Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (2024)

By Laura

Posted Sep 23, 2018, Updated Jan 28, 2024

4.99 from 1327 votes

780 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe is made in 5 minutes with 8 ingredients. This no-cook sauce is truly the best pizza sauce recipe ever – developed from my experience working in a Chicago pizzeria!

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (2)

We love makingpizza at home because it’s easy (my kids have been making it every week since they were 5), fun and less expensive than delivery.

This is our go-to easy homemade pizza sauce recipe. It takes five minutes to make and results in the best pizza you’ve ever had.

I’m from Chicago (born and raised), so we’ve enjoyed some of the best pizza in the world. I remember, one evening after dining at a famous pizza restaurant my husband was less than impressed.I thought he had gone crazy!

His problem was with the sauce. “There was only a thin layer and it tastedjust like tomatoes” was his personal opinion. He likes his pizza saucy, bold and flavorful andthat particular pie just didn’t cut it. Moral of the story: there’s no weak sauce allowed in our household. And thisEasy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe ensures that!

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (3)

Pizza Sauce Recipe: Substitutions

Here are a few possible substitutions that can be made in this recipe.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (4)
  • Tomato Sauce.Sometimes I run out of cans of tomato sauce, and in a pinch I have used a can of diced tomatoes that I tossed in the blender. You can also use fresh blended tomatoes as well.
  • Tomato Paste. Please don’t leave out the tomato paste. It makes the pizza sauce thick which is key in making non-soggy pizza.
  • Oregano/Italian seasoning.I always make this with dried spices, but you can use fresh. Also, if you like a sauce with a less bold flavor, you might want to start will less and add more to your preferences.
  • Garlic salt.If you don’t keep garlic salt on hand, substitute an extra ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt.
  • Granulated sugar.This can be omitted, or you can substitute honey. However the sugar enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and cuts the “bite” of the sauce.

Note: this pizza sauce recipe is vegan as written, so you can even make some great dairy-free pizzas with this recipe.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (5)

How to Make Pizza Sauce

This homemade pizza sauce recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes. You can also prepare itahead of time and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it to make pizza.

Begin by mixing the tomato paste and sauce together in a medium size bowl until well combined. Using a whisk is a great choice.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (6)

Then, add the rest of the ingredients (oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper and sugar) and mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (7)

Then, use it in your favorite pizza recipes. The flavor and essence of a pizza lies in the pizza sauce. So be sure to spread a nice, thick even layer on top of your pizza dough.

Pizza Dough Recipes:

This Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe is our go-to. It requires no rising, and makes a delicious pizza in under 30 minutes! Or try this whole wheat pizza dough. And check out our extensive post on how to make pizza!

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (8)

How to Store Pizza Sauce

Store this pizza sauce in a glass jar with a lid for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

To use, let the sauce come to room temperature before spreading it on your pizza dough.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (9)

Pizza Sauce Recipe FAQs

How many pizzas can I make with this pizza sauce recipe?

This recipe makes enough sauce to make two large pizzas, or four medium-sized pizza.

Can I double this recipe?

This easy pizza sauce recipe iseasily doubled or tripled.

What is the difference between Pizza Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce?

This is a common question I get asked all the time! Here are some distinctions between the two:
Spaghetti sauce has a higher water content. This is why I don’t recommend using a jar of marinara when making homemade pizza, you could end up with a mushy watery mess!
Pizza sauce is thicker.this goes along with the point above, but pizza sauce contains tomato paste, which causes it to spread easier and more evenly!
Pizza sauce is more flavorful.This might be my own opinion, but we like a lot more spices in our pizza sauce than we do in our spaghetti sauce!

Should homemade pizza sauce be cooked?

This recipe is for a no-cook pizza sauce so it does not need to be cooked.

Can I use ketchup as pizza sauce?

I actually get this question a lot – please do not use ketchup as pizza sauce. Ketchup is not a substitute for any of the ingredients in this recipe.

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (10)

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (11)

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (12)

SavePinPrint

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

Laura

This easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe is made in 5 minutes with 8 ingredients. This no-cook sauce is truly the best pizza sauce recipe ever – developed from my experience working in a Chicago pizzeria!

4.99 from 1327 votes

Course condiment, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 24 Servings

Calories 23.3

Prep Time5 minutes minutes

Total Time5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix tomato paste and sauce together in a medium size bowl until smooth.

  • Add the rest of the ingredients – oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper and sugar – and stir until evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

  • Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

  • Spread onto your favorite pizza dough recipe.

Video

Notes

*sugar can be omitted and it will still taste great. Or use honey.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Tomato Sauce.Sometimes I run out of cans of tomato sauce, and in a pinch I have used a can of diced tomatoes that I tossed in the blender. You can also use fresh blended tomatoes as well.
  • Tomato Paste. Please don’t leave out the tomato paste. It makes the pizza sauce thick which is key in making non-soggy pizza.
  • Oregano/Italian seasoning.I always make this with dried spices, but you can use fresh. Also, if you like a sauce with a less bold flavor, you might want to start will less and add more to your preferences.
  • Garlic salt.If you don’t keep garlic salt on hand, substitute an extra ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt.
  • Granulated sugar.This can be omitted, or you can substitute honey. However the sugar enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and cuts the “bite” of the sauce.

Tip: use a red spatula

If you’d like to prevent turning your white or light colored spatulas orange, I suggest using a red spatula or a stainless steel spoon to make this recipe.

This red spatula is my favorite! I use it foreverything,especially making red-colored foods like this homemade pizza sauce.

How to Store Pizza Sauce

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The sauce will thicken in the refrigerator, so be sure to let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave before using!
  • Freeze.Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months!

Spread this sauce onto the best pizza dough recipe!

