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A good pizza starts with a flavorful sauce, and you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of simmering to make one at home. This easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe combines tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic, onion, black pepper, and a little sugar for a rich, savory sauce that comes together in minutes.
Because there’s no cooking involved, this homemade pizza sauce is especially convenient for busy weeknights. Simply mix everything in a bowl, taste, adjust the seasonings, and spread it over your favorite pizza dough.
Whether you’re making a classic cheese pizza, a loaded veggie pizza, or something more creative, this easy pizza sauce recipe gives your homemade pizza a flavorful tomato base without unnecessary effort.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizza Sauce
This sauce is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
- Ready in minutes: There’s no stovetop simmering.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Tomato products and dried seasonings do most of the work.
- Thick and spreadable: Tomato paste gives the sauce enough body for pizza dough.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the oregano and seasonings to your preference.
- Great for pizza night: Make it right before assembling your pizza or prepare it ahead.
- No complicated technique: Everything is mixed together in one bowl.
If you enjoy making creative pizzas at home, you can also try this Dill Pickle Pizza recipe for a tangy twist on traditional pizza night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tomato Paste
You’ll need 6 ounces of tomato paste. It provides concentrated tomato flavor and gives the sauce its thick consistency.
Tomato Sauce
Fifteen ounces of tomato sauce balance the tomato paste and create a smoother, more spreadable texture.
Dried Oregano
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, depending on how pronounced you want the herb flavor to be. If you’re unsure, start with 1 tablespoon and add more after tasting.
Italian Seasoning
Two tablespoons of Italian seasoning add a blend of dried herbs that gives this pizza sauce from scratch its classic Italian-inspired flavor.
Garlic and Onion
Garlic powder and onion powder provide savory depth without requiring fresh garlic or onions.
Garlic Salt
A half tablespoon of garlic salt adds both seasoning and additional garlic flavor. Since it contains salt, taste the finished sauce before adding any additional salt.
Black Pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds subtle warmth and rounds out the tomato flavor.
Sugar
A teaspoon of sugar helps balance the overall flavor of the tomato-based sauce.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
One of the best things about this quick pizza sauce recipe is how little preparation it requires.
1. Combine the Tomato Ingredients
Add the tomato paste and tomato sauce to a medium-sized bowl.
Stir until the two ingredients are completely combined and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Seasonings
Add the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar.
Stir thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
3. Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a taste before using it.
If you want a stronger herbal flavor, add more oregano. You can also adjust the other seasonings according to your preference.
4. Spread Over Pizza Dough
Spread the finished sauce over your favorite pizza dough.
Use enough sauce to create a flavorful layer without covering the dough too heavily. Add your preferred cheese and toppings, then bake according to your pizza dough recipe.
Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza Sauce
Start With Less Oregano
The recipe gives a range of 1 to 2 tablespoons of oregano. Starting with 1 tablespoon gives you more control over the final flavor.
You can always add more after tasting, but it’s harder to correct a sauce that has become overly herbal.
Mix the Sauce Thoroughly
Make sure the tomato paste and tomato sauce are completely smooth before adding the seasonings.
After adding the herbs and spices, stir well so that every portion of the sauce has a consistent flavor.
Taste Before Spreading
Tasting is especially important with this recipe because oregano and Italian seasoning can vary in intensity between brands.
Adjust the seasonings before the sauce goes onto your pizza dough.
Don’t Overload the Pizza
A flavorful sauce doesn’t need to be spread in a very thick layer. Too much sauce can make the pizza feel heavy and may interfere with the texture of the crust.
A moderate, even layer is usually enough.
Ways to Use This Easy Pizza Sauce
The most obvious use is homemade pizza, but this sauce can become a useful staple whenever you’re making pizza at home.
Spread it over pizza dough before adding mozzarella, vegetables, meat, or your favorite toppings.
For a fun pizza night, pair it with unusual toppings such as pickles, cheese, and herbs. You can also serve pizza alongside other hearty dishes. For example, these homemade Spanish meatballs can complement an Italian-inspired dinner spread.
Can You Make Pizza Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes. One of the advantages of this easy homemade pizza sauce is that you can prepare it before you’re ready to make your pizza.
Once mixed, transfer the sauce to a clean, covered food-safe container and refrigerate it promptly.
For food safety, the USDA recommends refrigerating leftovers at 40°F or below and using refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. You can read the complete USDA guidance for handling leftovers safely.
For best quality, keep the sauce covered and use a clean utensil whenever you portion it out.
How to Store Homemade Pizza Sauce
Store leftover sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator.
The USDA specifically notes that opened high-acid canned products, including tomato products, can generally be refrigerated for 5 to 7 days. The USDA’s guidance on storing opened canned foods also recommends transferring the food to a glass or plastic storage container for better flavor.
Because this recipe is a prepared sauce rather than simply an opened can of tomato product, using it within about 3 to 4 days is a practical approach.
Can You Freeze Homemade Pizza Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze extra sauce if you don’t plan to use it within a few days.
Divide the sauce into convenient portions and place them in freezer-safe containers. Small portions are particularly useful when you only need enough sauce for one pizza.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce safely in the refrigerator and stir it before spreading it over your pizza dough.
The texture may change slightly after freezing, but a good stir should help bring the sauce back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homemade pizza sauce need to be cooked?
No. This recipe is specifically designed as a no-cook pizza sauce. The tomato paste, tomato sauce, herbs, and seasonings are mixed together and can be used immediately.
How do I make pizza sauce from scratch taste better?
Start by tasting the sauce and adjusting the oregano and other seasonings. The recipe allows 1 to 2 tablespoons of oregano, so you can increase it according to your preferred flavor.
Can I use this sauce for different types of pizza?
Yes. This sauce works as a basic tomato base for a wide range of homemade pizzas. Add your preferred cheese and toppings after spreading the sauce over the dough.
How long does homemade pizza sauce last in the refrigerator?
For this prepared sauce, using it within approximately 3 to 4 days is a practical guideline when it has been promptly refrigerated and kept at 40°F or below. The USDA recommends using refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. See the USDA’s safe leftover storage recommendations.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Simply multiply each ingredient by two and mix everything in a larger bowl. This is useful when preparing several pizzas for a family gathering or pizza night.
Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
A quick no-cook homemade pizza sauce made with tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian herbs, garlic, onion, black pepper, and a touch of sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
6 ounces tomato paste
15 ounces tomato sauce
1–2 tablespoons dried oregano, to taste
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
1. Mix tomato paste and tomato sauce together in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. Add oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper, and sugar.
3. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
5. Spread onto your favorite pizza dough recipe.
Notes
Start with 1 tablespoon of oregano and add more to taste.
Refrigerate prepared sauce promptly in a covered container.
Use refrigerated prepared sauce within about 3 to 4 days.
The sauce can be prepared ahead for homemade pizza night.