Homemade pizza sauce is a staple in any pizza lover’s kitchen, and for good reason! Thick, rich, and bursting with flavor, this sauce elevates any pizza to a new level. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up in just a matter of minutes. Plus, when you make it yourself, you have full control over the ingredients, which means you can tailor it to your taste.
My first experience with homemade pizza sauce was a game-changer. I decided to host a pizza night for friends, and boy, did it turn out to be a hit! Since then, I’ve always kept a jar of this simple sauce on hand for those inevitable pizza cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a relaxing night in, nothing beats the satisfaction of spreading fresh homemade pizza sauce on your dough. Trust me, once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fragrant garlic, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a sauce that bursts with flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: Sweetened with just a hint of sugar, this sauce strikes an ideal balance between acidity and sweetness.
- Versatile: Perfect not only for pizzas but also as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a base for pasta!
- Storable: Make a big batch and store it to enjoy anytime!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity dimension.
- 3 cloves garlic, grated on a microplane: Grating garlic helps release the oils, giving a fragrant kick to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: This herb provides that classic Italian flavor that complements tomatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these flakes are the perfect touch!
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor; San Marzano is a fantastic choice.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: This subtle sweetness counterbalances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adding butter at the end provides a luscious mouthfeel that rounds out the flavors.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the grated garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until it releases its fragrant aroma.
- Add Herbs and Spice: Incorporate 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the pan, cooking them for one more minute to bloom their flavors.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Sugar: Carefully add the 28 oz of crushed tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of sugar into the mix, stirring until well combined. Reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for Thickness: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 20 minutes. It should thicken and bubble at the edges, encouraging those delicious flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Finish with Butter and Season: Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted and beautifully incorporated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to taste. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
To store your freshly made pizza sauce, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, transfer it to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and freeze it flat for up to 6 months—just defrost it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe ziplock bag, making sure to push out excess air to prevent freezer burn, for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick stir will refresh its consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it should turn fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- When using tomatoes, opt for a good brand for a fresher taste; canned San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best for sauces.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs; basil, thyme, or even a dash of Italian seasoning can give you varied flavors.
- If you like a chunkier sauce, skip the crushed tomatoes and use diced tomatoes instead.
- For a deeper flavor, consider allowing the sauce to simmer longer, up to 30 minutes, to develop complexity.
Crafting your own homemade pizza sauce offers an incredible reward—you’ll never settle for store-bought again! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that truly embodies a fresh, comforting taste. Enjoy playing around with the recipe, adding extra spices or even a hint of fresh basil, to find your signature blend.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Simply blanch, peel, and core them before crushing. About 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes will give you around 28 oz of sauce.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you want even more heat, try adding more flakes or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What type of crushed tomatoes should I use?
Opt for high-quality, San Marzano crushed tomatoes if available, as they offer a rich flavor. If unavailable, choose a good brand without any added sugars or preservatives.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 6 months. Just remember to cool it completely before storing it.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and make this easy homemade pizza sauce—your pizzas (and taste buds) will thank you! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
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Recipe Card
Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Homemade Pizza Sauce delivers delicious flavor and simple preparation, featuring juicy crushed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and aromatic spices, making it perfect for pizza nights or any quick meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, grated on a microplane
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan.
- Add grated garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Stir in dried oregano and crushed red pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in unsalted butter and season with salt and pepper; let cool to room temperature.
Notes
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months for quick meals later.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes to personalize the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
