Homemade Pizza Sauce (2024)

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5 minutes minutes

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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 08/17/2021

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This recipe for Homemade Pizza Sauce is ready in just 5 minutes! No cooking, no blender or food processor, just whisk and enjoy! Loaded with flavor, it’s great for topping pizzas, dipping, and more!

This is part of a series of recipes here on the site that I’m calling “Back to Basics“. In this series you’ll find recipes that are common building blocks for beginner cooks, as well as homemade versions of pantry/store-bought staples, such ascream of mushroom soup,co*cktail sauce,garlic bread, etc. With easy to follow instructions, detailed notes, and step by step photos, you’ll be on your way to being a master in your kitchen in no time!

Homemade Pizza Sauce (1)

We’re big pizza fans… and I mean big. If I let them, my kids would eat pizza just about every day!

And believe me, I love pizza too, but they’re obsessed lol.

I recently realized I don’t have a lot of pizza recipes on this site! Don’t worry, I’ve written some time in my editorial calendar to develop, test, shoot and post some other pizza recipes… including a great crust recipe.

A great crust is crucial, but what can really make or break a pizza, in my opinion, is the sauce. I’ve had some that were overly spicy, overly sweet, too watery, or just plain bland.

So when I set out to make my own, I knew I had some high expectations to exceed. And this recipe does just that!

How to make pizza sauce?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

Homemade Pizza Sauce (2)
  1. Whisk tomatoes. I like to mix the tomato sauce with tomato paste by themselves first, to make sure they’re combined well.
  2. Stir in spices.
  3. Use or store.

Helpful Tip!

Make sure you’re using a good quality tomato sauce and tomato paste, since this sauce isn’t cooked. The flavors of the tomatoes are front and center, so you want them to really shine. Feel free to use your favorite brands! My personal favorites are Dei Fratelli for tomato sauce, and Contadina for tomato paste.

Homemade Pizza Sauce (3)

Variations of this recipe

  • Sugar-less – I like to add a little bit of sugar to the sauce to counteract any acidity from the canned tomatoes and tomato paste. However, I also do this to taste, so if you find you don’t need it, you can leave it out.
  • Fresh basil – if you’re a big fan of fresh basil, go ahead and add some minced basil to the sauce, it tastes great!
  • Cooked – if you’d like a pretty thick sauce, you can add all the ingredients to a saucepan and simmer until thickened to your liking.
Homemade Pizza Sauce (4)

FAQ’s

What’s the difference between pizza sauce and pasta sauce/marinara?

Generally speaking, pasta sauce and marinara sauce are a little thinner than pizza sauce. Pasta sauce is also usually cooked for longer periods of time to really hone in the flavor. Pizza sauce can be cooked or uncooked, and while very flavorful, is used as a base, with other flavors added to the pizza.

Why make pizza sauce from scratch?

It may seem crazy to make your own pizza sauce when there are so many jarred varieties available. In a pinch, those are great, but we much prefer the taste of homemade. You can really make this sauce full of the exact flavors you like, and be able to control the salt and sugar content.

Making pizza sauce ahead of time

Like most sauces, this pizza sauce is great for making ahead of time.

Even though it doesn’t take long to mix up, when you’re in a hurry to get dinner together, every minute counts.

Homemade Pizza Sauce (5)

Storage

This recipe makes a lot of sauce, so it’s a good thing it stores well! Leftover sauce should be refrigerated in an airtight container, and eaten within 1-2 weeks.

Freezing

Pizza sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then use as needed.

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My Favorite Mixing Bowls!

I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Homemade Pizza Sauce (11)

Homemade Pizza Sauce

5 from 10 votes

Author: The Chunky Chef

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Calories: 86

Servings: 3 – 4 cups

(hover over # to adjust)

Print Rate Pin

This recipe for Homemade Pizza Sauce is ready in just 5 minutes! No cooking, no blender or food processor, just whisk and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 28 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 (6 oz each) cans tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar optional
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine tomato paste with tomato sauce, stirring until smooth.

  • Stir in remaining ingredients, mixing well.

  • Use to make pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  1. Recipe makes a lot of sauce, but it can be halved. Just make sure to halve all the ingredients.
  2. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for 1-2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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Leave a Comment

  1. Natalie says

    Easy and soo yummy thanks for the perfect recipe for pizza Friday!

    Reply

  2. Carol Blackford says

    Looks like a recipe worth trying.

    Reply

  3. Natalie says

    We tried this last pizza Friday and is now a staple! Have it in the freezer to pull out whenever we are ready for pizza night

    Reply

  4. Lucy says

    you are brilliant..great idea..I will try the no cook sauce..I have seen chefs recommend that also…have a great Thanksgiving….you are an excellent cook…keep those recipes coming..you are my go to for everything

    Reply

  5. Beth says

    I love making homemade recipes, so much better than store bought and perfect for our pizza night tomorrow! I can’t wait to make this and my family is going to love this!

    Reply

  6. Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says

    Get in my belly! This Homemade Pizza Sauce is looking so good.

    Reply

  7. Sandra says

    I think I’ll never go back to store-brought pizza sauce again! It is so good! Thank you!

    Reply

  8. Catalina says

    We make pizza very often in our house! It’s a must try recipe!

    Reply

  9. Krystle says

    Super yummy. We love using it to make homemade pizza every Friday.

    Reply

  10. Allyson Zea says

    Made this with my kids for homemade pizza and it was so tasty! Thanks for the easy recipe!

    Reply

  11. Tarre says

    Delicious, thank you, and you’re right! It does make a lot. I froze in smaller dishes, enough for one pizza at a time.

