Why Make This Recipe
Making your own pizza sauce at home can elevate your pizza night dramatically. Not only is it quick and easy, but you also control the flavors and ingredients. Store-bought sauces often have preservatives and additives, while homemade sauce tastes fresher and more vibrant. Plus, you can customize it to your liking!
How to Make Flavorful Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
Directions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing until well combined.
- Add oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, sugar, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes of cooking for extra depth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before spreading on your pizza dough. Enjoy!
How to Serve Flavorful Pizza Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, it’s perfect for spreading on pizza dough. Use it as a base for your favorite toppings, whether you prefer classic cheese, pepperoni, or loaded veggie pizzas. This sauce also works well for calzones or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks!
How to Store Flavorful Pizza Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in small portions. This way, you’ll always have homemade sauce on hand for your next pizza night!
Tips to Make Flavorful Pizza Sauce
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes based on your taste.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a fresher flavor; just use three times the amount.
- Letting the sauce cool before spreading it on the dough helps prevent sogginess.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika can give the sauce a unique twist. You can also include fresh chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 2-3 cups of chopped tomatoes. Simmer them longer to break down the tomatoes into a sauce.
2. Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Absolutely! This sauce is plant-based and contains no animal products, making it perfect for both vegetarians and vegans.
3. How can I make the sauce sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or honey, or even a bit of grated carrot when cooking. This will naturally sweeten the sauce.
Flavorful Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp balsamic vinegar optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
Cooking
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing until well combined.
- Add oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, sugar, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes of cooking for extra depth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before spreading on your pizza dough. Enjoy!