Key Takeaways:
- This homemade pizza sauce recipe takes just 15 minutes with pantry staples
- Perfect for 4 medium pizzas (or freeze extra portions for later use)
- No cooking required – just blend and enjoy fresh Italian flavors
- Customize heat levels and herb intensity to match your taste preferences
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Pizza sauce homemade for 4 medium pizzas (about 2 cups)
Dietary Notes: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Why Pizza Sauce Homemade Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Making pizza at home but stuck with bland, store-bought sauce? You’re not alone.
Most jarred pizza sauce lacks the bright, rich flavor that makes restaurant pies so irresistible. The good news? Creating your own homemade pizza sauce recipe is surprisingly simple and takes just minutes.
This homemade pizza sauce transforms basic canned tomatoes into something special with just a handful of fresh herbs and spices. The difference in taste is dramatic, and you’ll have enough for four medium pizzas with this perfectly portioned recipe.
Let’s make pizza night memorable with a sauce that actually tastes like Italy!
Pizza Sauce Homemade Nutrition Benefits
| Nutrient (per ¼ cup) | Homemade Pizza Sauce | Average Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 | 45-60 |
| Sodium (mg) | 180 | 280-350 |
| Sugar (g) | 3 | 5-8 |
| Preservatives | None | 2-5 types |
| Cost per serving | $0.75 | $1.25-2.00 |
What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Makes Sauce for 4 Medium Pizzas)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canned whole San Marzano tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | Crushed tomatoes work too |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For thickness and rich flavor |
| Fresh garlic | 3-4 cloves | Minced |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin preferred |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Or 1 tablespoon fresh (chopped) |
| Fresh basil leaves | 8-10 leaves | Roughly torn |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for heat |
| Honey or sugar | ½ teaspoon | Balances acidity |
Equipment Needed
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Food processor/blender | For smooth texture |
| Fine mesh strainer | To remove excess liquid (optional) |
| Measuring spoons | For accurate seasoning |
| Glass jars/containers | For storing extra sauce |
| Rubber spatula | For scraping every bit from the processor |
Possible Substitutions
Don’t have everything on the list? No problem! Here are some smart swaps:
- Canned tomatoes: Use 4 cups fresh tomatoes (blanched and peeled) or crushed tomatoes
- Fresh garlic: Substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil: Use 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Honey: Brown sugar or maple syrup work well
- Tomato paste: Reduce 1 cup tomato sauce by half
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (5 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out before starting
- This prevents forgetting anything during the mixing process
- Allows flavors to bloom together more effectively
- Prepare your garlic and herbs
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves
- Tear basil leaves into smaller pieces
- If using fresh oregano, remove leaves from stems and chop
- Drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes
- Use a strainer over a bowl (save liquid for soups or stews!)
- Don’t over-drain – some liquid helps with blending
Making Your Pizza Sauce Homemade (10 minutes)
- Combine base ingredients in your food processor or blender
- Add drained tomatoes
- Add tomato paste
- Add olive oil
- Pulse 3-4 times to break down tomatoes
- Add seasonings and herbs
- Add garlic, oregano, salt, both peppers, and honey
- Add torn basil leaves
- Pulse 5-6 more times until mixture reaches desired consistency
- Check texture and taste
- For chunky sauce: pulse less
- For smooth sauce: blend until completely smooth
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed:
- Too acidic? Add a bit more honey
- Not enough flavor? Add a pinch more salt
- Want more kick? Add more red pepper flakes
- Rest the sauce for at least 10 minutes before using
- Allows flavors to meld together
- Makes spreading on pizza dough easier
Using on Pizza (Time varies)
- Apply sauce to pizza dough
- Use approximately ⅓-½ cup sauce per medium pizza
- Spread in thin, even layer using back of spoon
- Leave ½-inch border around edges for crust
- Top and bake your pizza as directed in your pizza recipe
- Add toppings over sauce
- Bake according to pizza dough instructions
- No need to pre-cook this sauce before baking
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sauce Too Watery?
- Problem: Sauce spreads too much and makes pizza soggy
- Solution:
- Return sauce to blender and add 1 more tablespoon tomato paste
- Strain through fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid
- Let sauce sit in refrigerator for 30 minutes to thicken
Sauce Too Thick?
- Problem: Difficult to spread on dough
- Solution:
- Add reserved tomato liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time
- Add a splash of olive oil for smoother consistency
Sauce Too Acidic?
- Problem: Sharp, sour taste
- Solution:
- Increase honey/sugar to 1 teaspoon
- Add ¼ teaspoon baking soda to neutralize acid
- Add another tablespoon of olive oil
Pizza Sauce Homemade Variations
Spicy Arrabbiata Style
- Double the red pepper flakes
- Add 1 finely minced fresh chili pepper
Herb Garden Explosion
- Add 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme
- Include 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
- Mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Kid-Friendly Mild Version
- Omit red pepper flakes
- Increase honey to 1 teaspoon
- Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for gentler flavor
If you enjoy experimenting with different sauce varieties, check out our guide to specialty and dipping sauces for more inspiration.
Storing Your Pizza Sauce Homemade
Refrigerator Storage
- Transfer cooled sauce to airtight container
- Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
- Allow to come to room temperature before using
Freezer Storage
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Label with date and contents
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before using
Reheating (If Desired)
- Small saucepan over low heat until just warm
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between
- Add fresh basil after reheating for flavor boost
Safety Notes & Tips
Food Safety
- Always use clean utensils when handling sauce
- Don’t leave sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- If sauce smells sour or shows signs of mold, discard immediately
Pro Tips
- Depth of flavor: For richer taste, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant before adding to tomatoes
- Texture control: Pulse instead of continuous blending for chunkier texture
- Make ahead: Flavor improves when made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
- Portion control: Freeze in 1/4 cup portions for single pizza use
Looking for a unique sauce twist? Our bitchin’ sauce article provides interesting flavor combinations that can inspire your pizza sauce creations.
Beyond Pizza: Other Pizza Sauce Homemade Uses
This versatile pizza sauce homemade works wonderfully for more than just pizza:
- Dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks
- Base for quick pasta dishes
- Spread on toasted bread for bruschetta
- Flavor booster for soups and stews
For fans of dipping sauces, our collection of empanada dipping sauce recipes offers complementary flavors that pair well with this pizza sauce.
