Easy Pizza Sauce

When it comes to pizza, the sauce totally makes it! Follow this easy recipe with step by step instructions for how to make the best pizza sauce.

In my personal opinion, the sauce can make or break a pizza. What about you?

Sure toppings are great but if the sauce isn’t good, no amount of cheese can save it. The pizza dough is important too so of course I’ve got you covered there. But today is all about the sauce.

I’ve tried pizza places and decided never to go back because the sauce just didn’t stack up.  The same goes for the jarred stuff. It just does not hold a candle to making your own. With some tomato sauce, tomato paste and 20 minutes, you’ll be on your way to the best pizza sauce. Ever.

Easy Pizza Sauce Ingredients:

I’ve tested this recipe many, many times before perfecting it to make it just the way we like it. It’s savory and has a bit of a kick to it. That can be modified however, by leaving out the crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.

• TOMATO SAUCE: This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce starts with canned tomato sauce. Not pizza sauce or pasta sauce, simply regular tomato sauce.
• TOMATO PASTE: Will enhance the tomato flavor even more.
• DRIED OREGANO: Adds a bit of spicy, pungent flavor.
• DRIED BASIL: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• FENNEL SEED: Personally my favorite spice in this dish. It adds a subtle anise flavor. The pizza sauce is just not the same without it. Trust me.
• CRUSHED RED PEPPER/CAYENNE: These both add a touch of heat and you can omit them if desired.
• GARLIC: Instead of using powder, salt or granulated, I prefer to use fresh chopped garlic in my pizza sauce.
• SUGAR: Don’t worry! The sauce won’t be sweet. Adding sugar to tomato sauce helps create a more balanced flavor by cutting the acidity and bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
• SALT/PEPPER: To taste.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Making your own homemade pizza sauce is so easy! I do recommend cooking it, rather than just stirring everything together because cooking it gives the flavors more of a chance to develop. You’ll only need about 15 – 20 minutes but believe me, it’s totally worth it.

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STEP #1: Combine all sauces in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

STEP #2: Use on your favorite pizza or as a dip for breadsticks.

I use this recipe when I make all different kinds of pizza. One of my favorite ways is to slather it on the top of my grilled pizza.

It is also great to spread on sandwiches or for dunking pizza crust and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Storage and Leftovers:

This pizza sauce keeps well in the refrigerator. Simply store it in an air tight container and use within a few days.

Looking for more pizza recipes? Check these out:

Calabrese Honey Pizza

Grilled Kale and Sausage Pizza

Bubble Pizza

Making your own sauces, dips and dressings is so easy! Here are some more of my favorites:

Tartar Sauce 

Gravy Recipe

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Note: This post was originally written in 2009. It was updated with tips, photos and nutrition facts in 2024.