Zesty Pizza Sauce
Making homemade pizza? Don’t settle for bland sauce. This zesty pizza sauce is easy to make with pantry staples. And it’s a total game changer in terms of flavor.
Homemade pizza sauce is a recipe every home cook should master. Why?
Quite simply, because it’s so much better than store-bought pizza sauce!
Pizza sauce is an often overlooked pizza ingredient. But when it’s good, it’s really, really good. It wakes the pizza up and lends its flavor to every bite.
But I’m not talking about ordinary, store-bought pizza sauce.
I’m talking about homemade, zesty pizza sauce with bold flavor.
This sauce is also going on my list of recipes that are perfect for bringing to someone who needs a meal. I’ve been thinking a lot about that kind of cooking lately – and I’ll have more to share soon.
What You’ll Need To Make Homemade Zesty Pizza Sauce
This homemade zesty pizza sauce is made with easy-to-find pantry staples:
- Tomato sauce: The base of the pizza sauce. I used a combination of regular tomato sauce & fire-roasted tomato sauce. If you can find fire-roasted tomato sauce, use it!
- Tomato paste: This adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce so it’s ideal for topping pizza.
- Fresh garlic: I went heavy on the garlic – and I don’t regret it!
- Vinegar: This is where this recipe gets its “zesty” name. You can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for this recipe. It wakes the flavor up.
- Sugar: A teaspoon of sugar is all you need to add a hint of sweetness to the pizza sauce.
- Spices: I didn’t skimp on the spices in this pizza sauce recipe. Red pepper flakes add spice; granulated garlic pieces and granulated onion pieces add more depth and flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): I happened to have some fresh parsley on hand and decided to add some to the sauce. This is totally optional. The sauce will taste great with or without.
Freezing Tip
This recipe makes enough for several pizzas. Make a batch and use it on homemade frozen pizzas – or fresh pizza from scratch. Then freeze extra in a freezer container, in ice cube trays, or in plastic freezer bags for easy use.
Cooking The Pizza Sauce
Some homemade pizza sauce recipes don’t require cooking. You just mix the sauce ingredients together and it’s done.
This recipe for zesty pizza sauce does require cooking – for a very good reason: it adds flavor. We’re using granulated garlic and granulated onion flakes which rehydrate when cooked in the pizza sauce. The cooking allows the sauce to become ultra concentrated, offering bold flavor to every bite.
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FAQs
Do I need to cook the sauce before putting it on the pizza?
Yes. This pizza sauce is cooked on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to blend and add bold flavor to the sauce.
Can I freeze homemade pizza sauce?
Yes, and I highly recommend it! This recipe makes enough sauce for several pizzas, so freezing the extra is a great way to get ahead on future meals. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container, in ice cube trays for small portions, or in plastic freezer bags. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
How much sauce do I put on a pizza?
Less than you think. A common mistake is over-saucing, which can make your crust soggy. For a standard 12-inch pizza, about ¼ to ⅓ cup of sauce is just right. Spread it thin, leaving a border around the edge for your crust.
More Pizza Inspiration & Recipes
- Deep Dish Pizza
- DIY Pizza Seasoning Recipe
- 50+ Creative Pizza Topping Ideas
- Polenta Pizza Bites
- How To Make Homemade Pizza Sausage
- Alternative Pizza Crust Ideas
Zesty Pizza Sauce
Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley, if desired, to add freshness to this sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (from a jar)
- 29-ounce can tomato paste
- 15-ounce can fire-roasted tomato sauce
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add remaining ingredients, stirring. Turn heat down to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Remove from heat, cool to room temperature and use to top homemade pizza.
- This homemade pizza sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before using, and if anything looks or smells off, toss it. To freeze, store in an airtight containe for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.!