A great pizza starts with a flavorful sauce. This homemade pizza sauce recipe is rich, thick, and packed with classic Italian flavors. Unlike many store-bought versions, this sauce comes together in minutes using pantry ingredients and requires no cooking. The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings creates a balanced flavor that complements everything from classic cheese pizza to loaded vegetable and meat-topped pies.
Main Essence of This Dish
The secret to an outstanding pizza sauce is achieving the perfect balance between tomato richness, herbal aroma, and savory depth. Tomato paste adds body and concentration, while Italian herbs, garlic, and onion powder build layers of flavor. A small amount of sugar helps smooth out the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a sauce that tastes fresh, bold, and restaurant-quality.
Recipe Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Type | Pizza Sauce |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Preparation Time | 5 Minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 Minutes |
| Total Time | 5 Minutes |
| Yield | Enough for 2 Large Pizzas |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomato Sauce | 15 ounces |
| Tomato Paste | 6 ounces |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Salt | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
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How to Make Pizza Sauce
- Place the tomato sauce and tomato paste in a medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and evenly combined.
- Add oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Stir thoroughly until all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
- Allow the sauce to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the herbs can hydrate and develop flavor.
- Spread generously over prepared pizza dough and add your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips
- For a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
- If you prefer a milder herb flavor, start with less oregano and adjust to taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper adds a brighter flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- Letting the sauce sit before using improves the overall taste.
- This sauce works well for pizza, calzones, stromboli and breadsticks.
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Storage Instructions
Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic mozzarella cheese pizza
- Pepperoni pizza
- Vegetable supreme pizza
- Homemade calzones
- Garlic bread dipping sauce
- Pizza rolls and pizza pockets
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Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 24 servings).
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 23 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 125 mg |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavor improves after a few hours in the refrigerator as the herbs blend with the tomatoes.
Do I need to cook pizza sauce before using it?
No. This is a no-cook pizza sauce designed to cook directly on the pizza while baking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Blend peeled fresh tomatoes until smooth and use them in place of canned tomato sauce.
What makes pizza sauce different from pasta sauce?
Pizza sauce is typically thicker and more concentrated, helping prevent a soggy crust while delivering bold flavor.
