like sauce and is usually not as chunky as marinara sauce.

Marinara vs Pizza Sauce Usage

The final difference between pizza sauce and marinara worth mentioning is how they are used. Pizza sauce is designed specifically for using on a pizza, hence the name. The flavor of pizza sauce is meant to compliment cheese and toppings and its thickness helps avoid making the crust soggy. Conversely, marinara is a much more versatile sauce. It is commonly used as a pasta sauce, dipping sauce, or as topping for popular Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana.

Can you use marinara as pizza sauce?

Despite the notable differences between pizza sauce and marinara sauce, the two are very similar in nature. For this reason, pizza sauce and marinara can often be used interchangeably with satisfactory results. Marinara sauce tends to compliment pizza toppings and crust just as well, however, the texture of marinara sauce on pizza may be a bit runnier than desired. 

Marinara vs Pizza Sauce Key Takeaways

In summary, while marinara and pizza sauce share many similarities in their ingredients, and uses, there are several key differences in how they are prepared that sets the two apart. Marinara is a more versatile, pre-cooked sauce best used in pasta or as a dipping sauce, whereas pizza sauce is prepared raw, and has a thicker consistency designed specifically for the high-heat of pizza ovens. 

The sauce you choose can influence your pizza’s flavor, but the important thing to remember is there is no right or wrong way to make a pizza. If you enjoy it, you’re making it right! Sauce is a relatively minor variable when it comes to pizza cooking. The type of oven you bake your pizza in will likely make the largest impact. If you’re looking to take the next step on your pizzaioli journey, and bring pizzeria-quality pizza to your home, explore our collection of premium pizza ovens today!