best homemade pizza sauce
This best homemade pizza sauce is packed with rich tomato flavor, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s quick to make and uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
Perfect for topping any pizza crust, this sauce delivers bold, balanced flavors in just five minutes. It freezes beautifully, so it’s always ready when pizza night strikes.
Ingredients That Elevate This Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
Fire roasted tomatoes – Provide a smoky depth and rich tomato base.
Tomato paste – Adds a concentrated tang and thickens the sauce.
Fresh garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic sharpness.
Extra virgin olive oil – Enhances flavor and mouthfeel with a fruity richness.
Dried basil and oregano – Deliver a classic Italian herb profile.
Onion powder and thyme – Deepen the savory complexity.
Granulated chicken bouillon – The umami-packed secret ingredient.
Sugar – Balances acidity with a subtle sweetness.
Black pepper and red pepper flakes – Bring a nuanced heat and spice.
How to Make the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce in Minutes
Sauté garlic in olive oil until just fragrant—no more than a minute. Transfer to a blender with all remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth or leave slightly chunky for texture.
Use about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of sauce per 12-inch pizza.
Tips to Perfect Your Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
For the best flavor, always choose fire roasted tomatoes, ideally from trusted brands like Muir Glen. They provide a smoky complexity that elevates the sauce.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to intensify the tang, or Parmesan for added umami richness. Garlic lovers can double down on cloves, while spice enthusiasts can kick it up with cayenne or more red pepper flakes.
Adjust the consistency with water or extra tomato paste to suit your crust style.
How to Store Leftovers of the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
Store extra sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge and re-blend or stir before using to restore consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but they must be peeled and cooked down to achieve a similar consistency and depth of flavor as fire roasted canned tomatoes.
Is this sauce good for freezing?
Absolutely. This sauce freezes well for up to 6 months. Portion before freezing for convenience.
How do I make this sauce thicker or thinner?
Add more tomato paste to thicken or thin it out with a bit of water until your desired consistency is reached.
Can I make this sauce without a blender?
Yes, just mince the garlic finely and stir all ingredients together. The texture won’t be as smooth but will still taste delicious.
Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 15 oz. can fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices
- 3-4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated chicken bouillon
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 ½ tablespoons fresh
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 ½ tablespoons fresh
Instructions
- Warm a small amount of olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until its fragrance is released, approximately 30 to 60 seconds.
- Promptly transfer the sautéed garlic into a blender. Incorporate all remaining ingredients into the blender and process until you reach your preferred texture, keeping it slightly chunky if desired.
- For a standard 12-inch pizza, utilize approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce.