Whether you are a traditionalist and require a tomato sauce on your pizza, or are more inclined to experiment, I’ve got you covered with these two healthy sauces. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and the heirloom tomato sauce can be on the table in less than 10 minutes. I’ve included this recipe as part of an exciting pizza topping buffet where guests can make their own pizzas.

See all the ideas for creating gourmet pizzas—recipes for bases, toppings, and  luxe finishing touches that make the pizzas people can’t stop talking about.

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recipe

SAUCE: SWEET POTATO

For a nice, comfort twist, think of using sweet potato sauce instead of typical tomato sauce. Spread out the mixture with a spoon over crust and add desired toppings. Use leftovers as a side dish for your next dinner.

MAKES A BIG BOWL OF POTATOES

START THE POTATOES

4 sweet potatoes
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Peel potatoes, cut into large chunks, boil until soft, about 15 min. Drain. Place in large bowl.

ADD GARLIC TO MAKE IT INTERESTING…

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
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Saute garlic in olive oil. Pour over potatoes.

MASH IT ALL TOGETHER

potatoes
2 TB butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced
1 CUP Parmesan cheese, grated
1 CUP 2% milk
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While potatoes are still hot, toss in all of the ingredients, except milk. Mash together. Add milk, mash. Mixture should be a thick, but spreadable. Add a little milk to thin out, if necessary.

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recipe

SAUCE: HEIRLOOM TOMATO

Heirloom tomatoes still lurk in the market. If you can find them use this recipe instead of a jarred sauce.

MAKES ONE CUP

GET IT STARTED

3 TB olive oil
sprinkle of red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, chopped
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Cook garlic in oil about 3 min over low to medium heat. (Don’t let garlic brown.) Turn off heat while preparing tomatoes.

COOK THE TOMATOES

3 large heirloom tomatoes
1/2 TB salt
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Cut tomatoes into segments revealing the watery/seed sections. With a spoon, remove as many of the seeds and liquid as possible. Chop tomatoes into small bits, as for a salsa. Add to the pan with garlic/oil. Cook for 5 min over medium heat.

ADD SOME DEPTH

1 shot vodka
1/2 TB fresh oregano, chopped
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Add to the pot, cook another 10 min. The sauce should be nice and chunky. If sauce is too watery, pour through sieve in batches.

See more ideas for creating an exciting pizza buffet in 03 Easy Pizza