Pizza Bases, Sauces and Toppings

How to make Barbecue Pizza Sauce

A smoky sweet-savoury sauce for chicken, pork and meat-heavy pizzas.

What it is

Barbecue Pizza Sauce in the kitchen

A barbecue-style pizza base that brings sweetness, smoke and tang to robust toppings.

Why make it

Make this when you want a pizza option with a clear purpose: a smoky sweet-savoury sauce for chicken, pork and meat-heavy pizzas. It helps your pizza section cover traditional, artisan, family, meat-heavy, vegetarian and shortcut cooking needs.

Best with

Chicken, bacon, pulled pork, red onion, cheddar and jalapeno.

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Combine the main sauce ingredients in a bowl or small pan, seasoning gradually rather than all at once.

    Look for: The sauce should taste slightly punchier than a table sauce because pizza dough and cheese mute flavour. Tip: If using tomatoes, crush by hand for texture. Avoid: Do not make it watery; pizza sauce should spread, not run.
  2. Step 2

    Taste for salt, acidity and sweetness, then adjust with a little salt, lemon, vinegar or oil as needed.

    Look for: It should taste balanced and bright. Avoid: Avoid adding too much sugar; toppings often add sweetness.
  3. Step 3

    Spread thinly over stretched dough, usually 2–4 tablespoons per pizza depending on size.

    Look for: The dough should be lightly coated, not flooded. Tip: Keep sauce away from the outer rim if you want it to puff. Avoid: Too much sauce is the most common cause of a soggy centre.
Variations

Other ways to make it

Use these variations to match the dish, season, occasion or texture you want.

Traditional

Pair with mozzarella, basil and olive oil.

Artisan

Add mushrooms, prosciutto, rocket, pear, walnut or blue cheese depending on the sauce.

Meat-heavy

Balance sausage, pepperoni or chicken with acidity and restraint.

Vegetarian

Use roasted vegetables, greens, herbs, olives and fresh cheese.

Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Cooked pizza is best eaten hot, but leftovers can be cooled quickly, covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat on a dry tray or skillet until the base crisps again.

Make ahead

Doughs can usually be made the day before and refrigerated after the first rise. Sauces can be made 2-3 days ahead. Toppings should be sliced shortly before baking if they release water.

Freezing

Most plain dough balls freeze well for up to 2 months after the first rise. Freeze individually, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before stretching.