Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

This homemade Pizza Sauce recipe follows the classic method of puréeing fresh tomatoes and simmering them with herbs and seasonings. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and much better than store-bought. Perfect for any kind of pizza, be it regular, whole wheat, or pan-cooked.

If you’re making a vegan or plant-based pizza, this sauce works beautifully too.

A Basic Pizza Sauce with Real Ingredients

Pizza Sauce is a classic tomato-based sauce originating from Italy, consisting of ripe tomatoes simmered with olive oil, garlic, black pepper and herbs like oregano and basil to create a rich, savory base. Smooth in texture and bursting with flavor, this homemade sauce is spread over pizza dough before baking, infusing every slice with the authentic taste of traditional Italian cuisine.

This homemade Pizza Sauce recipe is made from simple, fresh ingredients. Using fresh ingredients improves the sauce’s taste and flavor, making it easily beat any store-bought sauce hands down.

You can easily adjust the chunkiness or smoothness in the sauce according to your taste.

As I have mentioned above the fresh tomatoes are pureed first and simmered further to make the sauce. After sautéing the garlic in olive oil, the tomato puree is added, seasoned with salt and simmered until thickened and cooked through.

Finally, fresh and/or dried herbs is added to the sauce and simmered for a few minutes. For a chunkier version, I stop pureeing the tomatoes sooner, when there are still some bits of tomato left.

For a smooth version, I chop the tomatoes finely first and then puree them to a finer consistency. This is one of the best homemade Pizza Sauce recipe that you can make.

Since the method and recipe is easy, you can also feel free to adjust the quantity of herbs as per your choice. This quantity of this Pizza Sauce works well for 8 medium-sized pizzas.

If you are making more pizzas, the sauce recipe can easily be doubled. If you do not use all of the sauce right away, simply store it in a bowl or a jar in the refrigerator and use within the next 10 to 15 days.

If you like homemade based tomato sauces, do check my recipe for Marinara Sauce, Tomato Ketchup and Tomato Puree

What You’ll Need

• Tomatoes: Freshly crushed or pureed. When choosing which tomato to use, most varieties will work. Just be sure they are fresh, red, and ripe. Roma tomatoes is a typical variety used for Pizza Sauce and work well. Indian tomatoes also work well for this recipe.
• Fresh Garlic: In absence of fresh garlic, sub with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Fresh Basil: One of the key herbs and I recommend not to skip them. Though fresh basil offers a more potent flavor – if you do not have fresh basil, include 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
• Dry Oregano: Packaged or bottled dried oregano is easily available in grocery stores. You can also add fresh oregano in place of the dried ones.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil.
• Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper (freshly cracked or ground) are the preferred seasonings.

How To Make Pizza Sauce (Stepwise)

Making pizza sauce at home is simple and doesn’t take much time. Just follow these easy steps with fresh ingredients, and you’ll have a flavorful sauce ready to go.

Here’s how to begin.

Preparation

• 1. Rinse and chop 5 to 6 medium to large tomatoes (500 grams). Take the chopped tomatoes in a blender.
• 2. Crush tomatoes to a coarse puree. Pulse or blend in intervals for some seconds. You can make a smooth purée if you want. You do not need to blanch tomatoes before crushing.
• 3. The photo below shows the consistency of the crushed tomatoes.

If using canned tomatoes, then add 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes or about one 15 ounce can of crushed tomatoes.

Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

• 4. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a pan. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
• 5. Sauté garlic for 5 to 6 seconds on a low heat. You do not need to brown the garlic.
• 6. Add the crushed tomatoes.
• 7. Mix thoroughly to get an even mixture.
• 8. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes on low or medium-low heat.
• 9. Season with salt as per taste and mix very well.
• 10. Cover the pan with lid and simmer for 25 minutes on low heat.
• 11. Do check and stir at intervals. If the sauce looks very thick and is sticking to the bottom of the pan, add ¼ cup water and mix well. Cover and continue to cook.
• 12. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the tomatoes have softened completely.

When tomatoes are cooked you will some oil specks on top or on the sides.

But cook till the sauce thickens.

• 13. When the sauce has thickened, add ¼ cup chopped fresh basil.
• 14. Add 2 teaspoons dried oregano.
• 15. Season with ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper powder or as required.
• 16. Mix very well and cook for a minute.
• 17. Let the sauce cool at room temperature.

Storage Suggestions

• 18. When the sauce has cooled, you can use it right away as a pizza topping. Or else store the sauce in a clean or sterilized small to medium jar in the refrigerator or in the freezer.

To freeze add sauce to ice cubes tray. Let the cubes freeze.

Then place the frozen cubes in a freezer-safe container. If you plan to store the sauce for a longer time, then you can add 1 tablespoon red wine or ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Serving Suggestions & Uses

This basic homemade tomato pizza sauce is not just for pizzas. It’s quite versatile and can be used in many other dishes too.

• Use it as a base for homemade pizzas – Spread on your pizza base and top with veggies, cheese, or paneer. Works well with:
• Make quick pasta dishes – Just toss some cooked pasta with this sauce. Add in some sautéed or steamed veggies, sprinkle cheese, and either bake or grill until the cheese melts.
• Bread Pizza – Spread the sauce on bread slices, top with cheese and veggies, and toast or grill.
• Use in Calzone or Pizza Puffs – Fill your dough with this sauce and your favorite stuffing. Bake until golden.
• Pizza Sandwiches or grilled cheese sandwich – Add a spoon or two of this sauce to elevate your regular sandwich or grilled cheese.
• Pizza rolls or pinwheels – Spread this sauce on a flatbread or dough sheet, roll with fillings, slice, and bake.

