There’s something so satisfying about making your pizza at home, from the crispy crust to the gooey cheese. But what really sets a homemade pizza apart is the sauce. A good pizza sauce is the foundation of flavor for any pizza, and making it yourself means you control everything—from the sweetness of the tomatoes to the strength of the herbs. The best part? You can make a rich, tangy, and delicious pizza sauce in just five minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
This easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is perfect for those times when you want to whip up a pizza without spending hours simmering a sauce. In only five minutes, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful sauce that tastes infinitely better than anything store-bought. Let’s get started!
Why Make Your Own Pizza Sauce?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why making your own pizza sauce is such a great idea. First and foremost, flavor. Store-bought sauces can be overly sweet, lack freshness, or simply not taste quite right. When you make your own, you can adjust the seasoning, and it always tastes fresh because you’re using fresh ingredients.
Another reason is control. Many store-bought pizza sauces are packed with preservatives, added sugars, and ingredients that you probably don’t want in your food. With homemade pizza sauce, you know exactly what’s going into it, and you can customize it based on your preferences.
And, of course, cost-efficiency. With just a few basic pantry ingredients, you can make a delicious sauce that’s much cheaper than constantly buying jars of pre-made sauce.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
This five-minute pizza sauce recipe is made with a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tomato Paste (6 oz): The base of our sauce, tomato paste provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor without the need for long simmering times.
- Water (½ cup): To thin out the tomato paste and create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses the sauce with that classic garlicky goodness.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): A traditional herb used in many pizza sauces for that authentic Italian flavor.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp): Complements the oregano and brings freshness to the sauce.
- Onion Powder (½ tsp): For a touch of savory flavor that rounds out the sauce.
- Sugar (½ tsp): Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce too sweet.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): For a little kick of spice.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce in 5 Minutes
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to make the sauce. Here’s how easy it is:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the tomato paste and water. Whisk together until the paste is fully dissolved and you have a smooth sauce base.
- Season the Sauce: Add the olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until the spices and seasonings are well incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust: Give your sauce a taste. If you want more garlic, add a little extra garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Ready to Use: Your pizza sauce is now ready to use! Spread it over your pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake away.
This sauce can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re making pizza ahead of time, you can even freeze this sauce for up to three months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: Even though it’s a small amount, the sugar in this recipe helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer not to use refined sugar, you can substitute it with honey or a touch of maple syrup.
- Use Quality Tomato Paste: The key to a great sauce is high-quality ingredients. Opt for a good brand of tomato paste to ensure your sauce is rich and flavorful.
- Customize Your Sauce: One of the best parts about making your own pizza sauce is that you can easily customize it. If you love spicy food, add some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more herby sauce, add extra basil or oregano. This sauce can be tailored to suit your taste!
What to Pair with This Pizza Sauce
Now that you’ve got your sauce ready, it’s time to think about what to pair it with. Naturally, this pizza sauce works beautifully on any type of pizza. Whether you’re a fan of classic margherita or prefer loading your pizza with meats and veggies, this sauce will complement all your toppings.
But this sauce isn’t just limited to pizza! You can use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, as a base for homemade calzones, or even as a quick pasta sauce when you’re in a pinch. The possibilities are endless.
Storage and Freezing
This pizza sauce is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in small portions. Use a freezer-safe container or even ice cube trays to portion out the sauce. When you need some, just pop a few frozen sauce cubes into a pot and heat it up.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this pizza sauce lies in its simplicity. With no cooking required, you can make it in minutes while still packing in tons of flavor. The combination of tomato paste and olive oil gives it a rich, savory base, while the herbs and spices create the perfect Italian-inspired taste. This quick recipe saves you time but doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it a go-to for pizza nights when you’re short on time.
FAQs
How long does homemade pizza sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade pizza sauce will last in the fridge for up to one week if stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this pizza sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this sauce for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using it.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Use one to two minced garlic cloves instead of garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.
What’s the best tomato paste to use?
Look for a high-quality tomato paste with minimal ingredients. Organic tomato paste often has a richer flavor.
Can I make this sauce without sugar?
Yes! You can leave out the sugar, but keep in mind that it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can this sauce be used for pasta?
Yes, this sauce can double as a quick pasta sauce. Just toss it with your favorite noodles and enjoy!