Pizza sauce is the foundation of any great pizza. While store-bought options can be convenient, there’s nothing quite like homemade pizza sauce.
Not only does it taste better, but you can also customize it to your liking, adjust the spices and seasoning to your taste, and have complete control over the ingredients that go into it, per Pizza Slop.
In this article, we’ll go over the steps and ingredients needed to make homemade pizza sauce that is perfect for any pizza.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce?
Making homemade pizza sauce is easy and customizable, with just a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove.
1. Gather the Ingredients
The first step to making homemade pizza sauce is gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need the following:
- Canned tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for adding flavor to the sauce.
- Olive oil: High-quality olive oil will give the sauce a rich flavor.
- Salt: To enhance the taste of the sauce.
- Dried herbs: Dried basil, oregano, and thyme are commonly used in pizza sauce, but you can also add other herbs like rosemary or parsley if you like.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar can help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
2. Prep the Ingredients
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them. Start by mincing the garlic cloves finely. Drain the canned tomatoes and reserve the liquid in a separate bowl. Crush the tomatoes using your hands or a food processor, depending on how chunky or smooth you prefer your sauce. If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can blend it until it reaches the desired consistency. If you like a chunky sauce, leave some tomato pieces intact.
3. Cook the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Add the crushed tomatoes, reserved tomato liquid, salt, dried herbs, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Cool and Store the Sauce
Once the sauce has cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for later use.
5. Customize Your Sauce
One of the best things about making homemade pizza sauce is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are some tips to help you tailor your sauce to your taste:
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy flavor.
- Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a sweeter, caramelized flavor.
- Use different types of canned tomatoes, such as fire-roasted or diced tomatoes, to add variety to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade pizza sauce is easy and fun, and it can elevate your pizza game to the next level. With a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can create a delicious sauce that is perfect for any pizza. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or herbaceous, you can customize your sauce to suit your taste. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how much better homemade pizza sauce can be!
FAQs
How long does homemade pizza sauce last in the refrigerator?
Homemade pizza sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
While canned tomatoes are the traditional choice for pizza sauce, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. However, you will need to peel and deseed the tomatoes before crushing them.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor in homemade pizza sauce, but you can use dried garlic if you don’t have fresh on hand. Use 1 teaspoon of dried garlic in place of 1 garlic clove.
Can I make pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pizza sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Can I use pizza sauce for other recipes besides pizza?
Yes, pizza sauce can be used for other recipes besides pizza. It makes a great dip for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks, and can be used as a marinara sauce for pasta dishes.
