Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe | Super Simple Pizza Sauce

PUBLISHED July 25, 2025· MODIFIED July 24, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1143 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re tired of bland store-bought jars, this Homemade Pizza Sauce will level up your pies with bright tomato flavor, garlic warmth, and Italian herb goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Spectacular Sauce

Fresh Flavor. Ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs combine for a bright, vibrant sauce.
Quick & Easy. Whip together in one pot in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable. Adjust the sweetness, heat, or herb blend to suit your taste.
Make-Ahead. Sauce stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer for later homemade pizzas.

What Does Homemade Pizza Sauce Taste Like?

Homemade pizza sauce delivers a bright, vibrant tomato flavor that’s both tangy and naturally sweet, with a fresh‐from‐the-garden quality you won’t get from jarred varieties.

The result is a sauce that’s bright yet balanced, savory yet sweet, with layers of herbal and garlicky richness, all working together to make your homemade pizza truly sing.

Is It Better Than Store-Bought?

Yes, homemade pizza sauce often outshines store-bought in flavor, freshness, and control over ingredients.

When you make your own, you’re using vine-ripened crushed tomatoes and aromatic garlic straight from the pan, rather than a jar that’s sat on a shelf. You control the sweetness with just a touch of sugar (no high-fructose corn syrup), balance acidity naturally, and season exactly to your taste with real Italian herbs and a splash of olive oil. Plus, there are no hidden preservatives or excess sodium.

The result is a brighter, more vibrant sauce whose layers of tomato, garlic, and herbs truly pop, transforming your pizza from “pretty good” to restaurant-quality at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crushed tomatoes– Provide the rich, slightly chunky tomato base, offering body and natural sweetness to the sauce.
Tomato paste– Contributes concentrated tomato flavor, deepens the sauce’s color, and adds a velvety thickness.
Extra-virgin olive oil– Sautés and caramelizes the garlic and herbs, and lends a smooth, fruity richness.
Garlic– Infuses the sauce with warm, pungent aromatics that round out the tomato’s sweetness.
Dried oregano– Brings classic Italian herbal warmth and a hint of earthiness.
Dried basil– Adds sweet, peppery notes that brighten the tomato flavor.
Red pepper flakes– Introduces a gentle kick of heat for those who like a spicy edge.
Sugar– Balances the tomatoes’ natural acidity and amplifies their innate sweetness.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper– Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor layer and sharpen the sauce’s profile.

How To Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

Sauté the garlic. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Add tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, until it darkens slightly. This deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Build the sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
Simmer and season. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. For an ultra-smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to pulse until your desired consistency. Skip this step if you prefer a rustic, chunky texture.
Adjust to taste. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and tweaking until the sauce is balanced. Remove from heat.

Tips And Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your homemade pizza sauce turns out rich, balanced, and full of vibrant flavor:

Use San Marzano–style tomatoes. These are best for the most authentic, naturally sweet flavor.
Don’t overcook. A quick simmer keeps brightness; extended cooking can turn the sauce bitter.
Layer flavors. Add a splash of red wine or a small pat of butter at the end for richness.
Infuse garlic oil. Warm garlic in oil first to mellow its bite before sauce assembly.

Variations

If you love your homemade pizza sauce but want to switch things up, here are some delicious variations to try:

Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce– Double the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Creamy White- Swap tomatoes for ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan.
Pesto-Infused– Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto off-heat for a herbaceous twist.
Roasted Garlic Tomato– Roast whole garlic cloves until soft, then mash and add in place of raw garlic.

What To Eat With Homemade Pizza Sauce

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your homemade pizza sauce beyond just spreading it on dough:

As a dip– Serve warm with cauliflower breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
Pasta– Toss with cooked penne or rigatoni and top with fresh Parmesan.
Meatball subs– Spoon over turkey or beef meatballs in toasted hoagies.
Chicken Parmesan– Layer under melted mozzarella on breaded chicken cutlets.

How Long Does It Last?

Homemade pizza sauce stored in an airtight container will keep for about 5–7 days in the refrigerator.

The acidity of the tomatoes and added vinegar or sugar help slow bacterial growth, but it’s best to use it within the first week for optimal freshness and flavor.

Can You Freeze It?

If you’d like to preserve it longer, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags for up to 3 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or using.

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