Is It Better to Use Tomato Paste or Tomato Sauce for Pizza?

Spreading tomato sauce over pizza crust with fresh basil and tomato paste.

Making pizza at home can be a delightful experience, but deciding on the right ingredients is critical. A central debate for many home cooks is whether tomato paste or tomato sauce works better as the base for pizza. Both options offer unique qualities, and the choice can significantly impact your pizza’s flavor, texture, and overall appeal.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between tomato paste and tomato sauce, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which is the better option for your next pizza night. Let’s dig in!

Table of contents

Understanding Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce

What Is Tomato Paste?

Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomatoes that has been cooked down to remove most of the water content. Here’s what makes it unique:

  • How It’s Made: Tomato paste is created by cooking tomatoes for several hours, straining out the seeds and skins, and reducing the remaining pulp into a dense paste. The result is an intensely flavored, rich product.
  • Typical Uses in Cooking: Because of its strong flavor, tomato paste is often used in small amounts to add depth to dishes like soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also an excellent base for pizza sauce when combined with herbs and spices.

What Is Tomato Sauce?

Unlike its concentrated counterpart, tomato sauce is a thinner and less intense tomato product that typically includes added seasonings.

  • Production Process: Tomato sauce is made by simmering tomatoes, often with added ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs. It retains more of the tomato’s natural water content, making it pourable.
  • Common Applications in Dishes: Tomato sauce is a go-to choice for pasta, casseroles, and pizzas. Its balanced flavor profile makes it versatile and easy to use straight from the jar or can.

Key Differences Between Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce

Tomato paste and tomato sauce in bowls with pizza ingredients.

Consistency and Texture

One of the most noticeable differences between tomato paste and tomato sauce is their consistency. Tomato paste is thick, almost like a dense puree, while tomato sauce is thinner and more liquid. This difference plays a significant role in pizza preparation. If you’re aiming for a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that doesn’t make the dough soggy, tomato paste might be your best bet. However, the lighter texture of tomato sauce spreads more easily, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer simplicity.

Flavor Intensity

Another distinction lies in the flavor profile. Tomato paste has a robust and intense tomato taste because it’s highly concentrated. On the other hand, tomato sauce offers a milder, more balanced flavor, often enhanced with added seasonings like basil and oregano. Depending on your pizza’s desired flavor punch, you might lean toward the boldness of tomato paste or the subtlety of tomato sauce.

Nutritional Content

When it comes to nutrition, the differences are subtle but worth noting. Tomato paste is denser, meaning it contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene per serving. Tomato sauce, being less concentrated, delivers these nutrients in smaller amounts. If maximizing nutritional value is a priority, tomato paste has the edge.

Cooking Time and Preparation

Tomato paste requires additional preparation to transform it into a pizza-ready sauce. It often needs to be diluted with water and mixed with herbs and spices. Tomato sauce, in contrast, is usually ready to use straight from the jar or can. For those short on time, the convenience of tomato sauce might be a deciding factor.

Which Is Better for Pizza: Tomato Paste or Tomato Sauce?

Freshly baked Margherita pizza with tomato sauce and basil.

Advantages of Using Tomato Paste for Pizza

Using tomato paste as the base for your pizza sauce comes with several perks. Its concentrated flavor allows you to create a sauce tailored to your taste by adding water, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Additionally, the thick texture ensures that the sauce stays in place, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. This makes tomato paste a popular choice for pizzas with rich toppings.

Advantages of Using Tomato Sauce for Pizza

On the flip side, tomato sauce is ready to go, making it ideal for quick meals. Its lighter consistency spreads evenly over the crust, creating a balanced base for your toppings. If you’re a fan of a smooth, slightly sweet tomato flavor, tomato sauce might win you over.

Blending Tomato Paste and Sauce for the Best Results

Can’t decide between the two? You don’t have to! Many pizza enthusiasts blend tomato paste and tomato sauce to get the best of both worlds. Mixing them creates a sauce that balances bold flavor with a more manageable texture, allowing you to customize the consistency and taste.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Base for Pizza Sauce

Consider the Style of Pizza

The type of pizza you’re making should influence your choice between tomato paste and tomato sauce. For thin-crust pizzas like Neapolitan or Margherita, the lighter texture of tomato sauce may complement the delicate dough. Conversely, thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas benefit from the dense, rich consistency of tomato paste, which holds up well against hearty toppings.

Experiment with Flavor Additions

Whichever option you choose, the secret to an unforgettable pizza lies in the flavor. With tomato paste, you can customize your sauce with garlic, olive oil, basil, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Tomato sauce often comes pre-seasoned, but don’t hesitate to enhance it with your favorite herbs and spices. These small tweaks can transform a basic sauce into something extraordinary.

Making the Right Choice

When asking, “Is it better to use tomato paste or tomato sauce for pizza?”, it’s essential to think about your desired taste, texture, and preparation time. Ultimately, your personal preference and the style of pizza will guide your decision.

