Homemade pizza sauce is simple to prepare and adds rich, authentic flavor to any homemade pizza. This easy tomato-based sauce will elevate your pizza night and give you restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.
Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Using fresh, well-balanced ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. This recipe focuses on pantry staples and simple seasonings to create a sauce that’s bright, balanced, and perfect for spreading on pizza dough.
Making pizza at home lets you control ingredient quality and avoid the extra sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought sauces. Paired with a good dough and fresh mozzarella, this sauce helps you make a truly delicious pizza.
This recipe yields enough sauce for two to three pizzas, depending on crust size and how generous you are with sauce.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
This homemade pizza sauce stands out for several reasons:
- No additives, preservatives, or excess sugar—just simple ingredients for pure flavor.
- A deeply satisfying tomato flavor that tastes more authentic than most store-bought options.
- It stores and freezes well, making it convenient to prepare ahead for quick weeknight pizzas.
Pizza Sauce vs. Marinara
Pizza sauce and marinara are similar but serve different purposes. Pizza sauce is usually slightly sweetened and thicker, designed not to soak into the crust and to support toppings and melted cheese. Marinara is more savory and can be thinner or chunkier, often used as a dipping or pasta sauce. You can substitute marinara in a pinch, but a dedicated pizza sauce will generally yield a crisper crust and a more balanced pizza flavor.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make a flavorful pizza sauce:
- tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- extra virgin olive oil
- dried oregano
- dried basil
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- sugar
- red pepper flakes
- salt
- black pepper
Substitutions and Variations
Swap dried herbs for fresh basil and oregano for a brighter, fresher taste. If you prefer, roast fresh tomatoes and blend them into a homemade tomato sauce before using. Fresh garlic and onion also work well—reduce the powdered amounts if you add fresh.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and all the spices until smooth and evenly combined.
Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce settles slightly. While it rests, prepare your dough and toppings.
Brush the dough with a little olive oil, then spread the sauce evenly over the crust. Top with fresh mozzarella and your favorite toppings, then bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and enjoy.
Ways to Use This Sauce
This sauce works on thin-crust pizza, Neapolitan-style pies, Margherita pizzas, and more. Use leftovers for pasta, as a base for tomato or minestrone soup, or spread on English muffins with cheese and pepperoni for quick mini pizzas. It also makes a great filling for calzones or pizza pockets.
Tips for Success
Helpful tips:
- If using fresh tomatoes, blend them smooth with an immersion blender or food processor to avoid chunks.
- Label and date stored sauce so you know how long it’s been kept.
- Adjust heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Fresh sauce instantly improves homemade pizza. Pair your pie with a simple dessert and you’ll have a meal that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
FAQ
Pasta sauce can be a good substitute if it is smooth and not overly chunky. Look for a blended sauce with a similar consistency to pizza sauce for the best result.
Yes. Making your own sauce lets you control sugar, salt, herbs, and spice, so you can tailor the flavor to your taste. Homemade sauce is generally more flavorful than many commercial options.
More Tomato Recipes
- Corn and Tomato Salad
- Tomato Bacon Goat Cheese Puff Pastry
- Tomato Bruschetta
- Tomato Zucchini Risotto
Did you make this recipe?
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! Your feedback helps improve the recipe and helps others discover it. Leave a comment if you have questions or variations to share.
Homemade Pizza Sauce
5 minutes
25 minutes
30 minutes
1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices. Stir until smooth and well blended.
-
Let the sauce rest 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before spreading on pizza crust.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 29 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 2 g |
Sodium: 280 mg |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugar: 2 g