Basic Pizza Sauce
A rich, flavorful pizza sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and onion, perfect for adding authentic taste to homemade pizzas and suitable for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.
- Saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes with juice to the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in salt and ground black pepper.
- Use immediately or cool and refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of dried oregano while the sauce cooks. If you don't have Italian style plum tomatoes, crushed tomatoes can be a suitable substitute. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the sauce. This Basic Pizza Sauce can serve as a base for various Italian recipes, so feel free to experiment with additional spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Basic Pizza Sauce is perfect for topping your favorite homemade pizzas, especially when paired with a crispy crust. It also works well as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a base for a flavorful pasta dish. You can enhance your meal by serving it alongside Italian Seasoned Potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Pizza Sauce contains roughly 895 calories, with 23g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1303mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes to make this sauce. You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, chop them, and then cook down until they reach a thick sauce consistency. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to thicken.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your Basic Pizza Sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired spice level. This can really elevate the flavor, especially if you enjoy spicy dishes.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. This way, you’ll always have delicious pizza sauce on hand when cravings strike.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).