16 Best Sauces For Dipping Pizza

Pizza is already perfect, but dipping sauce turns every slice into an experience. The right sauce can add creamy richness, a spark of heat, or a bright tang that cuts through cheese and grease.

Think of crust as a spoon and the sauce as your flavor upgrade. Ready to turn delivery night into a full tasting session?

1. Classic Ranch

Classic ranch is the comfort pick that never lets you down. Cool, creamy, and speckled with herbs, it mellows salty pepperoni and crunchy crust.

Dip the edge or dunk the whole bite, and you get a tangy, dairy-rich finish that plays perfectly with melted cheese. Use it when you want something familiar and crowd pleasing.

If your slice packs heat, ranch brings balance without muting flavor. Thin it slightly for drizzling, or keep it thick for crust plunges that feel extra satisfying.

Homemade ranch tastes brighter than bottled, but both work in a pinch. Look for buttermilk notes and fresh dill for the best result.

It is the universal dip that turns pizza night into easy comfort.

2. Garlic Butter

Garlic butter is simple, rich, and wildly effective. Warm, silky butter carries that roasted garlic aroma straight to your nose, making every crust bite taste indulgent.

It coats the tongue, softens chewy edges, and adds a satisfying glossy finish. Melt real butter, stir in minced or grated garlic, then add a pinch of salt and parsley.

You can toast the garlic gently in butter for a nuttier depth. Try brushing it on the crust before baking, then serve extra for dipping.

It pairs beautifully with plain cheese, white pizza, and pepperoni alike. When pizza feels dry, this dip adds instant moisture.

Keep napkins nearby, because you will not want to hold back.

3. Marinara

Marinara is the classic extra sauce move. Bright tomato, garlic, and oregano bring an unmistakable pizzeria vibe, making every bite taste fresher.

It is perfect when you want more tang and a little sweetness to balance gooey cheese. Use a chunky, slow simmered version with olive oil for depth.

Warm it gently so the aromas bloom, and sprinkle in basil or red pepper if desired. It shines with cheese slices, veggie pies, and anything heavy on mozzarella.

Marinara also rescues a bland crust by adding moisture and acidity. Dip generously or spoon it over the slice and fold.

It is timeless, familiar, and always welcome at the table.

4. Spicy Marinara

Spicy marinara wakes everything up with a quick hit of heat. Take your favorite marinara and bloom crushed red pepper or Calabrian chilies in olive oil before stirring in.

The result is tomato bright, slightly sweet, and confidently fiery. It pairs beautifully with pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom slices that can handle a kick.

The heat cuts through grease without overwhelming the herbs. Add a splash of vinegar for extra zing if your sauce skews sweet.

For texture, keep it slightly chunky so it clings to crust. Serve warm and finish with torn basil or a dusting of Parmesan.

It is like marinara with a megaphone, bold but balanced.

5. Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creamy garlic sauce is like garlic butter’s richer cousin. Think velvety, slightly tangy, and deeply garlicky, perfect for white pizza or plain cheese.

It clings to crust and brings a luxurious feel without being heavy. Make it with mayo and sour cream, or go the béchamel route for a silkier version.

Add roasted garlic for sweetness and fresh garlic for bite. A squeeze of lemon keeps it lively while black pepper adds gentle heat.

It shines with chicken, spinach, and artichoke toppings. When your slice feels one note, this sauce adds complexity and creaminess.

Keep it chilled for dipping, or warm briefly for a looser pour.

6. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo is indulgence in dip form. Thick, cheesy, and buttery, it turns any crust into a luxurious bite.

Rich Parmesan and cream wrap around toppings, especially chicken or mushrooms, adding body and umami. Use real Parmigiano Reggiano for nutty depth and avoid breaking by warming slowly.

A pinch of nutmeg and black pepper makes the sauce sing. If it feels too thick, loosen with warm milk until it coats smoothly.

It is perfect when you want cozy, winter comfort vibes. Drizzle over a slice or dunk crust for a decadent finish.

A sprinkle of parsley keeps it from feeling too heavy while adding freshness.

7. Pesto

Pesto brings bright, herby energy that instantly upgrades cheese pizza. Basil, garlic, Parmesan, and good olive oil create a punchy, aromatic dip.

It adds freshness and a little richness without weighing down the slice. Whirl basil, toasted pine nuts, grated cheese, garlic, and oil until loose enough for dipping.

Season with lemon to sharpen the flavor, and salt generously to make it pop. It works especially well with tomatoes, mozzarella, and veggie loaded pies.

If basil is scarce, swap in arugula or kale with a touch of honey. Keep it chilled so it stays vibrant green.

A quick swirl transforms plain crust into something that tastes garden fresh.

8. Hot Honey

Hot honey delivers sweet heat that clings to bubbling cheese and charred pepperoni cups. One drizzle turns a salty, savory slice into a balanced flavor bomb.

It shines particularly with spicy sausage, soppressata, or crispy edges. Infuse good honey with chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a splash of vinegar for tang.

Warm slightly so it flows, but do not overheat or it will thin too much. The sweetness tames spice while the heat cuts through fat.

Serve as a dip or drizzle right before the first bite. It is versatile enough for veggie slices and meat lovers alike.

Expect sticky fingers and lots of happy nods.

9. Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce brings tangy heat that wakes up every bite. The classic combo of hot sauce and butter creates a glossy, craveable dip.

It pairs perfectly with chicken topped pizzas and stands up to bold flavors. Use a vinegar forward hot sauce, melt in butter, and balance with a touch of honey if needed.

A dash of garlic powder rounds out the profile. Keep it warm so it coats smoothly without separating.

Dip the crust or drizzle over slices for that unmistakable zing. If your pizza leans rich, buffalo cuts through instantly.

It is the go to when you want lively heat and savory depth.

10. Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is bold, creamy, and built for heat seekers. Its tangy funk cools spicy slices while adding serious character.

With buffalo chicken pizza, it is basically a requirement. Choose a dressing with real blue cheese crumbles for texture and punch.

Thin slightly with buttermilk if you prefer a smoother dip. A crack of black pepper and squeeze of lemon make flavors pop.

It balances greasy edges and turns basic crust into something craveable. If you like contrast, alternate buffalo and blue cheese dips for a perfect bite.

Expect a rich finish and that unmistakable blue aroma lingering pleasantly.

11. Spicy Mayo

Spicy mayo is creamy heat with a sushi bar vibe that translates beautifully to pizza. Mayo smooths the edges while chili sauce brings kick and color.

It is especially great with thin crust or crispy slices. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha, gochujang, or chili crisp, then add lime for brightness.

A tiny bit of soy sauce deepens the savoriness. Adjust heat to your liking so it enhances without overpowering.

Drizzle in zigzags or keep it as a dipping pool for crust. Try it with bacon, pineapple, or pepperoni for sweet spicy contrast.

It is the saucy shortcut to big flavor with minimal effort.

12. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce brings smoky sweet depth that loves chicken, bacon, and onion heavy slices. Its tangy molasses vibe plays well with charred crust and gooey cheese.

When you want bold flavor fast, this dip delivers. Choose a style that fits your pizza: Kansas City for sweet and thick, Carolina for tangy and mustardy, or Texas for more spice.

Warm it slightly so it flows smoothly. A splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten bottled versions.

Use it for crust, drizzle over the slice, or even mix with ranch. It turns leftovers into something craveable and new.

Smoky notes linger pleasantly after each bite.

13. Honey Mustard

Honey mustard brings sweet tang that surprises in the best way. It complements ham, chicken, and bacon pizzas with a zippy finish.

The creamy texture makes crust dipping feel effortless and satisfying. Combine Dijon with honey, a touch of mayo, and lemon for balance.

Add a pinch of paprika for warmth or extra mustard seeds for bite. Keep it chilled so the flavors stay sharp and lively.

When pizza skews salty, this sauce rounds it out with gentle sweetness. It is a great option for family nights since it is mild but interesting.

Expect clean, punchy flavor that keeps you reaching back.

14. Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze is a drizzle dip that makes pizza taste instantly fancy. Thick, syrupy, and sweet tangy, it pairs with mozzarella, tomatoes, and roasted veggies.

Use it when you want contrast without heaviness. Reduce good balsamic vinegar until it coats a spoon, or buy a high quality bottle.

A pinch of salt and tiny splash of honey help balance acidity. Keep it warm enough to pour smooth ribbons.

Dip crust directly or swirl over a slice just before eating. It brightens rich cheese and adds depth to earthy toppings.

A little goes a long way, so start with light lines.

15. Chipotle Sauce

Chipotle sauce brings smoky heat that loves roasted corn, peppers, onions, and chicken. The adobo adds depth and a gently lingering spice.

It is creamy enough to dip but bold enough to drizzle. Blend mayo or Greek yogurt with chipotles in adobo, lime juice, and garlic.

Adjust chilies to control the burn, then season with salt and a pinch of cumin. The result is savory, bright, and satisfying.

Try it with southwest style toppings or to wake up plain cheese. It sticks to crust without feeling heavy.

Expect a campfire smokiness that keeps bites interesting from start to finish.

16. Parmesan Peppercorn Sauce

Parmesan peppercorn sauce is creamy with a little bite. Think rich cheese flavor, a peppery snap, and a silky texture that hugs crust.

It is especially satisfying with meaty or mushroom loaded slices. Start with mayo or sour cream, fold in finely grated Parmesan, and crack in plenty of black pepper.

A squeeze of lemon and pinch of garlic powder lift everything. Thin with milk to achieve the perfect dipping consistency.

Use it when ranch feels too familiar but you still want creamy comfort. The pepper keeps each bite lively while the cheese adds umami.

It is a sleeper hit that quickly becomes a go to.