There’s nothing quite like a homemade pizza, and a key element that can make or break it is the sauce. This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is a game-changer. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in just a few minutes, no cooking required! Made with simple pantry staples, this sauce is the perfect base for any pizza night. You can now achieve that classic pizzeria taste right from your own kitchen — without the preservatives or extra sugar found in store-bought jars. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for healthy comfort food, this homemade pizza sauce will quickly become your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re tired of bland, watery pizza sauces from jars, this recipe is for you. Not only does it come together in under five minutes, but it’s also made with fresh ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part is how thick and spreadable it is, so your pizza crust won’t turn soggy. It’s budget-friendly, quick, and healthy, making it the perfect solution for those easy weeknight dinners where you want something flavorful and satisfying but don’t have the time to cook all day. Plus, it’s so customizable! Whether you like your pizza sauce spicy, sweet, or herbaceous, you can tweak it to your liking.
This pizza sauce is also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for the week or freeze it in portions for later use. It’s a high-protein, low-calorie topping for your pizzas, and if you’re on a keto meal plan or other high macro meals, this is a great base for low-carb pizza recipes.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What really sets this pizza sauce apart from anything store-bought is the depth of flavor you can achieve without any cooking. The combination of tomato paste, olive oil, and Italian herbs creates a fresh, vibrant sauce that’s thick enough to spread on pizza dough without soaking into it. Whether you’re making a vegan pizza with roasted vegetables or a high-protein pizza topped with chicken or sausage, this sauce is a perfect match. The best part is that it doesn’t require simmering on the stove for hours. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you’ll have a sauce that’s ready to go.
Since you control the ingredients, you can adjust the salt, garlic, or heat levels to suit your taste. Want it sweeter to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes? Add a pinch of sugar. Craving something spicy? Throw in a little extra red pepper flakes. The flexibility of this sauce makes it the perfect base for your creative pizza ideas, from a classic full English breakfast pizza to a high-carb high-protein low-fat pizza for those following a high-protein keto meal plan.
Ingredients
- Tomato paste or canned tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced or garlic powder)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Onion powder
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make It Step-by-Step
This easy homemade pizza sauce is so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making your own pizza sauce sooner! Let’s dive into the steps:
- Combine the Tomato Base: In a medium bowl, start by combining the tomato paste (or tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother sauce) with the olive oil. Whisk together until smooth. If you like your sauce on the thicker side, stick with tomato paste; for a thinner, smoother consistency, go for tomato sauce. Both options will work beautifully for this pizza sauce.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and onion powder. These classic pizza herbs create a fragrant base for the sauce that’s both savory and aromatic. The garlic really shines through, giving the sauce a warm, comforting depth.
- Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can be a bit acidic, so to balance that out, add a pinch of sugar if you like a touch of sweetness. It’s totally optional, but it helps mellow the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also skip this step if you prefer a more tangy sauce.
- Season it Right: Add salt and black pepper to taste. The seasoning is really where you can adjust the sauce to your liking, so don’t be afraid to taste and tweak the flavor. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes at this point if you like a bit of heat in your sauce. The amount of spice is totally up to you!
- Mix it Together: Stir everything together until smooth and well-combined. At this point, give it a taste, and if you feel like it needs more salt, garlic, or herbs, go ahead and adjust. This pizza sauce is highly customizable, so feel free to play around with it.
- Use or Store: Spread the sauce generously on your pizza dough and top with your favorite ingredients. If you’re not using it right away, store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. You can even freeze it for longer storage and thaw it when needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Let It Rest: If you have a little extra time, let the sauce sit for 30 minutes before using it. This allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, giving the sauce a more robust taste. If you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious right away!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Pizza sauce is all about balance. If you like more garlic or more herbs, feel free to add them in. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. The key is finding the perfect balance between the tang of the tomatoes, the sweetness, and the herbaceous flavors.
- Add Extra Olive Oil: If you want a richer sauce, add a splash of olive oil right at the end. It’ll make the sauce smoother and give it a lovely, velvety texture.
- Thick or Thin: If your sauce is too thin, add a bit more tomato paste. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water or more tomato sauce to loosen it up.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them in place of the dried oregano and basil. Fresh basil, in particular, adds a beautiful burst of flavor. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs are less potent than dried, so you’ll need to use about three times as much.
- Cheese: If you’re craving a cheesy twist, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese before spreading the sauce on the dough. It adds a delightful umami flavor and extra richness.
- Smoky Flavor: Want a smoky flavor? Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes instead of regular tomato paste or sauce. This gives the sauce an extra layer of depth that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or smoky toppings.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re looking for something a little more tangy and rich, blend in some sun-dried tomatoes. They’ll make the sauce even more flavorful and give it a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This easy homemade pizza sauce is the perfect base for all types of pizza. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita, a vegan pizza with lots of roasted vegetables, or a high-protein pizza topped with grilled chicken, this sauce has you covered. Spread it on your pizza dough, top with your favorite ingredients, and bake for a delicious meal.
This sauce isn’t just for pizza though! It also makes an excellent dip for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or even low-calorie chicken meal prep sides. The versatility of this sauce makes it an all-around winner in any meal prep plan.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: This pizza sauce pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner. If you’re not drinking alcohol, try a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
- Sides: Serve your pizza with a simple salad of fresh greens or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a heartier side, try meal planning chicken served alongside your pizza. It’s a great way to balance out the meal and keep you full for longer.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’s ready to use again! Since it’s a no-cook sauce, there’s no need to reheat it, but if you prefer it warm, just microwave it for a few seconds.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
This pizza sauce is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy pizza nights during the week. It freezes really well, so you can portion it out and grab just what you need when you’re ready to make pizza. No need to cook it again — just spread it on your pizza dough and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much sauce: It’s easy to overdo it with the sauce, but remember: less is more. About 1/4 to 1/3 cup of sauce per medium pizza is perfect. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
- Not adjusting the seasoning: Always taste your sauce before using it. Don’t skip the seasoning step — you might need a little extra salt, pepper, or herbs to get the balance just right.
- Using too thin a sauce: If the sauce is too thin, it might not spread well on the dough and could make the pizza soggy. Adjust the consistency by using more tomato paste and less sauce, or add a bit more seasoning to thicken it up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to cook pizza sauce?
No! This is a no-cook pizza sauce that’s ready in just minutes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but fresh tomatoes will need to be blended and strained to remove excess water.
How thick should pizza sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to spread easily on pizza dough but not too thick to overwhelm the crust. It should be thicker than pasta sauce.
Can I freeze pizza sauce?
Yes! Freeze extra sauce in small portions for up to 3 months.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Medium bowl
- Spoon or whisk for mixing
- Airtight container for storage
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Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 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)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Whisk together until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes and mix everything until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.