Easy Pizza Sauce Recipe

I stumbled upon this pizza sauce recipe during my time working at a cozy pizzeria in Chicago. Trust me when I tell you this sauce is a game changer. It takes just five minutes to whip up and uses eight ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The flavor is rich and bold making every pizza taste like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

The Magic of Homemade Pizza Sauce

Nothing beats gathering in the kitchen and making pizza from scratch. I love creating memories with my family while saving money on takeout. This sauce recipe has become my secret weapon for pizza night. Every time I make it my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma that takes me right back to that little Chicago pizzeria.

What You'll Need for Amazing Pizza Sauce

• Tomato Sauce: I use one can or fresh blended tomatoes from my garden when they're in season.
• Tomato Paste: This is my trick for that perfect thick consistency. Your crust will thank you.
• Oregano/Italian Seasoning: Fresh or dried both work beautifully here.
• Garlic Salt: My favorite flavor booster. Regular garlic powder and sea salt work too.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Garlic Powder: Because in my kitchen there's no such thing as too much garlic.
• Onion Powder: Adds that subtle something special.
• Black Pepper: Fresh ground is my preference but any black pepper works.

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Let's Make Some Sauce

Mix Your Base

Grab your favorite mixing bowl and blend the tomato paste and sauce until smooth.

Season with Love

Sprinkle in your oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper and sugar. Mix until everything comes together.

Spread the Goodness

Slather a generous amount on your pizza dough. I always say a good sauce makes the pizza.

My Secret to Perfect Pizza Every Time

I learned through countless pizza nights that sauce can make or break your pizza. Think of it as the foundation of all those amazing flavors. I always spread a nice thick layer because skimping on sauce is a rookie mistake. Your sauce needs to have enough body to stand up to those toppings without turning your crust into a soggy mess.

Keeping Your Sauce Fresh

I store my sauce in a mason jar in the fridge where it stays perfect for about two weeks. When I make a big batch I portion it into smaller jars and pop them in the freezer. They last three months and thaw beautifully. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your dough.

Everything You Need to Know About This Sauce

One batch gives you enough sauce for two big pizzas or four smaller ones. I often double the recipe because it disappears quickly in my house. This isn't your average pasta sauce. I specifically created this recipe to be thicker and more flavorful so your pizzas turn out perfect every time.

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Quick Fixes When You're Missing Ingredients

Sometimes I open my pantry and realize I'm out of something. Here's what works in a pinch: Fresh tomatoes blended smooth instead of canned sauce. A mix of garlic powder and sea salt works perfectly if you're out of garlic salt. Skip the sugar or use a drizzle of honey. The sauce turns out delicious no matter which swap you choose.

The Real Star of the Show: Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is non negotiable in my kitchen. It gives the sauce that perfect thickness that clings to your dough and creates an amazing base for toppings. Without it your sauce will be too watery and nobody wants a soggy pizza bottom.

Skip the Cooking Save the Flavor

I love that this sauce requires zero cooking. Just mix and it's ready to go. The flavors stay bright and fresh and honestly it tastes better than versions I've simmered for hours. Plus who wants to stand over a hot stove when there's pizza to be made?

Let's Talk Pizza vs Pasta Sauce

Here's something I learned the hard way. Pizza sauce needs to be different from pasta sauce for good reason. Your pizza sauce should be thick enough to stay put and concentrated with flavor. I watched so many homemade pizzas turn soggy using regular pasta sauce before figuring this out. The extra tomato paste and spices in this recipe make all the difference.

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My Favorite Pizza Combinations

This sauce works beautifully on every pizza I make. We love classic cheese and pepperoni in our house but it really shines on BBQ chicken pizza too. When I'm feeling lazy I spread it on French bread for a quick dinner. I use it with my foolproof pizza dough recipe and sometimes with whole wheat dough when I want something a bit healthier.

Smart Storage Solutions

I've learned some tricks over the years about storing this sauce. Glass containers work best at keeping it fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks. When I freeze it I use small containers so I can grab just what I need. The sauce spreads much better when it's not cold so I always let it sit on the counter for a bit before pizza making.

Pizza Night is Family Night

My kitchen becomes the heart of our home during pizza night. The kids love helping spread the sauce and picking their toppings. There's something special about creating dinner together and this quick sauce recipe means less time preparing and more time enjoying each other's company.

Nothing Beats Homemade

After years of buying premade sauce I can't believe I waited so long to make my own. Store bought versions just don't compare to this fresh homemade sauce. I know exactly what goes into it and can adjust the flavors to my family's taste. No mystery ingredients or preservatives needed.

Make It Your Own

I love sharing how I personalize this sauce and encourage you to do the same. Sometimes I add red pepper flakes when I'm craving heat. In summer I throw in fresh basil from my garden. My sister adds roasted garlic to hers. Your kitchen your rules. Play around until you find your perfect blend of flavors.

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Getting That Perfect Sauce Texture

After making this sauce hundreds of times I've figured out the texture secrets. Give it a good whisk to smooth out any lumps. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too thick add tiny splashes of water until it's just right but remember a thicker sauce prevents soggy pizza.

Quick Fixes for Common Sauce Issues

Sometimes things don't go as planned in the kitchen. If your sauce turns out runny stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. Too tangy? A pinch of sugar works wonders. I always start with less seasoning because you can add more but you can't take it away. Trust your taste buds and adjust as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does homemade pizza sauce last?

This pizza sauce stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to two months for longer storage.

→ Can I make this sauce without sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sugar completely or use honey as a substitute. The sugar mainly helps enhance tomato flavor and reduces acidity, but the sauce tastes great without it.

→ Why is tomato paste important in pizza sauce?

Tomato paste is crucial as it creates the thick consistency needed for non-soggy pizza. It provides the perfect base texture that helps the sauce stick to the dough properly.

→ Can I use fresh ingredients instead of dried herbs?

Fresh herbs can replace dried ones in this recipe. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste since fresh herbs have a more intense flavor than dried ones.

→ What's the best way to store leftover pizza sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before using. The sauce thickens when cold, so you might need to warm it slightly before spreading.