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My Pizza Sauce is just the thing you need to take your pizza game to the next level.
This pizza sauce is super simple, uses simple ingredients, and will make your pizza taste like it came straight from a New York pizzeria.
With just a few pantry staples and a bowl, you can whip up a sauce that’s way tastier than most store-bought sauce options out there.
Plus, making your own sauce means you get to control the flavor exactly how you like it! Big win!!
We’re talking about a balanced mix of canned tomatoes, spices and just a hint of sweetness. Exactly the flavor I look for in the best pizzas.
It’s perfect for your weekly pizza night at home. No more relying on takeout or online orders when you can have a great pizza right out of your oven!
Also, feel free to think beyond pizza. This sauce can totally double as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or even veggies.
It’s thick, rich, and full of that classic Italian taste. If you’ve been searching for the best pizza sauce to impress your family and friends, look no further. Let’s get started!
Some of our other favorite PIZZA RECIPES we have on our site include: Easy Pizza Pasta Bake Casserole, Best Meatball Pizza Recipe (Homemade Meatballs), and The Best Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe.
Jump to:
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple Ingredients: You can make this sauce using common pantry staples like canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Great Flavor Without Extra Fuss: You don’t need a food processor, immersion blender, or any fancy tool. A whisk and a bowl are enough to combine all the flavors, creating a sauce that tastes fresh and vibrant.
- Customizable and Healthy: Adjust the added sugar or salt to suit your daily diet. Plus, there are no artificial flavors or hidden ingredients—just real, quality components. It’s also a good option for those watching their calorie diet since you control the ingredients.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
HOW TO MAKE PIZZA SAUCE:
- Add all the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and mix together with a wire whisk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Absolutely!
Making a large batch of this sauce ahead of time is a great way to have it ready for your next day pizza-making adventures.
Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
The flavors blend even better over time, giving you a richer, deeper taste.
HOW TO USE?
You can use this sauce on any pizza—homemade or store-bought crust, thin or thick.
It’s also an excellent dipping sauce for breadsticks, mozzarella cheese sticks, or even a side with homemade pizza dough knots.
Spread it on your pizza base before adding favorite pizza toppings, or serve it warm in a small bowl as a dipping sauce.
ANY ADDITIONS?
There are soooo many different ways to do pizza sauce. Make it all your own!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add for a spicy kick.
- Fresh Basil: Chop some fresh herbs like basil for a bright, fresh note.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and classic Italian flavors.
- Fennel Seed: Crushed fennel seed can give a more authentic Italian taste.
- Fresh Garlic: Use finely minced fresh garlic instead of dried for a fresh tomato sauce vibe.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: A pinch of citrus can brighten the sauce even more.
- Cocoa Powder: A tiny pinch deepens the color and complexity (trust me, just a pinch!).
- Carrot Fiber: Shred a little carrot to add natural sweetness and reduce added sugar.
- Sea Salt: Upgrade from regular salt to sea salt for a subtle difference in flavor.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Add diced fresh tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for texture and added natural flavor.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Most definitely. I love swapping things out occasionally, just to see if I like it.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree if you prefer a different texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Replace with honey or agave nectar for a more natural sweetener.
- Italian Seasoning: Mix your own blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have a ready blend.
- Black Pepper: Try white pepper for a milder, subtle spice.
- Soybean Oil: If you want a richer taste, stir in a touch of vegetable or soybean oil.
- Onion Powder: Use finely chopped fresh onion cooked down for more texture and flavor depth.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Place the sauce in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using it again, or gently warm it on the stove over medium heat.
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container or divide into smaller portions so you can thaw just what you need for the next time you make pizza.
The sauce will keep its quality for up to 6 months.
Just thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy about taking a spoonful and adjusting the salt, sugar, or spices to your personal preference.
- Add a Little Extra Sugar: If your canned tomatoes are too acidic, a bit more sugar helps balance the flavor.
- Use an Immersion Blender or Food Processor: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender or in a food processor.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The better the canned tomatoes and olive oil, the better your sauce will taste. It’s the key ingredient to making the best sauces.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your ingredients stand at room temperature for a few minutes to blend flavors more easily.
- Try Different Brands: Experiment with different tomato paste or whole tomatoes brands; some might have less citric acid or a different natural flavor you prefer.
This pizza sauce is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for pizza night, a quick pasta meal, or a dipping sauce for your snacks.
It’s an easy homemade pizza sauce recipe that will elevate your homemade pizzas from ordinary to outstanding.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and mix together with a wire whisk.15 ounce can tomato sauce, 6 ounce can tomato paste, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder
Notes
- Don’t be shy about taking a spoonful and adjusting the salt, sugar, or spices to your personal preference.
- If your canned tomatoes are too acidic, a bit more sugar helps balance the flavor.
- For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender or in a food processor.
- The better the canned tomatoes and olive oil, the better your sauce will taste. It’s the key ingredient to making the best sauces.
- Let your ingredients stand at room temperature for a few minutes to blend flavors more easily.
- Experiment with different tomato paste or whole tomatoes brands; some might have less citric acid or a different natural flavor you prefer.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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