A great pizza sauce is key to elevating your homemade pizza. It provides a rich, tangy base that complements the crust, cheese, and toppings. Making pizza sauce from scratch is easy and allows you to customize the flavor to suit your preferences. Here’s how to make a delicious pizza sauce at home.
Ingredients for Pizza Sauce
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz or 400g)
Tomato paste (optional for thicker sauce): 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a slight kick)
Black pepper: To taste
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make the sauce taste bitter.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste (if using) to the pan. Add salt, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering helps thicken the sauce and allows the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, sugar, or herbs to balance the flavors to your liking.
Step 5: Cool and Use
Once the sauce is ready, let it cool slightly before spreading it on your pizza dough. This sauce can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Sauce
Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor
If you have fresh basil or oregano, chop and add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness.Customize the Consistency
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender after cooking. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is.Make It in Advance
Pizza sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to use.Storage and Freezing
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Common Questions
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Yes! Blanch and peel about 4-5 medium fresh tomatoes, then crush or blend them. Fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to reduce the moisture content and thicken the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Tomato Paste?
You can skip the tomato paste if you prefer a lighter sauce. Just simmer the sauce longer to thicken it.
How Can I Make a Spicier Sauce?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Is Pizza Sauce the Same as Marinara?
Pizza sauce is typically thicker and more concentrated, while marinara sauce is thinner and used for pasta. However, they share similar ingredients and can be substituted in a pinch.
Making your own pizza sauce is quick, easy, and allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that’s far superior to store-bought varieties. Use this versatile sauce not only for pizza but also as a dip for breadsticks or a base for other Italian dishes.