How to Make Pizza Sauce from Scratch 🍅 Fresh, Fast, and Seriously Better Than Store-Bought

Making pizza sauce from scratch means more flavor, more control, and no compromise. This version is bright, rich, and ready in minutes — no simmering required.

Whether you’re building a classic Margherita or going full meat-lovers, this sauce gives your pie a base that actually tastes like real tomatoes.

Ingredients (Makes enough for 2–3 pizzas)

• 1 can (14–15 oz) whole San Marzano or high-quality plum tomatoes
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional:
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and Crush

1. Drain the tomatoes slightly, reserving a few tablespoons of juice.
2. Crush by hand for a rustic texture or pulse in a blender for smooth sauce.

Step 2: Mix and Season

1. Stir in garlic, olive oil, salt, oregano, and pepper.
2. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or vinegar for acidity.
3. Taste and adjust — it should be bright, clean, and lightly seasoned.

Step 3: Rest (Optional but Ideal)

Let the sauce sit for 10–20 minutes before using to let the flavors meld.

How to Use

• Spread a thin layer (2–3 tablespoons) over your stretched dough.
• Keep it light — you want sauce flavor, not a soggy crust.
• Works for Neapolitan, NY-style, deep dish, or cast iron pies.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes — the better the base, the better the sauce.
• Don’t cook it. Let the oven’s high heat finish the sauce directly on the pie.
• Blend for smooth, or crush for rustic — both styles work great.
• For sweet sauce lovers, add a pinch of sugar or a spoon of tomato paste.

Storage

• Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in small containers for future pizza nights.
• Also great as a dip for breadsticks or garlic knots.

Final Thoughts

Making pizza sauce from scratch is fast, flexible, and flavor-packed — no cooking, no junk, just clean tomato power. It’s a game-changer that makes every pizza taste like it came out of a wood-fired oven.

Crush it. Season it. Spread it thin. 🍅🔥🍕

🍕 Explore Our Homemade Pizza Recipes

From Neapolitan-style classics to bold flavor combos and deep-dish comfort, these pizza recipes cover every craving — made right in your own kitchen.

🍅 Classic Margherita Pizza – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a crispy crust.
🧀 Four Cheese Pizza – A rich, melty blend of mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and goat cheese.
🥩 Pepperoni & Hot Honey Pizza – Sweet heat meets salty crisp in this fan-favorite combo.
🍄 Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Pizza – Umami-packed and irresistibly savory.
🧄 White Garlic Pizza – No red sauce, just creamy garlic bliss and mozzarella.
🌶️ Spicy Sausage & Jalapeño Pizza – Bold, meaty, and built for heat lovers.
🥬 Spinach & Artichoke Pizza – A cheesy white-sauce twist on the classic dip.
🍗 BBQ Chicken Pizza – Smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese.
🍕 Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish – Crispy-edged, cheesy-centered deep-dish perfection.
🌿 Pesto Veggie Pizza – Loaded with fresh veg and herby green pesto sauce.