Name: Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

I make this Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce whenever I want a rich, vibrant base for pizza night without spending extra time at the stove. This no-cook sauce comes together in just minutes using simple pantry staples, yet it delivers bold tomato flavor with the perfect balance of herbs and garlic. I love how fresh and classic it tastes, and I find that it instantly elevates any homemade pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is incredibly quick and effortless. Since there is no cooking required, I simply mix everything in one bowl and it’s ready to go.

I appreciate how the tomato paste adds depth while the dried herbs bring that classic Italian-style flavor. The garlic gives it a fresh kick, and I can easily adjust the seasoning to match my taste.

I also like that this sauce is naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly, making it perfect for different dietary needs. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or planning a family pizza night, this sauce never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

I start by adding the tomato sauce and tomato paste to a medium mixing bowl, then I stir them together until the mixture is completely smooth.

Next, I mix in the olive oil and finely minced garlic, making sure everything is evenly combined.

I add the dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, sugar if I’m using it, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I stir thoroughly so the herbs and spices are well distributed throughout the sauce.

After mixing, I taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes I add a little more salt or herbs depending on my preference.

I use the sauce immediately on my favorite pizza dough, or I refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days to let the flavors deepen even more.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings, which is perfect for several medium pizzas or multiple family pizza nights.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 35 kcal, making it a light yet flavorful addition to homemade pizza.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth and a slightly tangy finish.

For a more robust garlic flavor, I increase the garlic or add a pinch of garlic powder.

If I want a spicier sauce, I add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

For a fresher taste, I occasionally mix in finely chopped fresh basil instead of dried basil.

When I prefer a smoother, slightly sweeter sauce, I blend it briefly and adjust the sugar to taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I find that the flavor actually improves after a day as the herbs have more time to infuse.

If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Since this is a no-cook sauce, I usually don’t reheat it separately. I simply spread it on the pizza and let it cook along with the crust in the oven.

Related Recipes:

Homemade Pizza Dough

FAQs

Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

I can use crushed tomatoes, but I usually blend them first to achieve a smoother consistency similar to traditional pizza sauce.

Do I have to cook the sauce before using it?

I do not cook this sauce at all. I spread it directly onto the pizza dough, and it cooks perfectly in the oven with the pizza.

How can I make the sauce less acidic?

I add the optional sugar to balance the acidity. If it still tastes sharp, I add a tiny bit more sugar or a drizzle of olive oil.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

I often make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I find that the flavor becomes even better after resting.

Is this sauce suitable for other recipes?

I use this sauce not only for pizza but also as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, a base for flatbreads, or even as a quick pasta sauce in a pinch.

Conclusion

I love how simple, fresh, and flavorful this Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce is. With just a few pantry staples and five minutes of prep time, I can create a delicious base that transforms homemade pizza into something truly special. Whenever I want a reliable, no-fuss sauce packed with classic tomato and herb flavor, this is the recipe I reach for.

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