Pizza Sauce
This pizza sauce bursts with fresh flavors, thanks to the vibrant tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs. Perfect for pizza lovers, it elevates any homemade pizza with its rich taste and authenticity. Enjoy it as a base for your favorite toppings or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in olive oil until transparent.
- Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Simmer at a very low heat, uncovered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes, or add a splash of red wine during simmering. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes. Adjust the herbs to your liking; feel free to include fresh basil or Italian seasoning for added depth. This sauce can also be used as a base for Homemade Pizza Dough.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza sauce pairs beautifully with freshly made pizza topped with your favorite ingredients. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a base for Italian recipes like pasta dishes. Try it alongside Italian Potato Salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pizza sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portions using freezer bags or containers. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Sauce contains roughly 1275 calories, with 24g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1215mg per serving (53% 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 dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Typically, use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Add them at the same time as the other ingredients to allow their flavors to meld.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your pizza sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also sauté a chopped jalapeño with the onion and garlic for a fresh spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pizza sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two. You can also freeze it for up to three months, making it a convenient option for quick weeknight pizzas.
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).