Homemade Pizza Sauce
Rich homemade pizza sauce with tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, perfect for a flavorful base that complements any pizza topping or casual meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the remaining ingredients: tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, and salt.
- Slow cook the mixture for approximately 1 hour to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, canned whole tomatoes can be used instead. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried, using 3 times the amount. This sauce can be customized with additional spices like thyme or parsley for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade pizza sauce is perfect for spreading on pizza dough, but it also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or a topping for Italian-Style Zucchini-Pasta. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, to bring back its flavors without burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Pizza Sauce contains roughly 426 calories, with 22g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (166% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 for this sauce. Just make sure to blanch and peel them first for a smoother texture. About 4 cups of fresh tomatoes will yield a similar result as canned tomatoes.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired spice level. This will enhance the sauce's flavor without overwhelming it.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld even more, resulting in a tastier sauce when you’re ready to use it.
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).