Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Recipe – Make Restaurant-Style Sauce at Home
There’s nothing like the rich, tangy, and flavorful pizza sauce from Pizza Hut. That perfect blend of herbs, garlic, and tomato makes every bite of pan pizza a little piece of heaven. But why order out when you can recreate that signature Pizza Hut pizza sauce at home?
I’ve spent years experimenting in my kitchen to capture that classic taste, and today I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe. This sauce is perfect for pan pizza, thin crust, stuffed crust, or even homemade pizza bagels.
Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a home cook, this recipe will bring the restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
Why This Pizza Sauce Works
- Authentic flavor: Just like the Pizza Hut version you love.
- Versatile: Use for pan pizza, sheet pan pizza, or as a dip.
- Simple ingredients: Easy to find in your pantry.
- Customizable: Adjust herbs, garlic, or sweetness to taste.
Making this sauce is not only simple, but it also allows you to control the flavor, freshness, and consistency. No more watery canned sauces or overly sweet store-bought jars.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 2 cups of homemade Pizza Hut-style pizza sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp (optional for heat) |
| Water | 2–4 tbsp (to thin, if needed) |
Pro tip: Using tomato paste and tomato sauce together gives the sauce the perfect thickness and deep tomato flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder. Sauté for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
Tip: Don’t burn the garlic powder—it will taste bitter.
2. Add Tomato Base
- Stir in tomato sauce and tomato paste until fully combined.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
This step helps the flavors meld together, giving the sauce that rich, savory taste.
3. Season the Sauce
- Add sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Optional: add red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice.
Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning. Some like it slightly sweeter, some more tangy—feel free to tweak!
4. Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tbsp of water at a time until desired consistency.
By simmering, the tomato flavors deepen and the herbs release their aromatic oils, creating that classic Pizza Hut taste.
5. Blend (Optional)
- For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Return to the pan and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Tip: Blending creates that silky, uniform texture you find in restaurant pizza sauces.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pizza Sauce
- Fresh herbs vs dried herbs: Dried herbs are more concentrated; if using fresh, double the quantity.
- Garlic flavor: For a bolder taste, sauté 1 clove of fresh minced garlic before adding the tomato sauce.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too runny, simmer longer; if too thick, thin with water or olive oil.
- Sugar balance: A pinch of sugar cuts the acidity and mimics the slightly sweet flavor of Pizza Hut’s sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
A: Yes, but blend them for a smooth consistency and adjust seasoning as needed.
Q: Is this sauce suitable for thin crust pizza?
A: Absolutely! It works for thin crust, pan pizza, stuffed crust, or even flatbreads.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for 1 week and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make it spicy like a “hot pizza” version?
A: Yes! Add more red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot paprika for a spicy kick.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes?
A: You can, but cook them down first into a thick sauce to mimic the texture of canned tomato sauce.
How to Use This Sauce
- Pan pizza: Brush the dough with olive oil and spread a thick layer of sauce.
- Thin crust pizza: Use a lighter layer to prevent soggy crust.
- Stuffed crust: Spread a generous amount inside the crust edges for cheesy, flavorful bites.
- Pizza bagels or mini pizzas: Perfect for snacks or kids’ lunches.
- Dipping sauce: Heat and serve as a dip for breadsticks or garlic knots.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Sprinkle a little Parmesan and red pepper flakes after baking.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Making Pizza Hut pizza sauce at home is easier than you think. With fresh, simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll achieve that classic, tangy, herb-filled flavor that makes every pizza slice irresistible.
The best part? You can customize it exactly to your taste—more garlic, extra herbs, a touch of spice. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought jarred pizza sauce again!
Whether you’re baking a classic pan pizza, thin crust, or stuffed crust, this sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen every time.
See Also: Pizza Hut Pan Pizza Recipe | Crispy, Cheesy, Restaurant-Style Pizza