Common FAQs About Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce for Pizza

Is Tomato Sauce or Tomato Paste Better for Pizza Sauce?

The answer depends on what you value most. If you prefer a rich, bold flavor, tomato paste might be your best choice. If convenience and a smoother texture are your priorities, then tomato sauce is the way to go.

Which Sauce Is Best for Pizza?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Tomato paste provides intensity and customization opportunities, while tomato sauce offers balance and ease. Some pizza lovers even mix the two to create a sauce that’s both flavorful and easy to spread.

Is It Better to Use Tomato Paste or Tomato Sauce?

This age-old question boils down to preference. Tomato paste allows for greater control over flavor and thickness, making it ideal for gourmet-style pizzas. Tomato sauce, however, simplifies the process, making it perfect for quick meals.

Can You Substitute Pizza Sauce for Tomato Paste?

Yes, but with some adjustments. To replace tomato paste with pizza sauce, reduce the liquid content by simmering it until it thickens. For the reverse, dilute tomato paste with water and season it for a similar taste and consistency.

Final Thoughts: Making the Best Pizza Sauce Decision

Balancing Flavor and Convenience

When it comes to answering the question, “Is it better to use tomato paste or tomato sauce for pizza?”, the decision depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’re seeking a robust, concentrated flavor, tomato paste offers a fantastic base that can be customized with spices and herbs. However, it requires extra preparation to transform it into a pizza-ready sauce.

On the other hand, tomato sauce delivers convenience and a smooth texture that works straight out of the jar or can. It’s perfect for those looking for an easy, no-fuss option while still delivering a balanced tomato flavor.

Recommendations for Home Cooks

For the best results, consider blending the two. Mixing tomato paste and tomato sauce creates a harmonious combination of rich flavor and spreadable consistency. Additionally, remember to factor in the type of pizza you’re making—thin-crust pizzas may benefit from the lighter touch of tomato sauce, while heartier pizzas thrive with the depth of tomato paste.

Ultimately, experimenting with both options will help you discover what works best for your taste buds and pizza style.

How Do You Make Pizza Sauce Using Tomato Paste?

Making pizza sauce with tomato paste is simple and quick. Combine the paste with water, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs like basil or oregano. Adjust the consistency and seasonings to your liking, and you’re ready to go!

Can Tomato Sauce Be Used Without Modifications?

Yes, tomato sauce can be used as-is for pizza, especially if it’s pre-seasoned. However, adding extra spices or reducing it slightly can enhance its flavor and prevent the crust from becoming too soggy.

What Other Tomato-Based Ingredients Work for Pizza?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try using canned whole tomatoes blended into a sauce or sun-dried tomatoes mixed with olive oil for a unique flavor. Crushed tomatoes can also offer a balance between the richness of paste and the lightness of sauce.

How Do Professional Chefs Choose Their Sauce Base?

Chefs often select their sauce base depending on the pizza’s style and desired flavor. For Neapolitan pizzas, fresh or lightly seasoned tomato sauce is preferred. Gourmet or deep-dish pizzas often call for the intensity of tomato paste.

Creative Ways to Use Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce in Pizza

Enhancing Store-Bought Sauce

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is it better to use tomato paste or tomato sauce for pizza?”, you’ll be pleased to know that both can elevate a basic store-bought pizza sauce. Add a spoonful of tomato paste to thicken store-bought sauce and give it a bolder flavor. Alternatively, mix in pre-seasoned tomato sauce to stretch a concentrated paste-based sauce.

Layering Techniques for Maximum Flavor

You don’t always have to pick just one. Some pizza enthusiasts layer their pizza with tomato paste as a base for a strong flavor punch and follow up with a thin coating of tomato sauce for smoothness. This technique adds depth to the sauce and ensures every bite is packed with delicious tomato flavor.

Experimenting with Unconventional Flavors

Both tomato paste and tomato sauce are versatile enough to support unconventional pizza flavors. For instance, mix tomato paste with smoked paprika and chili flakes for a smoky kick or blend tomato sauce with crushed roasted garlic for a sweeter touch. The possibilities are endless!

Classic Margherita Pizza

For a Margherita pizza, simplicity is key. A lightly seasoned tomato sauce complements the fresh mozzarella and basil perfectly, allowing their flavors to shine.

Meat-Lover’s Pizza

A meat-lover’s pizza benefits from the dense, rich flavor of tomato paste. Its thick texture holds up against heavy toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, ensuring every bite is savory and satisfying.

Veggie Supreme Pizza

For veggie pizzas, a mix of tomato paste and tomato sauce strikes a nice balance. The lighter touch of tomato sauce pairs well with fresh toppings, while a hint of paste adds richness.

Gourmet Pizzas

Gourmet creations often call for a mix of both tomato paste and tomato sauce for customizable flavor profiles. Experimenting with these ingredients can elevate your pizza game and provide a restaurant-quality experience at home.