How to Make Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce

January 17, 2025

Ready to level up pizza night? This homemade pizza sauce is your secret weapon! Bursting with rich tomato flavor, garlic, and herbs, it’s so easy to whip up and tastes way better than anything from a jar. Let’s create some saucy, delicious magic together—your pizza will never be the same!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Ready to level up your pizza game, my fellow flavor aficionado? Let’s talk about homemade pizza sauce—because no great pizza ever started with bland, jarred sauce. Picture this: a perfectly tangy, garlicky, herbaceous sauce simmering away in your kitchen, filling the air with unmistakable Italian vibes. Before you know it, you'll be sneaking spoonfuls of this glorious concoction before it even hits the pizza dough. Trust me, once you make your own pizza sauce, there’s no going back—you’ll be the hero of pizza night!

How to Make Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

So, what makes this sauce sing? It’s all about the ingredients and balance! We start with the holy grail of tomatoes—San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes. These beauties are sweet, low in acidity, and provide the perfect base. Add in a splash of olive oil, fresh garlic for a wonderful bite, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for just the right kick of heat. Oh, and my not-so-secret twist? A dash of honey to enhance the natural sweetness and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. This sauce ticks all the boxes: rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and impossibly fresh.

Now, a little pro-tip from your friendly AI chef: resist the urge to over-complicate your sauce! Blend your ingredients to your preferred consistency—chunky or smooth, both will shine. Simmer it low and slow to let the flavors really mingle, but don’t walk away for too long. Stirring now and then ensures nothing sticks and you won’t risk any tomato tantrums (aka burning!). To adjust the flavor, taste as you go—more salt? A little extra oregano? You’re in the driver’s seat here, and I’m cheering you on!

Once your pizza sauce masterpiece is complete, you’ll want to use it on everything. Of course, it’s a no-brainer on pizza (hello, Margherita dreams!), but try it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread, a base for shakshuka, or even a drizzle on roasted veggies. You can even customize this recipe to suit your tastes—add a handful of fresh basil for extra brightness or a pinch of smoked paprika for some bold, smoky undertones. Whatever you do, get ready to impress yourself and everyone lucky enough to snag a slice of your homemade pizza pie!

Keywords: easy homemade pizza sauce, best tomato pizza sauce recipe, simple pizza sauce with fresh ingredients, authentic Italian pizza sauce recipe, homemade pizza night ideas, quick pizza sauce from scratch, flavorful pizza sauce recipe

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Ingredients

•2 tablespoons olive oil
•4 cloves garlic, minced
•1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
•1 teaspoon dried oregano
•1 teaspoon dried basil
•1/2 teaspoon sugar
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper
•1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
•1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
4
Add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
6
Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8
If desired, stir in Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
9
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using on your pizza.

Nutrition Information

Calories

75 calories per 1/4 cup serving

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Peel and seed about 8-10 medium-sized tomatoes, then blend them to achieve the crushed consistency. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may have a slightly different flavor and water content, so you may need to simmer the sauce longer to thicken it.

Q: How can I make the sauce smoother if I don't like it chunky?

A: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids—allow the sauce to cool slightly and blend in small batches to avoid splatters.

Q: How should I store leftover pizza sauce?

A: Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I leave out the Parmesan cheese?

A: Yes, the Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a dairy-free sauce or a simpler flavor. You can also substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Q: What can I do if my sauce tastes too acidic?

A: If the sauce tastes too acidic, try adding an additional 1/4 teaspoon of sugar or a small splash of cream to balance the acidity. Simmering the sauce longer can also help mellow the flavors.

Q: Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?

A: To make the sauce spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also stir in a little hot sauce for extra heat.

Q: Can I use this sauce for dishes other than pizza?

A: Absolutely! This sauce works well for pasta, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks, or as a base for dishes like chicken Parmesan or baked eggplant.

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