Name: Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Hey y’all! If you love pizza night as much as we do, you’ll fall head over heels for this Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe. It’s zesty, rich, and so easy to throw together—no need to grab a jar from the store! Perfect for family gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or even pizza parties with friends. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Ready in just 20 minutes with pantry staples.
Rich tomato flavor elevated by aromatic garlic and herbs.
Thick, spreadable texture that won’t make your pizza soggy.
No added sugar—just pure, fresh taste.
Versatile for pizzas, calzones, or dipping sauce.

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well until the paste dissolves.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Add oregano, basil, onion powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until combined.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 5: Cool and Use

Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool for a few minutes before spreading onto your pizza dough. Enjoy!

Notes

For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after cooking.
Adjust salt or sugar to suit your taste or the acidity of your tomatoes.
Use high-quality tomatoes for the freshest flavor.

Variations

Chunky Style: Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes before simmering for extra texture.
Herb Packed: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil at the end.
Spicy Kick: Double the crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.

Required Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board (for garlic)

Storage Instructions

Cool sauce completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Spread on homemade or store-bought pizza dough for a classic pie.
Serve as a dipping sauce for garlic bread sticks or mozzarella sticks.
Use as a flavorful base for calzones or stromboli.

Pro Tips

Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust seasoning as needed.
Sauté garlic just until fragrant for the best flavor—don’t let it brown.
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer until you reach the desired consistency.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?: Yes! Substitute 2 cups peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes; simmer longer to thicken.
Is this pizza sauce gluten-free?: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels for cross-contamination.
Can I double or halve the recipe?: Absolutely—just keep the ingredient ratios the same and adjust simmering time as needed for larger batches.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Enough for 2-3 large pizzas

Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients