Introduction
A great pizza starts with an even better Homemade Pizza Sauce! This authentic Italian pizza sauce is simple yet incredibly flavorful, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade pizza sauce recipe is fresher, healthier, and enhances the overall taste of your pizza.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the best Homemade Pizza Sauce using traditional Italian ingredients. Whether you’re crafting Neapolitan-style pizza, a Margherita, or a classic pepperoni, this easy homemade pizza sauce will take your pizza-making skills to the next level.
Looking for the full pizza-making process? Check out our step-by-step guide on making authentic Italian pizza and learn how to prepare Neapolitan pizza dough like a pro.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- PART 1: What Makes Italian Pizza Sauce Special?
- PART 2: Ingredients for the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
- PART 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Pizza Sauce
- PART 4: How to Use Pizza Sauce on Your Dough
- PART 5: Best Pizza Styles to Use This Sauce With
- 5.1 Classic Margherita Pizza
- 5.2 Pizza Marinara
- 5.3 Pepperoni Pizza
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
PART 1: What Makes Homemade Pizza Sauce Special?
1.1 The Simplicity of Authentic Pizza Sauce
Unlike American-style pizza sauce, traditional Homemade Pizza Sauce is:
- Made with raw ingredients – No pre-cooking required.
- Focused on high-quality tomatoes – No need for added sugar or preservatives.
- Designed to complement the dough and toppings, not overpower them.
1.2 Best Tomatoes for Homemade Pizza Sauce
Choosing the right tomatoes is key to achieving that authentic Italian pizza sauce flavor. Here are the best options:
| Type of Tomato | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| San Marzano Tomatoes (Best choice) | Sweet, low acidity, rich in flavor. Ideal for traditional Homemade Pizza Sauce. |
| Roma Tomatoes (Good alternative) | Slightly firmer but still flavorful. Works well for easy Homemade Pizza Sauce. |
| Canned Italian Tomatoes | Look for DOP-certified San Marzano for the best authentic pizza sauce recipe. |
PART 2: Ingredients for the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
To make the best Homemade Pizza Sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (or 2 lbs fresh Roma tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or 1 tsp fresh oregano)
- ½ tsp dried basil (or 1 tsp fresh basil)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tsp sugar (only if needed, depending on tomato acidity)
PART 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Pizza Sauce
3.1 Preparing the Tomatoes
- Drain the Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, remove excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce.
- Crush by Hand or Blend: For a rustic texture, crush the tomatoes by hand. For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor.
3.2 Mixing the Ingredients
- Combine Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, and Herbs in a mixing bowl.
- Gently Stir the Mixture – Do not overmix; keeping some texture is ideal.
- Let It Rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend together.
3.3 No Cooking Required!
Authentic Homemade Pizza Sauce is raw, allowing it to cook perfectly in the oven. However, if you’re using a home oven at lower temperatures, you can lightly simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
PART 4: How to Use Homemade Pizza Sauce on Your Doug
4.1 Correct Sauce-to-Dough Ratio
The amount of Homemade Pizza Sauce you use will depend on the pizza style:
| Pizza Style | Sauce Quantity |
|---|---|
| Neapolitan / Roman Style (Thin Crust) | ~3 tbsp per pizza |
| Sicilian / Detroit Style (Thicker Crust) | ~5 tbsp per pizza |
4.2 Spreading the Sauce Evenly
- Use a ladle or spoon to spread the sauce in a circular motion.
- Leave 1 cm of space around the edges to allow the crust to rise properly.
PART 5: Best Pizza Styles to Use This Homemade Pizza Sauce With
5.1 Classic Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
- Neapolitan pizza dough
- This Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Fresh mozzarella
- Basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
5.2 Pizza Marinara
Ingredients:
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Oregano
- Extra virgin olive oil (No cheese!)
5.3 Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients:
- Traditional Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Spicy Italian salami (pepperoni)
Looking for the perfect dough to pair with this sauce? Check out our Neapolitan pizza dough recipe here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I store homemade pizza sauce?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q2: Do I need to add sugar to my pizza sauce?
No! If you use San Marzano tomatoes, they provide natural sweetness. Only add sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.
Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes! But make sure to:
- Blanch the tomatoes.
- Peel off the skin.
- Remove the seeds for a smoother texture.
Q4: What if my sauce is too watery?
- Drain canned tomatoes before using them.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Conclusion
Making your own Homemade Pizza Sauce is easy and elevates your homemade pizza to a whole new level. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that enhances the flavor of your pizza without overpowering it.
Ready to make the perfect pizza? Check out our complete Neapolitan pizza recipe and start baking today!