Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is something every good cook should have tucked away in their repertoire. There’s nothing quite like the robust, fresh flavor you get when you skip the jar and make it yourself. Forget those bland, store bought versions, because today we’re sharing a simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious recipe for Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce that will transform your pizza nights forever.
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My mother Nonna Elena, bless her soul, always said the secret to a great pizza was in the sauce. And she was right! This recipe has been passed down through generations in our family, each Nonna adding her own little touch of magic. This recipe reminds me of family pizza nights, the smell of garlic and tomatoes filling the kitchen. We know you'll love it as much as we do!
Why You Will Love This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
This isn’t just any pizza sauce; this is Nonna approved pizza sauce! What makes it special? First, it’s incredibly easy. It takes minutes to throw together and simmers while you prep your dough and toppings. Second, the flavor is out of this world! The combination of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic creates a rich and vibrant sauce that's so much better than anything you can buy in a store.
Forget takeout! With this recipe in your back pocket, you can whip up a delicious homemade pizza any night of the week. The comforting aroma that fills your home as it simmers is enough to make anyone smile. Plus, knowing you're feeding your family something made with love and fresh ingredients is a feeling you just can't beat. And if you love a quick recipe that can be made in a snap, make sure you also try our Easy Lemon Mozzarella Pizza; you won't be disappointed!
Ingredients Needed for This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make our family's favorite pizza sauce. Remember, fresh, high quantity ingredients make all the difference!
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make our family's Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce. It’s so easy, even the kids can help!
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Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
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Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
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Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preferences.
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Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
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Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your pizza. Enjoy! And if you are looking for more quick and easy recipes, try our Easy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs for an extra yummy snack! This sauce would work perfect in that recipe!
How to Serve This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is incredibly versatile! Of course, it’s perfect for pizzas, but don’t stop there. Use it as a base for pasta sauces, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. We love using it on our homemade pizzas with fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan!
For a truly authentic Italian experience, pair your pizza with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine. Serve it family style, and let everyone dig in. And don't forget the crust! A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan make a delicious treat.
How to Store This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce keeps well, making it perfect for meal prepping!
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Tips to Make This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Want to make your Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce even better? Here are a few tips from Nonna:
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of thyme or rosemary can add a lovely depth of flavor.
- If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always best!
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning!
Helpful Notes for This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
A few extra notes to ensure your Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is perfect:
- Using high quality canned tomatoes makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Look for San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Don’t overcook the garlic! Burnt garlic will make the sauce taste bitter.
- The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor will become. So, if you have the time, let it simmer for the full hour!
Variation of This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Spicy Pizza Sauce: Add more red pepper flakes to taste.
- Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce: Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Herb Infused Pizza Sauce: Add fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary while simmering. Also, for the best combination of spice and flavor, check this recipe for Easy Apple Cider Caramel Sauce for a totally different flavor profile!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients for Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce?
The key ingredients typically include crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include other herbs and spices for added flavor.
How long does Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce last in the refrigerator?
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce can typically last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before using.
Can I freeze Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce for up to 2-3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using.
How do I make Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce thicker?
To thicken Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce, simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry to the sauce.
What can I use Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce for besides pizza?
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is versatile and can be used for pasta dishes, dips, or as a base for other sauces. It also works well as a topping for chicken parmesan or as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our family's cherished Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce recipe. We hope you try it and discover the joy of making your own pizza sauce from scratch. The taste is simply unforgettable, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with love. Now go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Let us know in the comments how it turns out. We love hearing from you!
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce: The BEST Recipe EVER!
A simple and delicious homemade pizza sauce recipe that’s easy to make and tastes better than store bought!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 3 cups
Category: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan
Nutrition:
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 3g
Ingredients
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preferences.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your pizza.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of thyme or rosemary can add a lovely depth of flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but fresh is always best!
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