Nutrition

Serving: 2TBS | Calories: 23.3kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 479.1mg | Potassium: 237.8mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 7.1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

Try these recipes

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

How to Make Pizza (Pizza Recipe)

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Burrata Salad

Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (19)
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe (5 Minutes) (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have pizza sauce? ›

Some popular pizza sauce alternatives include the following:
  • Pesto.
  • Ricotta Cheese.
  • Barbecue Sauce.
  • Ranch Dressing.
  • Tapenade.
  • Olive Oil and Garlic.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce.
  • Chimichurri Sauce.

Can you turn ketchup into pizza sauce? ›

Hence, if you're planning to use ketchup as a tomato sauce, we suggest you boil it down with oregano, salt, and sugar according to your taste. Boiling down the ketchup will ensure that it gets thicker than its original density. However, ketchup will always remain ketchup, and it will smell distinct.

What are 5 sauce options for pizza? ›

A Quick Guide to Different Types of Pizza Sauces
  • Marinara Sauce. Marinara is one of the more versatile pizza sauces that you have to choose from. ...
  • Spicy Red Sauce. ...
  • BBQ Sauce. ...
  • Buffalo Sauce. ...
  • Alfredo Sauce. ...
  • Pesto Sauce. ...
  • Chocolate Sauce. ...
  • Become a Wood-fired Pizza Expert Overnight.

Can you use regular tomato sauce as pizza sauce? ›

This simple red sauce for pizza uses canned tomato sauce, fresh garlic, salt, and dried herbs to make enough sauce for 3-4 medium pizzas or one focaccia pizza. No cooking required! I make homemade pizzas from scratch all the time. They're one of my favorite easy dinners.

Can you use regular sauce as pizza sauce? ›

The appeal of using pasta sauce as a pizza sauce lies in the fact that pasta sauce is usually more thicker and richer than pizza sauce. Not only does it provide an interesting flavor, but it also adds a unique texture and complexity that you won't get from a traditional pizza sauce.

How to turn jar spaghetti sauce into pizza sauce? ›

How To Turn Spaghetti Sauce into Pizza Sauce
  1. Take your jarred pasta sauce and put it in the food processor. ...
  2. Turn on the heat and let the blended mixture simmer until you get a thick pizza sauce consistently.
  3. You can add salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, or any other spice as per your taste.
Sep 27, 2021

Can prego be used as pizza sauce? ›

Each quarter cup serving provides 20 percent of your daily vegetables, giving you a sauce that's as nutritious as it is tasty. Just spread Prego sauce over your favorite pizza crust and add toppings for a quick, family-pleasing meal.

What is pizza sauce made of? ›

Mix together water, tomato paste, and olive oil in a large bowl or jar. Add garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, and pepper; mix well. Let sauce stand for several hours to let flavors blend. No cooking is necessary; just spread on dough.

Can you use Ragu as pizza sauce? ›

Ragu Homemade Style Pizza Sauce is excellent! It's got the natural flavorings I like without the chunks and without added sugar. It's the best tasting pizza sauce I have ever had.

Do Italians dip pizza in ketchup? ›

The short answer is no. In Italian culture, ketchup on pizza is considered a big taboo. While some people have adopted this practice over time, it remains firmly outside the traditional pizza-eating experience. Italians prefer using fresh ingredients when making their pizzas and avoid condiments altogether.

Can you use normal barbecue sauce for pizza base? ›

However, a number of non-traditional pizza recipes substitute barbecue sauce for the tomato sauce, and this can work reasonably well. California Pizza Kitchen made their famous ORIGINAL BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA using “BBQ sauce, smoked Gouda, red onions and fresh cilantro.” That works well.

What is the best sauce to put on pizza? ›

Below are some of the best options you should try.
  • Mayonnaise. This is one of the most loved pizza dips that are sure to pamper each and every taste buds of the person tasting it. ...
  • Tomato Ketchup. Tomato ketchup is one of the most common sauces that are used to boost up the taste of a pie. ...
  • Barbecue Sauce. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Garlic Paste.

What gives pizza sauce its distinctive flavor? ›

Traditional pizza sauce is made with a base of tomatoes and spices like garlic, onion, basil, and oregano. You might think that this makes a pizza simple or boring, but this isn't the case. There are so many varieties and recipes for it that you'll never get bored of this meal!

What is the best cheese to use for homemade pizza? ›

Best cheese for pizza
  • Mozzarella. Perhaps the most well-known and popular pizza topping of all-time, Mozzarella is cherished for its near perfect consistency and straightforward flavour. ...
  • Cheddar/Matured Cheddar. ...
  • Aged Havarti. ...
  • Gorgonzola. ...
  • Provolone. ...
  • Goat cheese. ...
  • Pecorino-Romano. ...
  • The ultimate cheese pizza.

How do I substitute tomato sauce for pizza sauce? ›

Yes you can…even as it is, straight out of the can, although it might lack a bit of flavor for just a tomato sauce pizza. You can use it cold or cook it down a bit to make it thicker. Of course you can add some condiments (onion, garlic), salt and pepper and hebs and spices.

How do you substitute tomato sauce for pizza? ›

4 substitutes for tomato sauce in pizzas
  1. Barbecue sauce- Barbeque sauce is a great substitute for your pizza to your same old tomato sauce. ...
  2. Pesto- While experimenting with pizza sauces, pesto can be a very handy and safe option. ...
  3. Caramelized Onions- When cooked slowly, onions start caramelizing. ...
  4. Italian dressing-

Is pizza sauce necessary? ›

If you aren't a fan of tomatoes and do not like the taste, you need not use them at all. With multiple options like bechamel, hummus, soy sauce, and plain old cheese you can very much bake pizza without tomato sauce.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6269

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.