After enjoying a homemade pizza, many people are left wondering what to do with leftover pizza sauce. While pizza sauce is delicious on pizza, having excess can seem disappointing.
However, rather than tossing out the extra tomato-based sauce, there are several tasty ways it can be repurposed into new meals.
This blog post will provide some creative ideas and recipes for using any leftover pizza sauce. Learning some simple repurposing strategies means that no spoonful of the savory topping needs to be thrown out.
What To Do With Leftover Pizza Sauce?
Leftover pizza sauce need not be wasted and can easily be incorporated into a variety of delicious dishes. A versatile ingredient, it can add depth of flavor to your meals and bring a fresh twist to your regular recipes.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, here are some creative ways to utilize your remaining pizza sauce.
1. Nagi’s Baked Eggs
Nagi’s Baked Eggs is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that transforms your leftover pizza sauce into a hearty breakfast or brunch. This recipe brings together rich tomato flavors and perfectly baked eggs for a satisfying meal.
To start, preheat your oven. Spread a generous layer of your leftover pizza sauce in a small baking dish. Create small wells in the sauce and crack one egg into each well. Sprinkle with your favorite herbs and cheese for extra flavor.
Bake in the oven until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Serve hot with toasted bread or a fresh salad for a balanced and delicious dish.
2. Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a warm and comforting dish that can easily incorporate your leftover pizza sauce. If you’re wondering what to do with leftover pizza sauce, this classic soup is known for its rich, velvety texture and robust tomato flavor, making it a favorite for many.
To prepare, simply blend the leftover sauce with some broth and seasonings, creating a smooth and delightful concoction. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad.
The natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes shine through, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal.
3. Penne Arrabbiata
Penne Arrabbiata is a fantastic way to utilize leftover pizza sauce. This classic Italian pasta dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors, combining the heat of red pepper flakes with the rich taste of tomato sauce.
To make this dish, start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in some olive oil until fragrant. Pour in your leftover pizza sauce, letting it simmer and thicken slightly. Toss in cooked penne pasta, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious meal.
4. Seafood Stew
Seafood stew is a delightful dish that combines the rich ocean flavors with the robust taste of tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly evenings and can be made with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, or fish.
Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot and sautéing garlic and onions until they are soft. Add your leftover pizza sauce and let it simmer gently.
Once the sauce is well combined and fragrant, add your choice of seafood and cook until everything is tender and infused with the delicious tomato base.
5. Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and comforting. If you have leftover pizza sauce, don’t let it go to waste! Use it as the rich meat sauce for your Bolognese. It pairs perfectly with spaghetti, turning your leftovers into a family favorite.
To create this dish, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey, and cook until browned. Stir in your leftover pizza sauce, allowing it to simmer and develop its robust flavor.
Pour the sauce over cooked spaghetti and mix well. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
6. BBQ Sauce
Leftover pizza sauce can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Its tangy and sweet tomato base makes it perfect for transforming into a BBQ sauce. Use it as a marinade for grilled meats, or a dipping sauce, or brush it on while grilling to enhance the flavor of your dishes.
To make it, start by heating your leftover pizza sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of mustard for that classic BBQ kick. Stir the mixture frequently until it thickens into a smooth sauce. Let it cool before using.
8. Marinara Dipping Sauce
Marinara dipping sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for pairing with breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or even as a side dip for pizza. This tangy and herb-infused tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
To make it, start by heating your leftover pizza sauce in a saucepan. Add minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer gently until the flavors meld together, creating a rich and delicious sauce.
What’s The Best Way To Store Leftover Pizza Sauce?
You’ve discovered what to do with leftover pizza sauce. But what is the best way to store it before turning it into a new dish?
The good news is, there are many ways to store it for future use. Here are some options:
1. Refrigerate: If you plan on using the leftover pizza sauce within a few days, you can simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
2. Freeze: To extend the shelf life of your leftover pizza sauce, you can freeze it. Simply pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, remove any excess air, and place it in the freezer. It will last for up to 3 months.
3. Ice cube tray: Another way to portion out and freeze your leftover pizza sauce is by using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for easier storage and portioning.
4. Mason jars: If you have mason jars at home, they make great storage containers for leftover pizza sauce. Just make sure to leave some room at the top for expansion during freezing.
What Factors Affect The Shelf Life Of Pizza Sauce?
We’ve gone through a lot of different ways for what to do with leftover pizza sauce and also discovered the best methods used to store it.
Normally, leftover pizza sauce can last anywhere from 3 to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. And with different storage methods, the shelf life of them can vary significantly. The shelf life depends on a few factors:
1. Storage method: How you store your leftover pizza sauce will greatly affect its shelf life. As mentioned above, refrigeration and freezing are both viable options, but they offer different storage times.
2. Ingredients: The ingredients used in your pizza sauce can also affect its shelf life. If it contains perishable ingredients like fresh herbs or dairy, it will not last as long as a simple tomato-based sauce.
3. Hygiene practices: Proper hygiene when handling and storing food is crucial to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage. Make sure to use clean utensils and containers for storage.
4. Cooking process: If you make homemade pizza sauce, the cooking process can also affect its shelf life. Cooking it for longer will help preserve it better, as this reduces its water content and makes it less prone to bacteria growth.
Does Reheating Pizza Sauce Affect Its Taste Or Texture?
Reheating pizza sauce does not significantly affect its taste or texture. However, it is important to reheat it properly to avoid any potential food safety concerns.
When reheating pizza sauce, make sure to bring it to a boil and let it simmer for at least 2 minutes before using it in your dish. This will ensure that any bacteria present are killed off.
Additionally, adding a splash of water or broth can help bring back the sauce’s texture and consistency if it has thickened during storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rather than discarding leftovers, discovering what to do with leftover pizza sauce can be a culinary adventure.
With the vast array of recipes and storage methods at our disposal, we can extend the life of our pizza sauce, reduce food waste, and create exciting new dishes.
Whether you’re making a tangy BBQ dipping sauce, a classic marinara, or even incorporating it into lasagna, leftover pizza sauce can bring a delightful twist to your meals.