The Best Pizza Sauce Recipe (Hands Down) 🍕Classic New York-Style with a Secret Spice Kick

This New York–style pizza sauce is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced — just the right amount of garlic, herbs, and a whisper of heat that sneaks up on you.

It’s bold enough for greasy pepperoni slices and thin enough to melt right into the crust.

The secret? A pinch of fennel and red pepper for depth that doesn’t scream, but whispers “authentic.”

Ingredients (Makes enough for 3–4 large pizzas – small batch option is below)

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano or a good-quality brand)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ⅛ tsp ground fennel seed (the not-so-secret, secret)
• Optional: ½ tsp onion powder or a pinch of fresh basil

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

1. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, oregano, sugar, pepper, red pepper flakes, and fennel.
2. Stir well and bring to a low simmer.
3. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and concentrated.

Step 3: Blend (Optional)

For that smooth NY-style texture, blitz with an immersion blender or regular blender. For a more rustic vibe, leave it chunky.

Step 4: Cool and Use

Let sauce cool slightly before spreading on dough. Use about ¼–⅓ cup per 12–14″ pizza.

Flavor Variations

• Extra Bold – Double the garlic, or add anchovy paste for depth
• Sweet Sauce Twist – Increase sugar to 1 tsp and add a splash of balsamic
• Vodka-Style Kick – Add a splash of cream or a dab of butter at the end for richness
• Neapolitan Lean – Use whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand, and skip the simmer

Storage

• Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freezes beautifully in small containers or zip-top bags
• Also makes a killer dip for garlic knots or cheese sticks

Why It’s the Best

• Rich, slow-simmered flavor
• Balanced acidity, sweetness, and spice
• That little fennel heat — subtle but addictive
• Smooth enough for thin NY crust, strong enough for loaded pies

🍕 Small-Batch NY-Style Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ⅛ tsp sugar
• Pinch black pepper
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Tiny pinch ground fennel seed (~1/16 tsp — or a generous pinch)
• Optional: small pinch onion powder or chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low.
2. Sauté garlic until fragrant (30–45 seconds).
3. Add crushed tomatoes and all remaining ingredients. Stir well.
4. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Blend for smooth sauce (optional). Let cool slightly before spreading.

Final Thoughts

This New York–style pizza sauce is your go-to red — bold, garlicky, and layered with a low-key spice that takes it to the next level. If your pizza needs a sauce that tastes like a slice, this is it.

Simmer it low. Spread it hot. Slice it big. 🍕🔥🗽

🍕 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.