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Homemade Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce
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This easy and authentic Homemade Pizza Sauce recipe delivers a fresh, flavorful base bursting with ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a perfect balance of garlic and seasoning. Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile sauce elevates any pizza style, is healthier with wholesome ingredients, and can be made ahead to enhance flavors, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or gourmet pizza creations at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Optional Ingredients

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Garlic – Begin by warming olive oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let it brown and turn bitter.
  2. Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste – Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with a spoonful of tomato paste if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients smoothly and create a rich tomato base.
  3. Step 3: Season the Sauce – Sprinkle in dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil – Remove the sauce from heat and stir in torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal brightness that elevates the entire flavor profile.
  5. Step 5: Cool and Use – Let the sauce cool to room temperature before spreading it over your pizza dough. This step helps prevent soggy crusts and ensures even cooking.

Notes

  • Use whole peeled canned tomatoes and crush them yourself for the freshest taste.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to avoid bitterness and build richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic or tart.
  • Add fresh basil at the end instead of cooking it to keep its flavor vibrant.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding a splash of water if too thick or simmer longer if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade pizza sauce, easy pizza sauce, fresh pizza sauce, Italian pizza sauce, pizza sauce recipe, quick pizza sauce

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/homemade-pizza-sauce/