Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
We are hosting a mini pizza bar for my teenagers friends this weekend and I am whipping up a batch of our favorite homemade pizza sauce and laying out some mini crusts, tortillas, and English muffins, and a bunch of toppings for the kids to build custom pizzas.
The easiest way to get a really nice quality pizza sauce is to make it yourself. This recipe is my favorite and only takes a few minutes to make.
Why you should make your own pizza sauce
Making your own pizza sauce can be a cost-effective and rewarding endeavor, offering both financial savings and a superior product compared to store-bought alternatives. Here’s how:
Cost Savings:
Bulk Ingredients:
When you make pizza sauce at home, you often buy ingredients in larger quantities, saving money in the long run. Purchasing bulk quantities of canned tomato paste, dried herbs, and spices can be more economical than buying smaller portions of pre-made sauce.
No Processing Costs:
Pre-made pizza sauces often come with additional costs related to processing, packaging, and marketing. By making your own sauce, you eliminate these overheads, focusing solely on the cost of raw ingredients.
Customizable Ingredients:
Homemade pizza sauce allows you to control the quality of each ingredient. You can choose organic or locally sourced tomatoes, ensuring a higher quality product without the premium price tag associated with some store-bought organic options.
Better Quality Product:
Freshness and Flavor:
Homemade pizza sauce provides an opportunity to use fresh, seasonal ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor and freshness of the sauce. Canned tomatoes and dried herbs can still offer excellent quality, but the control over freshness is in your hands.
No Preservatives or Additives:
Store-bought sauces often contain preservatives, additives, and high levels of sodium to extend shelf life. When you make your own sauce, you have the freedom to exclude these additives, resulting in a healthier and more natural product.
Tailored to Your Tastes:
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the balance of flavors in a pizza sauce. Making your own allows you to tailor the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste exactly. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and spiciness to your liking.
Experimentation and Creativity:
Homemade pizza sauce provides a canvas for culinary experimentation. You can try different varieties of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, discovering combinations that create a sauce that’s uniquely yours. This level of customization is rarely achieved with store-bought options.
Fresher Herbs and Spices:
Dried herbs and spices lose their potency over time. When you make your own sauce, you can use fresh herbs and spices, maximizing their flavor impact and contributing to a more vibrant and aromatic sauce.
What you need:
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make homemade pizza sauce
In a bowl, mix the tomato paste and water until well combined. This will create the tomato sauce base for your pizza sauce.
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the herbs become fragrant.
Pour the tomato paste and water mixture into the saucepan, stirring well to combine with the infused oil and herbs.
Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor. Adjust these seasonings based on your personal preferences.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more herbs, garlic powder, or salt to suit your taste.
Allow the pizza sauce to cool before using it on your pizza. This also gives the sauce a chance to thicken further.
If you’re not using the sauce immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for several days.
Now, you have a delicious and easy homemade pizza sauce ready to elevate your homemade pizza creations. Feel free to customize the recipe with additional ingredients like red pepper flakes, fresh garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor. Enjoy your homemade pizza!
Ways to use your homemade pizza sauce
Homemade pizza sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can be used in various culinary creations beyond just pizza. Here are some creative ways to use your homemade pizza sauce:
Traditional Pizza:
Of course, the most classic use is spreading your homemade sauce over pizza dough and adding your favorite toppings for a personalized and delicious pizza.
Calzones and Stromboli:
Use the sauce as a filling or dipping sauce for homemade calzones or stromboli. The rich flavors will complement the dough and fillings perfectly.
Pasta Sauce:
Transform your pizza sauce into a quick and tasty pasta sauce. Simmer the sauce with cooked pasta for a simple yet satisfying meal. Add grated cheese or fresh herbs for extra flair.
Meatball Subs:
Top your meatball subs with pizza sauce for a zesty kick. The bold flavors of the sauce pair well with the savory goodness of meatballs.
Vegetable Dips:
Create a flavorful dip for fresh vegetables or breadsticks by serving your pizza sauce alongside a bowl of creamy ricotta or yogurt. It’s a great appetizer for gatherings.
Eggplant Parmesan:
Use pizza sauce as a base for layering in eggplant Parmesan. The acidity of the sauce complements the richness of the melted cheese and breaded eggplant.
Grilled Cheese:
Elevate your grilled cheese sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of pizza sauce inside. It adds a tangy twist to the classic comfort food.
Bruschetta:
Mix diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bit of your pizza sauce to create a flavorful bruschetta topping. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer.
Chicken Parmesan:
Make a quick and tasty Chicken Parmesan by smothering pan-fried or baked chicken cutlets with pizza sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Sloppy Joes:
Create a zesty Sloppy Joe filling by combining browned ground meat with pizza sauce. Spoon the mixture onto buns for a flavorful twist on the classic sandwich.
Marinade for Grilled Chicken or Tofu:
Use your pizza sauce as a base for a marinade. Coat chicken or tofu with the sauce before grilling for a delicious and slightly charred flavor.
Soup Enhancer:
Add a spoonful of pizza sauce to tomato-based soups for an extra layer of flavor. It works well in minestrone, vegetable soup, or even a hearty chili.
Experiment with these ideas and let your creativity flow. Homemade pizza sauce can be a secret weapon in your kitchen, adding depth and zest to a variety of dishes.
