Homemade Pizza Sauce

Name: Homemade Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz can) tomato sauce; 1 (6 oz can) tomato paste; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp fennel seed, crushed; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

This quick, no-cook homemade pizza sauce is ready in 5 minutes and tastes far better than store-bought.

I'll admit, before today I was always in the crowd of just buying store-bought pizza sauce for any of my pizzas that needed a red sauce.

I just thought making a homemade sauce was just too much work... that was until I realized you could make a super tasty pizza sauce at home without actually cooking anything and just a few ingredients that you might already have in your fridge.

If you are like us or most Americans for that matter, and have pizza once a week, this should be the only sauce you use moving forward. Trust me when I say it is the best homemade pizza sauce you can make.

And if you are looking for a pizza to try it on, then this hot honey-drizzled salami pizza is perfect for it. Or even a an easy appetizer like these homemade pizza rolls.

Why This Recipe Works

Customization - Being homemade allows you to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to your taste. You can control the level of sweetness, spiciness, and herbal notes, making it perfectly suited to your preferences.
Cost-effective - Homemade is more affordable than store-bought options, especially when you use pantry staples and fresh ingredients you already have. It’s a great way to save money while still enjoying high-quality pizza.
Versatility - While pizza is in the title, it isn't just for pizza. You can use it as a base for pasta dishes, as a dip or even in casseroles. This versatility makes it a handy recipe to have on hand for various meals.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Notes
Step-by-Step Photos
FAQs
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
Similar Recipes
Homemade Pizza Sauce

overhead shot of ingredients for homemade pizza sauce

Ingredient Notes

Tomato sauce - Forms the base of your sauce, providing a smooth and slightly tangy flavor. You can also use canned San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic flavor.
Tomato paste - Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Herbs - The combination of Italian seasoning, dried oregano and fennel seed creates a well-rounded herbal blend with a robust, earthy flavor. Fresh herbs can be used as well but use triple the amount as it isn't as potent.
Spices - The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt black pepper and crushed red pepper creates a savory and mildly spicy profile.
Granulated sugar - Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

process shots of mixing together all of the ingredients for pizza sauce in a bowl

In a medium bowl, mix all of the ingredients until combined. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up 6 months, and use on your favorite pizza.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between Pizza Sauce and Spaghettis Sauce?

Contrary to what you think there are differences between the two. Spaghetti sauce has higher water content which can lead to a watery pizza which you don't want.

Pizza sauce is thicker because of the tomato paste which allows it to spread easier. It usually has more spices and herbs which leads to more flavor as well.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure they’re well-drained and pureed to avoid excess moisture. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for this purpose.

What Pizza is Best to Use This Sauce?

The great thing about this sauce is it goes with a variety of pizzas - from chicken sausage pizza to meatball pizza to a smoked pizza.

How Long Does It Last?

This sauce can last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using to redistribute the ingredients.

Can I Freeze?

Yes this sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

If you can't find tomato sauce, diced tomatoes works as well.
Adjust the sugar and spices to suit your taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce.
You can omit the sugar if you don't like a slightly sweet sauce.
Fresh herbs can replace dried ones; just triple the amount.

close-up of homemade pizza sauce in mason jar

Similar Recipes

If you’ve tried this homemade pizza sauce or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

Chris says