If you have ever dreamed of crafting your own pizza masterpiece at home, starting with a luscious, flavorful sauce is key. This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe is your ultimate secret weapon to transform simple ingredients into a rich, savory base that will elevate any pizza from ordinary to unforgettable. With just a few pantry staples and under 15 minutes, you can whip up a sauce that boasts good balance of tangy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a silky texture that hugs every crust perfectly. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend pizza party, this sauce is sure to become your go-to foundation for all things pizza.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity, using accessible ingredients that pack powerful flavor punches. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect aroma, color, and richness you crave on your pizza.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps gently cook the garlic for a mellow base flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with a vibrant, fresh punch that’s both aromatic and savory.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a beautiful deep red color.
- Crushed tomatoes (canned): Provide the juicy, slightly chunky tomato texture that forms the heart of the sauce.
- Fresh basil (or dried basil): Brings subtle herbal notes that brighten the entire sauce.
- Dried oregano: Delivers the classic Italian herb aroma essential for authentic flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to balance and highlight the other flavors.
- Optional granulated sugar: Helps cut acidity and round out the tanginess for a well-balanced sauce.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Warm the olive oil and sauté garlic
Start by heating your extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant—this only takes a few seconds. This gentle cooking step unlocks that warm, mellow garlic flavor which is the backbone of the sauce.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste
Next, introduce the tomato paste to the garlicky oil and cook it with frequent stirring for about one minute. This caramelizes the paste slightly, deepening the tomato flavor and lending a subtle sweetness and hearty color to your sauce base.
Step 3: Add crushed tomatoes and herbs
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the fresh basil and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder tang, add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is perfectly balanced. This layering of flavors is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Simmer to meld flavors
Cover the pot with a lid and let the sauce gently simmer for 5 minutes. This simmering period melts the flavors together, creating a harmonious sauce that’s both vibrant and smooth, perfect for spreading over your pizza dough.
Step 5: Use or store
Your sauce is now ready to use immediately, bringing fresh, homemade flair to your pizza. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months, keeping your pizza nights effortless in the future.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Once your pizza is baked, adding garnishes like fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the sauce’s brightness and add an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with classic sides such as garlic knots, crisp Caesar salad, or a simple antipasto platter. The fresh tomato and herb notes complement crunchy, leafy, and savory dishes, rounding out any meal splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit this Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe to just pizzas! Use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or roasted vegetables, a base for shakshuka, or even as a flavorful condiment on sandwiches and wraps. Its versatility makes it a kitchen superstar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This allows the flavors to mellow and deepen, often making the sauce taste even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the sauce in airtight containers or freezer bags in portions that best suit your cooking needs. Label and date them—your homemade sauce will stay delicious for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid high heat to preserve the sauce’s fresh flavors and silky texture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, peel and crush them before cooking. Keep in mind that the sauce may take a little longer to cook down and thicken, but the fresh flavor will be exquisite.
Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?
Adding sugar is optional and depends on your taste as well as the acidity of the tomatoes. Sugar helps balance acidity and create a smoother taste, but if your tomatoes are naturally sweet, you might not need it at all.
How long does this sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container, this sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. Always smell and look for any signs of spoilage before use.
Can I use dried herbs in place of fresh ones?
Yes! Dried herbs like oregano and basil work wonderfully in this recipe and are often more concentrated, so use them sparingly compared to fresh herbs. Both forms provide that classic Italian flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for other dishes besides pizza?
Definitely! This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in pasta dishes, as a dip, or as a base for casseroles and stews. Its bright tomato and herb profile add delicious depth to many meals.
Final Thoughts
Making your own pizza sauce is such a rewarding and straightforward way to add authenticity and flavor to your homemade pizza adventures. This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe balances simplicity and taste, proving that with just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can create something truly special right in your own kitchen. Give it a try, and watch your pizza nights become even more memorable and delicious!
Print
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is a quick and flavorful base for your homemade pizzas. Made with simple pantry staples like tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, it comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers a rich, balanced tomato flavor perfect for any pizza crust.
Ingredients
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: granulated sugar to taste
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat, preparing the base for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook together for 1 minute, stirring frequently to develop a deep tomato flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add chopped fresh basil (or dried basil) and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference. If a sweeter sauce is desired, add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, tasting as you go.
- Simmer the Sauce: Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently on medium-low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Use or Store: The sauce is now ready to use immediately on pizza dough or can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months for future use.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the acidity of your canned tomatoes for a balanced flavor.
- This sauce can be doubled or halved easily depending on your needs.
- For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking, if desired.
- Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren’t available.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
