Exquisite Pizza Sauce: Your Secret to a Truly Amazing Pizza Night!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When it comes to making incredible pizza at home, while the crust and toppings are important, the foundation of true flavor lies in a fantastic sauce. And this Exquisite Pizza Sauce recipe? It’s your secret weapon! This rich and flavorful homemade sauce, bursting with aromatic herbs and savory garlic, transforms any pizza into a culinary masterpiece. Forget the bland stuff from a jar; making your own is surprisingly easy and delivers an unparalleled depth of taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge advocate for making core ingredients from scratch, especially when it significantly elevates the final dish. What I particularly love about this Exquisite Pizza Sauce is its incredible depth and complexity despite its simple preparation. Sautéing the garlic and caramelizing the tomato paste builds a foundational savory note, while the blend of dried oregano, basil, and onion powder provides that classic, irresistible pizza aroma. The optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth that just makes everything sing. It simmers to a perfect thickness, clinging beautifully to your crust and toppings, making every bite of your homemade pizza truly amazing.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich and flavorful homemade pizza sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (good quality, preferably fire-roasted for extra depth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sugar (granulated)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a nice texture and rich base. Diced tomatoes (pureed briefly with an immersion blender) or even tomato passata can work. Look for good quality brands.
- Tomato Paste: Don’t skip caramelizing the tomato paste! This deepens its flavor significantly and adds a wonderful richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best aromatic flavor.
- Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil are essential for classic pizza flavor. Dried herbs work well here as they release their flavors during simmering.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle warmth without making the sauce overtly spicy. Omit if you prefer no heat.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to your taste. Remember to taste as you go!
Directions
Making this Exquisite Pizza Sauce is a straightforward simmering process that builds layers of incredible flavor!
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the minced garlicand sauté for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Caramelize Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Allow it to caramelize slightly; it will deepen in color and develop a richer flavor.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Also add a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer & Combine: Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce & Develop Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and for all those wonderful flavors to meld and develop.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the finished sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt, sugar, or a pinch more of any herb to suit your preference.
- Cool Slightly & Use: Let the sauce cool slightly before spreading it generously over your homemade pizza dough.
Tips for Success
- Good Quality Tomatoes: Starting with a high-quality can of crushed tomatoes will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your sauce.
- Caramelize Tomato Paste: This small step adds a huge amount of savory depth to the sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The simmering time allows flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Taste as You Go: Adjusting salt, sugar, or spice is important to customize the sauce to your liking.
- Cool Before Using: Spreading hot sauce on pizza dough can par-cook the dough. Let it cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Exquisite Pizza Sauce is the star of your homemade pizza night! It’s perfect for:
- Classic Pizzas: Use it as the base for a traditional Margherita, pepperoni, or veggie pizza.
- Creative Pizzas: Experiment with different toppings.
- Calzones & Strombolis: A fantastic filling for baked dough creations.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve a small bowl on the side for dipping pizza crusts or breadsticks.
This sauce forms the perfect base for your pizza night. For other hearty, Italian-inspired meals, consider my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce or my Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftover Exquisite Pizza Sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich flavors and convenience of this homemade sauce, here are a few more fantastic savory recipes that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- For another comforting, one-pan meal that uses savory sauces, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of quick and easy ways to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, don’t miss my These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- And for a fun outdoor cooking twist on pizza, try my Campfire Pizza Breads – use this exquisite sauce for an even better result!
Final Thoughts
This Exquisite Pizza Sauce is a simple yet powerful ingredient that will elevate your homemade pizzas from good to truly amazing. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a simmer, and get ready for your best pizza night yet!
What’s your go-to topping combination for homemade pizza? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
Leave a Reply