Homemade Pizza Sauce: Authentic Flavor Made Simple
A versatile, fresher alternative to jarred blends that elevates every meal.
Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect homemade pizza sauce, this recipe offers an unbeatable combination of simplicity and rich, classic flavor. Forget about store-bought sauce laden with preservatives or endlessly simmered marinara. With a can of crushed tomatoes, a handful of pantry staples, and mere minutes, you can create a pizza sauce that evokes the spirit of your favorite pizzeria—right at home.
Why Make Pizza Sauce at Home?
- Fresh Flavor: Aroma and taste are brighter than anything from a jar.
- No Cooking Required: This sauce is designed for minimal effort and maximum taste.
- Customizable: Season it to your preference with herbs and spices.
- Multi-purpose: Use leftover sauce for pasta bakes, dipping sauces, and more.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can |
| Olive Oil | 1 Tbsp. |
| Garlic (grated) | 3 cloves |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp. |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 2 tsp. |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp. |
| Ground Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp. |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 tsp. |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add all the ingredients: crushed tomatoes, olive oil, grated garlic, salt, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix Well: Stir everything together until thoroughly combined. The sauce should be vibrant with visible flecks of garlic and herbs.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly as it chills.
This homemade pizza sauce requires no simmering—the magic happens in the bowl!
Expert Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce
- Quality Tomatoes: Choose a reputable brand of crushed tomatoes for best flavor. San Marzano-style tomatoes yield a sweet, balanced sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Grating garlic activates its aroma immediately; mincing works in a pinch.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, offsetting sharp tomato acidity.
- Customization: Adjust herbs or add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to suit your taste.
- Texture: For a smoother sauce, blitz briefly with a stick blender before refrigerating.
What Sets Pizza Sauce Apart?
| Pizza Sauce | Marinara Sauce |
|---|---|
| No cooking; made to be heated on pizza dough in the oven. | Simmered for a longer duration to create a thick, deeply flavored sauce. |
| Lighter, thinner, easier to spread. | Thicker, designed to cling to pasta. |
| Very lightly seasoned to let toppings shine. | Heavily seasoned with herbs and garlic. |
| Quick and fresh; ideal for pizza, dipping, or casseroles. | Best for pastas and robust Italian dishes. |
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Garlic will intensify if stored longer, possibly overpowering the sauce.
- Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the sauce in zipper bags or containers; thaw in the refrigerator before use.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze small portions for pizza nights or weekday dinners.
- Best Flavor: Sauce tastes freshest in the first 36–48 hours after mixing.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Use this sauce for classic cheese pizzas, veggie pizzas, or meat-lovers’ pies.
- Dip Mozzarella Sticks or garlic bread in the sauce for a tangy, savory dip.
- Mix into pasta bakes, lasagna, or casseroles for added depth.
- Swirl into soup bases for an extra tomato punch.
- Try as a spread for grilled panini or Italian sandwiches.
Other Delicious Condiment Recipes
- Easy Blackberry Jam: Capture summer’s sweetness in a simple, homestyle jam.
- Burger Sauce: Slather on grilled burgers for a tangy kick.
- Pesto: Fresh, bold herb flavors for pizza, pasta, and more.
- Quick Salsa Verde: Zippy, vibrant green sauce for Mexican night.
- Country Gravy: Creamy and perfect for biscuits and brunch.
What others are reading
Explore these condiment recipes to complement your pizza and enhance your kitchen repertoire.
Homemade Pizza Night: Tips for Success
- Choose Great Cheese: Blend grated parmesan, low-moisture mozzarella, and fresh mozzarella for a chewy, stretchy, flavorful pizza topping.
- Use Fresh Dough: Homemade or store-bought dough—roll it thin for crispy crust.
- Oven Temperature: Preheat to the highest setting (ideally 500–550°F) for quick, blistered crust.
- Topping Ideas: Classic pepperoni, fresh basil, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers—customize to taste.
- Homemade Sauce: Always spread sauce lightly and evenly for best results.
- Plan Ahead: Prep toppings and sauce in advance for a seamless pizza night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes. For best results, peel and seed fresh tomatoes and puree until smooth. Simmer briefly to thicken if the sauce is too watery.
Q: Is this pizza sauce gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden additives.
Q: Can I make the sauce spicier?
A: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili for more heat. Taste and adjust before serving.
Q: How do I keep garlic from tasting raw?
A: Grating and immediate mixing mellows the garlic, but if you prefer a softer flavor, roast or sauté first before adding.
Q: What’s the best way to freeze pizza sauce?
A: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat to save freezer space; thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Nutrition & Dietary Info
| Per Serving (1/4 cup) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 38 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
Values are approximate and depend on brand variations and serving sizes.
Final Thoughts: Simplicity is Key
This homemade pizza sauce proves that you don’t need complicated steps or hours of simmering for extraordinary results. With a few select Italian seasonings, fresh garlic, and high-quality tomatoes, your next pizza night will rival any local pizzeria. Make, spread, bake, and enjoy the rewards of authentic, easy, and delicious pizza sauce anytime.
Related Pizza & Sauce Recipes
- Homemade Tomato Sauce: Try a slow-cooked version for pasta, casseroles, or as an alternative to this quick pizza sauce.
- Sheet-Pan Pizza: Feed a crowd with these simple, customizable recipes.
- French Bread Pizza: Use this sauce to create handheld, crunchy pizza treats.
- Flavorful Dips: Dunk mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, or calzones in your extra sauce.
Share Your Success
Tag your pizza creations and variations—whether you use classic toppings, inventive cheeses, or seasonal vegetables. The right sauce is your foundation for endless pizza possibilities.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43660321/tomato-sauce-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a43453818/homemade-pizza-sauce-recipe/
- https://whiteapronblog.com/2016/03/07/homemade-pizza-sauce-and-crust/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a43715818/pizza-night/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9skmuumgXY
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