It adds instant flavor and makes everyday meals more exciting.

More Storage Tips

• The pizza sauce keeps good for about 10 to 15 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
• You can also freeze the sauce for up to 2 to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or silicone trays to portion it.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm gently on the stovetop before using.

Always use a clean spoon to take the sauce out, and don’t leave it at room temperature for too long.

Ingredient Swaps

• Canned Tomatoes: Use two 8 ounces can of tomato sauce, one 15 ounce of crushed tomatoes or one 14 to 15 ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes. You can crush or puree the canned tomatoes in a blender or use whole and mash them while cooking.
• Canned Tomato Puree: You can also use 2 cups canned tomato puree. Add some water as canned tomato puree is thick. Follow the recipe and simmer after adding canned tomato puree for about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Dried Basil: You can use 1 to 2 tablespoons dried basil in the sauce. Alternatively, skip the basil completely and add 1 to 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning. You can even add Thai basil instead of Italian basil.
• Fresh Oregano: Use fresh oregano or add some other herbs like thyme or parsley.
• White pepper: Easily swap white pepper instead of black pepper.
• Other Oils: Replace olive oil with a neutral tasting oil like sunflower oil or safflower oil. You can also use butter.

Tomato Varieties To Use

Just like any other sauce, for a perfectly robust homemade Pizza Sauce too, you would require the right variety of tomatoes.

Since tomato is the star ingredient in a Pizza Sauce Recipe, it is important to know what attributes of which variety make it suitable for this lovely sauce. Some basic things that you should keep in mind while choosing the type of tomatoes for a Pizza Sauce Recipe are that the tomatoes have to be fresh, juicy, fleshy and pulpy.

You can use tomatoes that have a sweet-tangy taste, but not the ones that are unripe, too sour or too tart. Also, tomatoes that are less acidic in nature, have a low water content and have fewer seeds with a thin skin are ideal for a Pizza Sauce.

Here are some of the varieties that make for a great sauce at home – San Marzano, Roma, Giulietta, Viva Italia, Amish Paste and Super Italian Paste.

Dassana’s Recipe Tips

• Consistency: For a smooth version of the sauce, puree the tomatoes very well. For a chunkier version, crush the tomatoes coarsely.
• Adding Tomato Paste: Add about ¼ cup tomato paste together with the crushed tomatoes.
• Too Tangy or Sour: If the sauce becomes too sour, then add ½ to 1 teaspoon sugar to it.
• Spicy Pizza Sauce: For a spicier version of the sauce, add 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
• Storage: You can refrigerate the sauce in sealed bowls or glass jars for 10 to 15 days. The sauce freezes easily for a couple of months. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Cover or seal the lid tightly while freezing. You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and then, place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Scaling: You can easily make a small batch or a large batch by halving or doubling the recipe.

Quick Help

Can I use canned whole peeled tomatoes? Yes, add one 14 to 15 ounce can of san marzano tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes.

You can crush or puree the canned tomatoes in a blender or use them whole and mash while cooking. Can I use canned tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce. Use could use two 8 ounces can of tomato sauce. But then you do not need to simmer the sauce.

Just mix ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 to 2 tablespoons dried basil, ½ teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper and your sauce will be ready in 5 minutes. Can I use tinned tomato puree? Yes, you can use packaged or tinned tomato puree.

Add about 2 cups of tomato puree. If using tomato puree, you will need to add some water as canned tomato puree is thick.

Follow the recipe and simmer after adding tinned tomato puree for about 5 to 6 minutes. Can I use tomato ketchup in place of crushed tomatoes?

No, tomato ketchup won’t work in this recipe. How do I make a spicy pizza sauce recipe? Add about 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes or 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chilli powder.

Alternatively you can also add 2 to 3 tablespoons of spicy sriracha sauce. Can I use this pizza sauce recipe to make pasta?

Yes, you can. Are basil and tulsi (holy basil) the same?

No, they are not the same. Though they come from the same family of plant kingdom, but both are different.

What is the Indian name for oregano? Oregano is called as ‘sathra’ or ‘ban tulsi’ in Hindi language.

Dassana’s Notes

• Tomatoes: Ensure to use tomatoes that are ripe, red, fresh, sweet-tangy, pulpy and not overly sour.
• Consistency & Smoothness: For a smoother consistency, puree the tomatoes finely. For a chunkier version, crush the tomatoes coarsely.
• Using Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Add one 14 to 15 ounce can of San Marzano tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes. Crush or puree the canned tomatoes in a blender or use them whole and mash them while cooking.
• Canned Tomato Puree: Use about 2 cups of tomato puree. Since canned tomato puree is thick, you will need to add some water. Follow the recipe as is and simmer after adding the tinned tomato puree for about 5 to 6 minutes.
• Canned Tomato Sauce: You could use two 8 ounces can of tomato sauce. Simply mix ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 to 2 tablespoons dried basil, ½ teaspoon oregano, salt and pepper and your sauce will be ready in 5 minutes. If you prefer, you could simmer the sauce for a few minutes in the pan.
• Too Tangy or Sour Sauce: If the sauce becomes overly sour, balance it by adding ½ to 1 teaspoon sugar.
• Spicy Sauce: For a spicier taste in the sauce, add 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
• Storage: The sauce can be refrigerated in sealed bowls or glass jars for about 10 to 15 days. It also freezes easily. Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Remember to cover or seal the lid tightly while freezing. You could also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and then, place them in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer.
• Scaling: You could easily make a small or a large batch by halving or doubling the recipe.

Nutrition

Pizza Sauce recipe from the archives was first published on December 2013.