Pizza Sauce

Whip up this thick, rich pizza sauce in just 10 minutes for a classic, homemade taste that’s simply the best. This easy, flavorful recipe makes enough to generously cover three large pizzas, ensuring each slice is as delicious as the last.

Homemade pizza night just got a whole lot better! Sure, store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but nothing beats the rich, bold flavor of a sauce made from scratch. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up with simple pantry ingredients in just a few minutes.

This pizza sauce is thick, flavorful, and packed with garlicky goodness. A touch of honey balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, while Italian herbs bring that classic pizzeria taste. Plus, you can tweak it to your liking—want it a little thinner? Add a splash of broth. Prefer it sweeter? A little extra honey does the trick.

Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the jarred stuff again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple pantry staples.
• Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, sweetness, or thickness to your taste.
• No Preservatives: Made from scratch with real ingredients—no mystery additives.
• Versatile: Not just for pizza! Use it as a dip, pasta sauce, or in casseroles.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Avocado oil: Helps sauté the garlic and enhances the sauce’s richness.
• Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor that makes the sauce extra delicious.
• Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, giving it a smooth consistency.
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly and adds a touch of savory depth.
• Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that brings classic pizza sauce taste.
• Dried oregano: Boosts the herby flavor with a slightly peppery kick.
• Honey: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of natural sweetness.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth.
• Coarse kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and rounds out the taste.

How to Make Pizza Sauce

Follow along to learn how to make homemade pizza sauce!

• Step One: In a small pot, add the oil, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir over medium heat for 3 minutes.

• Step Two: Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Mix until combined.
• Step Three: Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
• Step Four: Taste to see if more honey or salt is needed. If you want a thinner sauce, add ⅛ cup of chicken broth at a time.

What to Serve With It

• Homemade Pizza: The obvious choice! Spread this sauce on your favorite pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake to perfection.
• Flatbreads & Naan Pizza: A quick and easy alternative to traditional pizza—just brush on the sauce and top with cheese and veggies.
• Calzones & Stromboli: This sauce makes the perfect filling or dipping sauce for these cheesy, stuffed creations.
• Mozzarella Sticks: Serve it warm as a delicious dip for crispy mozzarella sticks.
• Pasta & Lasagna: It doubles as a quick pasta sauce when you’re in a pinch.
• Meatball Subs: Spoon it over meatballs in a toasted bun for a flavorful sandwich.
• Dipping Sauce: Use it for breadsticks, garlic knots, or even grilled cheese for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or just use water to keep it plant-based.
• Add some heat: If you like a little spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Sweeter or less sweet: Adjust the honey to your taste—add a little more for a sweeter sauce or leave it out if you prefer a more savory flavor. You can also use granulated sugar instead of honey.
• Thicker or thinner: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, add extra broth a little at a time.
• Fresh herbs instead of dried: If you have fresh oregano or basil on hand, stir in a handful at the end for a fresh, vibrant taste.
• Extra umami flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can add a rich depth of flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container or a mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to keep it fresh longer.
• Freezer: This sauce freezes beautifully! Pour it into a freezer-safe container or portion it into an ice cube tray for easy single servings. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm the sauce in a small pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Sauté the garlic first: Cooking the garlic in oil before adding the tomatoes helps release its full flavor and makes the sauce extra delicious.
• Don’t skip the tomato paste: It adds richness and helps thicken the sauce, so don’t leave it out!
• Taste as you go: Everyone’s taste buds are different—adjust the salt, honey, or seasonings to make it just right for you.
• Simmer for extra depth: If you have time, let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes instead of 5. It deepens the flavors even more.
• Make it ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and store it in the fridge.
• Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture: If you like your sauce extra smooth, blend it for a few seconds before using.
• Double the batch: Since it freezes well, make extra and save some for future pizza nights!

Pizza Recipes

• Air Fryer Pizza
• Crockpot Supreme Pizza
• Italian Meatball Pizza
• Pizza Dip
• Pizza Cake

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