The Secret to Restaurant-Worthy Pizza: Unveiling the Best Store-Bought Pizza Sauce
Are you ready to elevate your pizza game? Let's dive into the world of store-bought pizza sauces and uncover the secrets behind creating a pie that rivals your favorite pizzeria's. But here's the twist: even chefs agree that the perfect sauce might be closer than you think.
When the craving for pizza strikes, there are endless options. You could go all out and make it from scratch, or take the easy route with frozen pies or delivery. But why not strike a balance? Our experts suggest that the sauce is the perfect place to start.
Surprisingly, chefs reveal that just like with pasta sauce, there are exceptional store-bought pizza sauces hiding in plain sight on supermarket shelves. And yes, pizza and pasta sauces are not the same! (Check out this article to learn more: Pizza Sauce vs. Pasta Sauce.)
Chef George Formaro from Centro in Des Moines, Iowa, shares an insider tip: "Many people don't realize that their go-to pizza joint might also use jarred or canned sauce. It's all about the experience and technique." So, what are the top-tier store-bought pizza sauces that chefs recommend?
Our Pizza Sauce Connoisseurs:
- Erin Clarke, Milwaukee-based recipe developer and author, brings her expertise to the table.
- George Formaro, chef-partner at Orchestrate Hospitality, including the Italian-centric Centro, shares his insights.
- Yumna Jawad, CEO and founder of Feel Good Foodie, and cookbook author, offers her take on the perfect sauce.
- Andres Kaifer, executive chef and co-owner of Customshop in Charlotte, North Carolina, joins the panel.
The Secret Sauce Formula:
When choosing a pizza sauce, our chefs look for these key qualities:
- Tomato Excellence: Clarke seeks a sauce with a vibrant, fresh tomato flavor, balanced acidity, and a hint of fruity olive oil. It should taste like summer's best tomatoes.
- Sugar-Free or Nearly So: Jawad and Clarke agree that ripe tomatoes and the right seasoning should provide natural sweetness. Sugar is not a typical ingredient in authentic Italian pizza sauce.
- Preservative-Free: Jawad explains that the acidity of tomatoes and the canning process eliminate the need for preservatives.
- Consistency Matters: Clarke warns against watery sauces that can ruin the crust. Formaro suggests that the sauce's texture should match the pizza style, recommending a smooth sauce for under the cheese.
The Top Contenders:
Our panel of chefs has spoken, and the winner of the best store-bought pizza sauce is... Rao's! Three out of four chefs voted for Rao's, which also won our pasta sauce competition. It impressed our team with its robust tomato aroma, balanced seasoning, and ideal texture. Jawad appreciates the simple ingredient list, which includes Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs.
Pomì takes second place with two votes. Formaro describes it as having a clean and natural tomato flavor, with sweetness derived from the tomatoes. Jawad frequently uses it for various pizza styles.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cento: Kaifer commends its short ingredient list, allowing the tomatoes to shine.
- Bianco DiNapoli: Formaro praises this James Beard Award-winning chef's creation for its bright, New York-style flavor, perfect for Neapolitan and deep-dish pizzas.
- DeLallo: Clarke recommends this sauce for its fresh tomato taste and ideal consistency, not too thick or thin.
- Dell'Alpe: Formaro suggests this semi-sweet sauce with a hint of black pepper for added depth.
Elevate Your Sauce, Elevate Your Pizza:
Our chefs reveal simple ways to enhance store-bought sauces. Jawad calls it "restaurant flavor." Adding fresh garlic or herbs like basil and oregano is a quick fix. Dried herbs or an Italian spice blend are convenient alternatives.
For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. To deepen the flavor, try Parmesan cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, or high-quality tomato paste, which also thickens the sauce.
According to our chefs, these store-bought sauces are a great foundation for your semi-homemade pizzas, whether Detroit, Roman, or Brooklyn-style.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you agree with the chefs' top picks? Have you tried any of these sauces? Share your thoughts and favorite pizza sauce hacks in the comments below! Are there any secret ingredients you add to elevate your store-bought sauce? Let's spark a pizza sauce revolution!
