🍅 Great Pizza Sauce Recipe: The Secret to Irresistible Homemade Pizza

If there’s one thing that can make or break your pizza, it’s not just the crust or the toppings—it’s the sauce. A great pizza sauce recipe has that magical balance: rich tomato flavor, a kiss of garlic, herbs that perfume the air, and just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

I’ve spent years playing around with different sauces—some too watery, some too acidic, others too flat—and finally landed on a recipe that I promise will turn any pizza into an unforgettable bite. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. This is a no-cook pizza sauce that comes together in minutes and tastes like something you’d find in a rustic Italian kitchen.

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📝 Ingredients & Measurements

Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this homemade pizza sauce (enough for 2–3 large pizzas):

Ingredient	Measurement
Canned whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)	1 can (28 oz / 800 g)
Tomato paste	2 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tbsp
Garlic (freshly minced)	3 cloves
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Dried basil	1 tsp
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)	¼ tsp
Sugar (or honey)	1 tsp
Sea salt	1 tsp (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper	½ tsp

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with quality tomatoes

For a truly great pizza sauce recipe, the tomatoes are everything. I always go for San Marzano tomatoes—they’re naturally sweet and less acidic. Pour the can into a bowl and crush them with your hands or a potato masher until you get a slightly chunky texture.

2. Build the flavor base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, tomato paste, and minced garlic. This creates a deep, bold foundation.

3. Add herbs & seasoning

Sprinkle in oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Add sugar to balance the acidity, then salt and pepper to taste.

4. Blend or leave chunky

For a smooth pizza sauce, give it a quick whirl in a blender. For a rustic-style pizza, leave it chunky. I personally like mine somewhere in the middle—silky but with tiny bursts of tomato.

5. Let it rest

This is the step most people skip, but trust me: letting the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature allows the flavors to meld together. If you can make it a few hours ahead, even better.

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💡 Tips & Tricks for the Best Pizza Sauce

• Skip cooking it: You don’t need to simmer this sauce. The magic happens in the oven when it meets the dough and cheese.
• Use fresh herbs if possible: A handful of chopped fresh basil stirred in at the end makes the sauce sing.
• Balance is key: If your tomatoes taste too acidic, add a little extra sugar or even a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Make ahead: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and freezes beautifully for 3 months.

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❓ FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to blanch and peel them first. Honestly, canned San Marzano tomatoes give you that authentic Italian flavor with less effort.

2. Do I need to cook the sauce before putting it on pizza?
No! This is a no-cook sauce. The oven heat will do the work, leaving you with a bright, fresh flavor.

3. Can I make this sauce spicy?
Absolutely. Just add more red pepper flakes or even a touch of chili oil.

4. What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
Mason jars in the fridge or portioned freezer bags. Reheat gently before use.

5. How thick should pizza sauce be?
Thicker than marinara, thinner than paste. It should coat the back of a spoon without being runny.

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🍕 Final Thoughts

There you have it: my great pizza sauce recipe that’s simple, bold, and deeply satisfying. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with the aroma of garlic and herbs, and I know that the pizza night ahead is going to be something special.

Remember, pizza sauce is not just a layer of flavor—it’s the soul of your pizza. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita, a cheesy pepperoni pizza, or even experimenting with toppings like mushrooms, prosciutto, or roasted veggies, this sauce will be the foundation that ties everything together.

Next time you’re tempted to buy a jar of pre-made sauce, try this instead. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll have something infinitely better—and trust me, your homemade pizza will never be the same again.

See Also: Great Pizza Dough Recipe – Authentic Italian Crust You’ll Love