    Reply

  12. justj2014 says

    This is a very nice sauce recipe. I did add thyme and fennel for a more Italian flavor that I love.

    Reply

  13. Kathleen says

    The sauce looks so yummy and easy to make. Thank you for the recipe. Can it be canned in pint or half-pint jars?

    Reply

    • Amanda says

      You’re welcome! 🙂 Unfortunately, I don’t have experience with canning, so I can’t advise on if it could be canned.

      Reply

      • Kathleen Rebosky says

        The sauce Cans well, just remember to process it correctly according to water bath or pressure canner directions. Oh and always wash, sterilize jars, rims and pack hot

        Reply

        • Staci says

          Thanks for posting this comment!!

          Reply

Homemade Pizza Sauce (2024)

FAQs

What is normal pizza sauce made of? ›

Mix together water, tomato paste, and olive oil in a large bowl or jar. Add garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, and pepper; mix well. Let sauce stand for several hours to let flavors blend.

What are 5 sauce options for pizza? ›

A Quick Guide to Different Types of Pizza Sauces
  • Marinara Sauce. Marinara is one of the more versatile pizza sauces that you have to choose from. ...
  • Spicy Red Sauce. ...
  • BBQ Sauce. ...
  • Buffalo Sauce. ...
  • Alfredo Sauce. ...
  • Pesto Sauce. ...
  • Chocolate Sauce. ...
  • Become a Wood-fired Pizza Expert Overnight.

Should I cook my homemade pizza sauce? ›

Both approaches are good, but they will deliver different results. Not cooking your sauce will make the pizza taste more light, while cooking your sauce will make the pizza taste more flavorful.

What is the difference between pizza sauce and marinara? ›

Is Pizza Sauce the Same as Marinara? Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are similar but not the same. Pizza sauce is thicker in consistency than marinara sauce because the tomatoes are pureed instead of lightly blended. Pizza sauce is usually cooked on a pizza crust, whereas marinara sauce is served as a dip or topping.

What gives pizza sauce its distinctive flavor? ›

Ground Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a classic Italian herb flavor to your pizza sauce. It's a vital seasoning component that gives the DIY sauce its distinct pizza taste.

Why do you put sugar in pizza sauce? ›

Spices: Basil, oregano, onion powder, salt & pepper. Taste and adjust these spices to your liking. Sugar: I know it sounds like a weird addition but granulated sugar is an essential ingredient as it mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Does authentic Italian pizza have sauce? ›

With real italian pizza, you will find homemade sauce made from freshly peeled tomatoes and a blend of savory, complimenting herbs. You will also notice that authentic Italian pizza doesn't combine the toppings and sauce to be cooked together. They simply layer the sauce along the crust.

Why add olive oil to pizza sauce? ›

Adding butter to the sauce helps round off the rough edges of the tomatoes and gives it a richer, fuller mouthfeel. Mixing it with extra-virgin olive oil adds peppery flavor. Starting with whole peeled tomatoes generally sets you up with higher quality tomatoes, and therefore better results.

What can I use if I don't have pizza sauce? ›

Eight pizza sauce alternatives
  • Basil pesto – A great starting point for experimentation with pizza sauce alternatives. ...
  • Béchamel – An integral part of many Italian dishes, béchamel also works well as a pizza sauce. ...
  • BBQ sauce – Barbeque lovers are likely to enjoy a pizza sauce alternative with a smokier flavor.

Which cheese is best for pizza? ›

Best cheese for pizza
  • Mozzarella. Perhaps the most well-known and popular pizza topping of all-time, Mozzarella is cherished for its near perfect consistency and straightforward flavour. ...
  • Cheddar/Matured Cheddar. ...
  • Aged Havarti. ...
  • Gorgonzola. ...
  • Provolone. ...
  • Goat cheese. ...
  • Pecorino-Romano. ...
  • The ultimate cheese pizza.

Can I use salsa as a pizza base? ›

I use all sorts of sauces for my base layer. If your salsa is watery I would drain it through a sieve first, put down a layer of cheese first then top it with the salsa. It will prevent the crust from getting soggy. You might also want to try artichoke and spinach dip as a base with lots of parmigiano cheese on top!

Why does my homemade pizza sauce taste bitter? ›

Leaf states that this can be due to burning the sauce in the pot or simply dealing with a batch of produce that are overly acidic or metallic from canning or cooking. This can also come from under-ripe or low-quality tomatoes, as well as stirring in a hefty amount of tomato paste, per Boss The Kitchen.

Why is my homemade pizza sauce watery? ›

Over blending may cause too much water to seep out of your tomatoes resulting in a watery pizza sauce. If you are using crushed tomatoes, simply dump into a container/bowl, add salt to taste and mix to combine.

What does pizza sauce contain? ›

Traditional pizza sauce is made with a base of tomatoes and spices like garlic, onion, basil, and oregano. You might think that this makes a pizza simple or boring, but this isn't the case. There are so many varieties and recipes for it that you'll never get bored of this meal!

What is the difference between pizza sauce and regular pasta sauce? ›

Pizza sauce leans towards a thicker, paste-like consistency to prevent the pizza dough from becoming soggy. Pasta sauces, such as marinara or bolognese, contain more water and can include chunkier vegetable pieces or meat, offering a richer texture and flavor complexity.

What is authentic pizza made of? ›

Some classic Italian ingredients such as Prosciutto San Daniele, Provolone, artichokes, Italian sausage, salami, black olives, anchovies and of course a few strands of fresh basil are the true 'wonder toppings' for an authentic Italian pizza.

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