Best Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce –Better Than Store-Bought

There’s nothing quite like homemade pizza, and the secret to a perfect pizza is the sauce! This Best Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce recipe is packed with rich tomato flavor, balanced seasonings, and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s quick to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and is better than store-bought sauces loaded with preservatives.

Whether you’re making a classic Margherita pizza, a deep-dish favorite, or a homemade version of Pizza Hut’s pizza sauce, this recipe delivers authentic, pizzeria-style flavor every time.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious homemade pizza sauce and learn how to make it step by step!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with no complicated steps.

✔️ Rich & Flavorful: Slow-simmered for depth, with garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

✔️ Better Than Store-Bought: No artificial ingredients—just fresh, natural flavors.

✔️ Versatile: Works for classic pizza, calzones, pasta, and dipping sauce.

✔️ Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and store it for future pizza nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this authentic, flavorful pizza sauce, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces) – San Marzano tomatoes work best.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons – Thickens the sauce for a perfect consistency.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Enhances flavor and smoothness.
• Garlic (Minced): 3 cloves – Fresh for the best taste.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon – Balances acidity (adjust to taste).

Seasonings & Herbs:

• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – Essential for a bold Italian flavor.
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and aroma.
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon – Boosts umami flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional for spice).
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Use Fresh Tomatoes: Blend 2 cups of fresh Roma tomatoes instead of canned.
• Make It Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
• Garlic-Lover’s Version: Increase garlic to 5 cloves for extra depth.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this easy homemade pizza sauce, you’ll need:

• Medium Saucepan (for simmering the sauce)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring Spoons (for accuracy)
• Blender (Optional) (if you want a super-smooth sauce)

How to Make the Best Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

• Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer for Flavor

• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Stir occasionally until it thickens slightly and the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 4: Taste & Adjust

• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance acidity.

Step 5: Use or Store

• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
• Spread on pizza dough and add your favorite toppings!

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Expert Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce

✅ Use Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes make the best pizza sauce with natural sweetness.

✅ Simmer for Depth: Letting the sauce cook for at least 10 minutes enhances the flavors.

✅ Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: It thickens the sauce for perfect spreadability.

✅ Make It Smooth: Blend the sauce for a silky consistency if preferred.

✅ Let the Sauce Cool Before Spreading: This prevents a soggy pizza crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Raw Sauce: Simmering is essential for deep, rich flavor.

❌ Overpowering the Garlic: Too much garlic can dominate the sauce—stick to 2-3 cloves.

❌ Adding Too Much Sugar: Sugar balances acidity but should be used sparingly.

❌ Not Tasting as You Go: Adjust seasonings as needed for the perfect balance.

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Pizza Sauce

Storage: Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Store in freezer-safe jars or bags for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating:

• Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Pizza Hut-Style Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of paprika and a pinch of fennel seeds.

🍅 Marinara-Style Sauce: Increase garlic and basil, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

🧄 Garlic Butter Pizza Sauce: Melt butter with garlic and mix it into the sauce.

🥫 No-Cook Pizza Sauce: Skip simmering—just blend all ingredients and let sit for 30 minutes before using.

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FAQs About Homemade Pizza Sauce

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use 2 cups of fresh Roma tomatoes, blend them, and simmer as directed.

How do I make my pizza sauce taste like Pizza Hut’s?

Add a pinch of fennel seeds, extra sugar, and a dash of paprika for that signature taste.

How do I thicken my pizza sauce?

Use tomato paste or simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.

Can I use this sauce for pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce works well for spaghetti, lasagna, and dipping sauce.

Do I need to cook this sauce before using it on pizza?

Yes! Cooking enhances the flavor and prevents a watery pizza crust.

Conclusion

This Best Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is a game-changer for homemade pizza lovers. With its rich tomato flavor, balanced seasoning, and smooth texture, it outshines store-bought sauces and takes your pizza to the next level.

Try this quick, delicious, and freezer-friendly sauce for your next pizza night and experience authentic pizzeria-quality flavors at home!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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