Homemade Pizza Sauce

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own sauces at home, and Homemade Pizza Sauce is no exception. I still remember the first time I crafted this sauce — it was a rainy afternoon, and I had friends coming over for a pizza night. I wanted to impress them, so I decided to whip up a batch of sauce from scratch. The aroma of sautéed garlic filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to slather it over the dough. Not only did it turn out delicious, but it also sparked a newfound passion for creating my own pizza toppings. This sauce is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s so versatile! Whether you’re preparing a classic Margherita or a more adventurous topping combination, this sauce adds a delightful kick.

Homemade Pizza Sauce Ingredients

Creating the perfect Homemade Pizza Sauce begins with the right ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, contributing to the rich and vibrant flavor profile of the sauce. The key players here are the fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil. Together, they create a harmonious blend that will make your pizzas sing.

• Mesh splatter screen (optional but nice to have) – This handy tool helps keep your cooking area tidy while allowing you to simmer your sauce without spills.
• ¼ cup olive oil – A high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the flavor, providing a luscious base for your sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic (pressed or minced) – Freshly minced garlic brings a robust flavor that is essential for a delicious sauce.
• 128-ounce can crushed tomatoes – Choose a good brand of crushed tomatoes as the heart of your sauce; they should be ripe and flavorful.
• 8 fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced OR 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil) – Fresh basil adds a fragrant note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon sugar (2g) – A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

How to Prepare Homemade Pizza Sauce

Making Homemade Pizza Sauce is straightforward and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to elevate your pizza game. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure the pot is large enough to avoid splatters, which can be quite common when you’re making sauce. As the oil warms, it will start to shimmer, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
2. Add the garlic to the pot. You want to cook it until it turns golden and fragrant, which should take about thirty seconds to a minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can give your sauce an unpleasant flavor.
3. Next, carefully add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Watch out for the sizzling and splattering! The oil will react to the tomatoes, so stir them gently into the mix. Add the sugar and basil at this stage as well.
4. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You can tell it’s simmering when small bubbles begin to appear on the surface — keep an eye on it!
5. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about twenty to thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken and develop its flavors. You’re looking for a consistency that’s thick enough to spread on your pizza but not too dry.
6. As the sauce simmers, take the opportunity to taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
7. Once the sauce has thickened and reached your desired taste, remove it from heat. Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza. If you’re storing it, make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge or freezer.
8. When ready to use, spread a generous amount of your Homemade Pizza Sauce over your prepared pizza dough. Top it with your favorite toppings and bake according to your dough recipe.
9. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pizza with a sauce that you crafted yourself! It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Change It Up

If you’re looking to add some variety to your Homemade Pizza Sauce, here are several creative ideas to consider:

• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or even rosemary to tailor the flavor of your sauce.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce as it simmers.
• Sweet Twist: For a sweeter sauce, add diced carrots or bell peppers during the cooking process — they’ll blend in nicely.
• Chunky Texture: For a heartier sauce, you can use diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes, giving you a chunky texture that’s delightful on pizza.
• Garlic Lovers: If you’re a fan of garlic, increase the amount used or even roast it beforehand for a sweeter, mellower flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Homemade Pizza Sauce

When it comes to serving your Homemade Pizza Sauce, there are plenty of delicious options to explore:

• Classic Cheese Pizza: Of course, the most straightforward way to use this sauce is on a classic cheese pizza. Just layer it under mozzarella cheese and enjoy!
• Vegetable Medley: For a healthy option, top your pizza with an assortment of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Perfect for Parties: Pizza is always a hit at gatherings. Prepare a variety of pizzas with different toppings using your sauce to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
• Pair with Salad: Serve a fresh salad on the side to complement your pizza. A light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pizza.
• Creative Dipping Sauce: Use any leftover sauce as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks — it’s a great way to utilize every drop!
• Family-Friendly Dinner: Pizza night can be a fun family tradition. Involve the kids by letting them help with the toppings.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Homemade Pizza Sauce is a wonderful recipe that combines fresh ingredients for a rich and flavorful experience. It’s easy to make and can elevate any pizza night into something special. I encourage you to give it a try and taste the difference for yourself!

Homemade Pizza Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Pizza Sauce is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. With fresh ingredients like tomatoes and garlic, this sauce is perfect for elevating your pizza night. Try it tonight for a taste of homemade goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 1 screen Mesh splatter screen optional but nice to have
• ¼ cup Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic pressed or minced
• 128 ounce can Crushed tomatoes
• 8 leaves Fresh basil thinly sliced OR 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• ½ teaspoon Sugar (2g)

Instructions

 

• Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure the pot is large enough to avoid splatters, which can be quite common when you're making sauce. As the oil warms, it will start to shimmer, indicating that it’s ready for the next step.
• Add the garlic to the pot. You want to cook it until it turns golden and fragrant, which should take about thirty seconds to a minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can give your sauce an unpleasant flavor.
• Next, carefully add the crushed tomatoes to the pot. Watch out for the sizzling and splattering! The oil will react to the tomatoes, so stir them gently into the mix. Add the sugar and basil at this stage as well.
• Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You want to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You can tell it’s simmering when small bubbles begin to appear on the surface — keep an eye on it!
• Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about twenty to thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken and develop its flavors. You’re looking for a consistency that’s thick enough to spread on your pizza but not too dry.
• As the sauce simmers, take the opportunity to taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
• Once the sauce has thickened and reached your desired taste, remove it from heat. Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza. If you're storing it, make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge or freezer.
• When ready to use, spread a generous amount of your Homemade Pizza Sauce over your prepared pizza dough. Top it with your favorite toppings and bake according to your dough recipe.
• Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pizza with a sauce that you crafted yourself! It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Notes

• Tip 1: If you’d like to use diced or whole tomatoes, pulse them in your food processor or with an immersion blender until they're mostly pureed with some small pieces of tomato still intact, like a not-too-chunky salsa.
• Tip 2: If your sauce is making a mess, you can turn the heat down slightly and add a couple minutes to the cooking time.
• Tip 3: You can use a mesh splatter screen to keep your stove clean.

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