Simply the BEST Pizza Sauce!
Because really, has anyone ever got store bought pizza sauce and not questioned if they’ll make it through the pizza or not? 😳I know, I’m such a food snob aren’t I 🤣BUT – I will say this with confidence, homemade pizza sauce is an absolute game changer. Here’s why you’re going to LOVE this recipe:
Pantry Essentials – No fresh herbs or special ingredients here, not needed! Flavour – This pizza sauce has a deep, rich flavour that is to DIE for. Texture – It has a natural chunky, thick and rustic texture which you’ll want to literally eat by the spoon (100% from experience).
When it comes to the ingredients, they’re the usual suspects in my fridge/cupboards, so hopefully they are for you too. The list is fairly short, so try and get some good quality ingredients (namely the tomatoes as they’re the star of the show).
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
Plum Tomatoes – Canned skinned plum tomatoes, just dice them roughly in the can. Plum tomatoes are slightly richer in flavour and sweeter than chopped tomatoes. Onion & Garlic – Both grated so they melt into the sauce. Olive Oil – Adds flavour and a nice glossy texture to the sauce. Tomato Puree – Tomato Paste in the US, deepens the tomato flavour and adds a touch more colour. Basil & Oregano – Pizza essentials, both dried, no need for fresh. Sugar – Balance out the acidity from the tomatoes Chilli Flakes – Optional, but does add a nice gentle background heat.
How to make Pizza Sauce from scratch
Making pizza sauce is actually incredibly simple. All you need is the ingredients above, a medium sized pot with a lid, a wooden spoon and a grater for the onion/garlic.
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce
Tomato Puree – It’s important to FRY the tomato puree (paste). This will caramelize/sweeten it and take the ‘bite’ out. Just a couple of minutes makes a huge difference. Low Heat – It’s important to have the heat low in the first instance (so the grated onion/garlic doesn’t burn) and in the last instance (to slowly marry the flavours together before the sauce has fully reduced). Simmer – Some recipes suggest hours (literally) and others don’t even suggest cooking the sauce. I prefer somewhere in between – I find simmering on low for around 30-40mins develops the flavours enough and reduces down nicely.
What consistency should pizza sauce be?
Totally down to preference, but I recommend something that is thicker than regular tomato sauce, but not quite as thick as tomato puree (paste). The further you reduce down the sauce, the more intense the flavour.
How to make Pizza Sauce (quick summary)
Why is my pizza sauce watery?
This is because it hasn’t reduced down enough. I suggest cooking with the lid slanted on the pot so there’s room for steam to escape so the sauce can reduce.
How do you make pizza sauce thicker?
If it’s still watery after the suggested cooking time, leave the lid off and continue simmering until thickened.
Can you over cook tomato sauce?
Yes. If the sauce is over-reduced (and has a mushy texture like tomato puree/paste) then just add water in 1 tbsp at a time until it has a looser texture.
How long does pizza sauce last in the fridge?
If you completely cool the sauce and tightly store it in the fridge, it should last 3-4days. Longer at your discretion.
Can you freeze pizza sauce?
Yes! Just cool and tightly store in the freezer. I recommend defrosting in the fridge overnight, but you can reheat small portions of it straight from the freezer on a very low heat on the stove (thin out with water as needed).
What can I use pizza sauce for other than pizza?
You can use leftovers and stir through pasta! Just thin it out with water if you need to. Here’s some other ‘pizza-like’ recipes to plonk it on:
Pepperoni Pizza Puff Pastry Parcels Pizza Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Puff Pastry Pinwheels Pizza Chicken Parmesan
I don’t think I’ve used so many P’s in such a short space of time 🤣 If you’re looking for a BBQ style pizza then definitely check out my BBQ Chicken Pizza. For more simple sauces check out these beauties:
Burger Sauce Tartare Sauce Peppercorn Sauce Buffalo Sauce
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full pizza sauce recipe shall we?!
How to make Pizza Sauce (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved this Pizza Sauce Recipe then be sure to pin it for later! Already made them or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
