Did you know you can transform a jar of marinara into the perfect Marinara dipping sauce just by adding two simple ingredients and reducing it down?
This simple, 3-ingredient, 5-minute, one-pot recipe doesn’t get much easier. Perfect for garlic bread (pictured: my 4-Ingredient Garlic Bread Spread!), mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, pizza bread, or even just a good crusty baguette!
As a busy mom with an appreciation for bold flavor, I absolutely love a simple sauce that can completely elevate your appetizer, and this marinara dip is no exception.
Marinara Dipping Sauce Ingredients
Here’s everything you need:
- Jarred marinara sauce. Whatever you have on hand! I use Rao’s.
- Italian seasoning.
- Olive oil.
Marinara Sauce for Dipping Tips and Tricks
How to Reduce Marinara for Dipping Sauce
This recipe is truly simple. The idea here is to simultaneously boost the flavor and thicken jarred marinara to transform it into a sauce that is better suited for dipping.
Simply add the marinara sauce, olive oil, and Italian seasoning to a pot or saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and simmer until the sauce thickens, and most of the liquid has evaporated.
It’s truly that simple. All that’s left to do from there is transfer it into a little bowl or ramekin for serving. Voila!
I’ve tested this recipe with a few different marinara sauces and found that their taste varies greatly. Rao’s classic marinara was by far my favorite of the options at my local grocery store.
That being said, if you use a different sauce and find your reduced sauce to be too bitter, add a pinch of sugar to even it back out.
How to Tailor it to Your Taste
The recipe I’ve shared here is the simplest form, for the easiest marinara dipping sauce. But there are options for add-ins if you’re feeling kind of fancy or want to make this your own. Here are some ideas to help make this sauce your own:
- Diced onions or onion powder
- Minced garlic or garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper.
- Fresh basil or parsley.
- Splash of red wine.
Serving Your Quick Marinara Dipping Sauce
This quick and easy marinara-based dipping sauce is versatile and enhances pretty much anything cheesy. More traditionally it’s used as a dipper for things like garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, and cheesy bread. It’s also really great smeared on a sandwich or sub!
It’s also delicious with:
How to Properly Store and Reheat Your Marinara Sauce for Dipping
This red sauce for dipping will last up to one week in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be enjoyed cold, at room temperature or reheated.
It can either be reheated on the stove (just throw it back in the pot over medium heat!) or in the microwave. If you do microwave it, I recommend covering it as it will likely splatter.
Reheating time will completely depend on how much leftovers you have. Just reheat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s nice and hot.
3-Ingredient Marinara Dipping Sauce
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEEquipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup jarred marinara sauce (I used Rao's)
- 1 tablesoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- To a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer and stir occasionally for 3-5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated (see notes).½ cup jarred marinara sauce, 1 tablesoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Serve hot. Check out this 4-Ingredient Garlic Bread Spread for the perfect bread to dip in this simple sauce!
Pro Tips
- Taste will vary depending on the type and brand of marinara sauce you use. If you find your reduced sauce to be too bitter, stir in a pinch of sugar!
