Name: Homemade Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 28 oz crushed tomatoes can; 2 tbsp granulated sugar (can go up to 3 tbsp if you like a sweet sauce); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (can make it homemade as well); 2 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Thick, rich and sweet, this Homemade Pizza Sauce is giving jarred sauce a run for their money! With only 5 ingredients and 15 minutes you can create a flavorful, perfectly spiced sauce the whole family will love!

A white bowl of pizza sauce just prepared against a gray napkin with herbs and garlic

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Alright y’all, it’s time for some serious sauce talk. What kind of sauce? Pizza sauce, of course! Whether you like your pies Detroit-style or deep dish, the base of the dish remains the same: tender dough and rich sauce. And, let me tell y’all, a pizza can be loaded with the best toppings in the world but, if the base is wack, it doesn’t matter.

Today, I’m blessing your kitchens (and your stomachs) with my go-to pizza sauce recipe! Simple, fresh and delightfully light, this sauce holds its own against competing flavors. This homemade sauce can be used for pizzas, calzones, strombolis or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread and mozzarella sticks. Sounds like a big win to me.

Get your apron y’all, we’re getting saucy tonight!

Table of Contents

Perks and Highlights of the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce

Cuisine Inspiration: Italian

Primary Cooking Method: Simmering

Dietary Info: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Key Flavor: Rich Tomato with Herbs

Skill Level: Easy-Peasy

Special Perks:

1. Simplicity is Key: No need for the fuss or frills with this recipe, darling! Five ingredients are all you need for a sauce that’s as rich and full-bodied as a vintage vino.

2. Quick and Easy: Got 20 minutes? That’s all you need to simmer your way to pizza sauce nirvana. Perfect for those spontaneous pizza nights or when you just need a quick, comforting meal without the hassle.

3. Vegan and Gluten-Free: All the taste, none of the restrictions! This sauce ensures everyone gets in on the pizza party, regardless of dietary preferences.

4. Versatile Beyond Pizza: Sure, it’s a pizza sauce, but why stop there? This flavorful concoction is perfect as a dipping sauce, a base for your pasta, or even a topping for your bruschetta. It’s a multi-tasking marvel!

5. Freezer-Friendly: Made too much? No problemo! This sauce freezes beautifully, meaning you’ve got a homemade base for your Italian creations ready whenever the craving strikes. Now, that’s amore!

Ingredients

Made with only 5 ingredients, this pizza sauce is simple and super easy to make! After this, you’re never gonna go back to jarred sauce again.

Here’s what we’re working with:

Crushed Tomatoes– tomatoes should be sweet with just the right amount of acidity. I find that the San Marzano variety (a type of plum tomato) is the best choice for this recipe. They can be a bit of a splurge at the market but the crisp, balanced flavor is so worth it.
Granulated Sugar– sugar cuts acidity and makes for a more balanced result. Feel free to adjust the measurement to fit your personal preference!
Italian Seasoning– a mixture of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage and, sometimes, marjoram, this seasoning gives our sauce a herbaceous kick.
Minced Garlic– garlic adds aroma and sweetness. I prefer minced garlic, but larger chunks can make for an exciting, pungent bite later on.
Salt & Pepper– be sure to season as you go! Using kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is a must.

How to Make Pizza Sauce

Saucy Beginnings: Kick things off by combining those lush tomatoes, a pinch of sugar (trust me, it’s the secret weapon), Italian seasoning (hello, flavor town!), garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. You know the drill – we’re bringing this fragrant pot of goodness to a simmer over medium heat. Give it a good stir from time to time, letting all those flavors get to know each other.
Smooth Moves: Once everything’s all hot and bubbly, it’s time for a little action. Get that food processor out and show the sauce who’s boss – we want it smooth and sultry. Pulse it out until you’ve got the sleek consistency of a pizza maestro’s dream.
Thicken Up: Now, back to the heat it goes! Pour that velvety smooth sauce back into the saucepan and hit it up on medium. Let it simmer and bubble until it gets just a tad thicker (we’re talking 5 to 10 minutes). Remember, patience is a virtue – it’s worth the wait.
Serve It Hot: You’re now officially in the pizza sauce elite. All that’s left to do is keep it warm and get ready to ladle it over your masterpiece in the making.

Storage and Reheating

This recipe makes quite a bit of sauce, about 3 cups. Unless you’re making a whole lot of pizza tonight, you’re gonna have plenty leftover.

Refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container for up to a week. Alternatively, store the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: place the sauce in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, then put it on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes (depends if starting from the fridge or frozen) and, once slightly simmering, remove from heat. Cool before ladling onto dough.

Best Pizza Inspired Recipes

Now that you’ve got all this tasty sauce, let’s talk recipes! From savory pies to cheesy nachos, Grandbaby Cakes has got it all. So, put that sassy sauce to work by tossing together some of my BEST pizza recipes.

Buon appetito!

More Sauce Recipes to Try

Try my Marinara Sauce or Spaghetti Sauce recipes!