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It’s curious how such a friendly item like pizza can trigger so many arguments. From dough to toppings, every aspect of this celestial pie sparks polarization among its devotees. Perhaps it’s precisely its godlike essence that elicits the most passionate opinions. There is one certainty, though, a universal truth that is arguably unarguable: pizza in its purest form is simply perfect. The alchemy of dough, tomato sauce and cheese is miraculous. Even the most eccentric pizza consumers would happily enjoy this recipe. Now conservatives would say ‘if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’. But at the same time, curiosity is what fuels our evolution. Human beings are explorers, it’s in our nature to wonder what it would be like if we added some olives, perhaps some rocket, or smoked ham on top of this already wonderful concoction.

Thus far, we’re only flirting with the stretching of boundaries. We can take it a bit further and drop some pineapple on the plate. Some are ready to stop reading… But this is about to get wild. What about dipping sauces? Yes, you’ve heard correctly. Those in favor may excuse themselves in front of traditionalists by saying that they only want sauce for the crust. In fact, the origins of this new trend of dipping pizza on a side sauce were allegedly for this precise purpose. In Wichita, Kansas, a dine-in restaurant that later became Pizza Hut used to serve breadsticks and garlic bread with warm marinara. Later, Papa John’s founder made a tangy, buttery dip that has been served with every pizza since their very beginnings.

In this article, we’re going to name some of the sauces that have become a popular add-on in the times that run. For some, we may be committing blasphemy, but there’s nothing wrong with learning new things.

Mayonnaise

This creamy emulsion generally prepared with oil, egg yolk and lemon juice or vinegar is found in most fridges in the country. Americans love this condiment, often used in salads and sandwiches. Many adore dipping their fries or chicken nuggets in mayonnaise. Then why not also do it with pizza? In countries like Japan and Russia you can find generous amounts of mayo as part of their toppings. If you’re thinking that the Italians would never approve this practice, then here is a peculiar fact: in the town of Pesaro, in Italy, a famous recipe includes mayo as an essential ingredient. You can reference them if ever questioned for your dipping sauce choices.

Tomato Ketchup

Perhaps the nemesis of mayonnaise, catsup is a sweet, tangy, pureed condiment. The initial recipes, formerly used in the US and still found in Britain, included mushrooms, unripe walnuts or oysters. Ketchup is a universal sauce that actually comes from China, with ke-tsiap meaning pickled fish sauce. Now, many like to use it as a pizza dressing or dipping sauce for an extra kick of tomatoes and sweetness. Fans especially recommend combining it with a classic Margherita.

Barbecue sauce

The origins of the name are linked to the natives of the ‘New World’ who smoked fish, lizards and small animals in a wooden device that sounded to Columbus’ explorers as a barbacoa. Smoking was already common in Europe as it helps flavor and preserve foods, but the barbacoa technique was particularly effective. Vinegar, the main ingredient in BBQ sauce, was also used to flavor and preserve meat and other foods in Spain. Most American barbecue sauces can trace their roots to a recipe popularized by African slaves in North Carolina and South Carolina, originally made with vinegar, ground black pepper, and hot chili pepper flakes. Used mostly as a marinade, some people enjoy dipping their pizza crusts in this rich condiment.

Ranch dressing

There are adverse opinions since the introduction of this tangy, creamy salad dressing into the pizza world. But regardless of fervent opposition, it’s one of the most popular pizza dipping sauces. A combination of onion, spices, herbs and buttermilk, it’s believed to be a versatile condiment that elevates the general flavors of your pizza and neutralizes the greasiness. Particularly popular in America’s Midwest, this sauce was created in an Alaskan ranch with the intention to persuade fussy bush workers into eating their vegetables.

Final words

The thing is, at Amicci’s we are passionate about pizza. Thus we support our fellow pizza lovers regardless of how they eat their pies, even if we found it somewhat strange. Our Southwest Detroit pizza is so delicious that it needs no add-ons. But at the same time, we believe that pizza’s versatility is one of its main virtues. On a good base of perfectly baked dough, caramelized tomato sauce and mouth watering cheese, possibilities are endless. We do offer at our pizza place Detroit MI, ranch and barbeque sauce for the brave ones. And if, when you get home, you decide to introduce any other ingredient -be it a block of butter, an extra layer of chili flakes or even chocolate chips- we don’t mind. Whatever sizzles your bacon!