Quick Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe | Better Than Store
When it comes to crafting the perfect pizza at home, homemade pizza sauce makes all the difference. Store-bought sauces are convenient, but they often lack the fresh flavor and customization that you get by making your own.
This recipe will show you how to create a rich, flavorful pizza sauce using simple ingredients found in any pantry. Whether you prefer a classic Neapolitan or a hearty deep-dish pie, this sauce complements every style.
Why Make Homemade Pizza Sauce?
Homemade pizza sauce is fresher, more flavorful, and can be adjusted to suit your taste. You control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or unnecessary additives. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy and only takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Some benefits include:
- Customizable taste: Adjust herbs, spices, and sweetness.
- Healthier: No hidden sugars or artificial flavors.
- Budget-friendly: More economical than buying pre-made sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Pizza Sauce
The best pizza sauce recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Let’s break down the process so you can make the best pizza sauce at home.
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
If using whole peeled tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a blender for a smoother sauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a potato masher.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour the prepared tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir in oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors blend together. The sauce should thicken as it cooks.
5. Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if the sauce is too acidic or more salt to enhance the flavors.
6. Cool and Use
Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before using it on your pizza dough. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce
- Use quality tomatoes: The better the tomatoes, the richer the sauce.
- Don’t overcook: Simmer just long enough to blend flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Season last: Taste after simmering and adjust salt, sugar, and herbs as needed.
- No-cook version: For Neapolitan-style pizza, mix the ingredients together and let them sit for an hour for a fresh, raw sauce.
Variations to Try
Chunky Pizza Sauce
If you like a sauce with more texture, use diced tomatoes and skip the blender. Add extra herbs for a more rustic flavor.
Spicy Arrabbiata-Style
Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Herb-Loaded Sauce
Boost the flavor by adding more fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
How to Store Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and stir before using.
Uses Beyond Pizza
This sauce isn’t just for pizza. Try it as:
- A dipping sauce for breadsticks or calzones
- A base for pasta or lasagna
- A sauce for meatball subs or eggplant parmesan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tomato paste instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, but tomato paste is very concentrated and thick. If you use it, dilute with water and adjust the seasonings. Mix 1 part tomato paste with 2 parts water for a similar consistency.
Is it better to use fresh or canned tomatoes?
For convenience and consistent flavor, canned San Marzano tomatoes are ideal. If you have ripe, flavorful fresh tomatoes, you can use them, but you may need to cook longer to thicken the sauce.
Do I need to cook the sauce?
Cooking the sauce helps meld the flavors and thicken it for pizza. However, for Neapolitan-style pizza, a no-cook sauce made with high-quality tomatoes is traditional.
Can I freeze homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely. Let the sauce cool completely, then portion it into containers or freezer bags. It keeps well for up to three months.
How much sauce should I use on a pizza?
Generally, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sauce is enough for a 12-inch pizza. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
What if my sauce is too acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of heavy cream to balance the acidity.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles (or even triples) easily if you’re making multiple pizzas or want to freeze extra sauce for later.
Homemade Pizza Sauce
This easy, rich, and flavorful pizza sauce comes together in 20 minutes with pantry staples. Fresher, healthier, and more customizable than store-bought, it’s the perfect base for any style of pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- If using whole peeled tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a blender for a smooth sauce. For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
- Add prepared tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if too acidic or more salt to enhance the flavors.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using on pizza dough. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 108Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 711mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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