10 Best Pizza Sauce Recipes Every Home Cook Needs To Try

You know that moment when you bite into really good pizza and it’s the sauce that makes you close your eyes? That’s what we’re making today.

These aren’t your basic jar sauces. We’re talking about sauces that actually taste like something, from classic Italian to creamy white pizza bases that’ll change your Friday night. Some take five minutes, others need a quick simmer, but honestly? They’re all easier than you think.

1. Classic Italian Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers slightly.

Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell it. Don’t walk away here because garlic burns fast and turns bitter. You want it fragrant, not brown.

Stir it around so every piece gets coated in that oil.

Step 2: Pour in the crushed tomatoes straight from the can.

Add your oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar all at once. The sugar is not optional, trust me on this. It cuts the acidity from the tomatoes and makes everything taste more balanced.

Give it a good stir to mix everything together. You’ll see the herbs start to bloom in the heat and the whole thing will smell amazing already.

Step 3: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium low.

Let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks to the bottom. The sauce will thicken up and the flavors will get deeper as it cooks.

If it starts to bubble too aggressively, just turn the heat down a bit. Too thick? Add a splash of water.

Step 4: Taste it and adjust the seasonings if you need to.

Sometimes I add a pinch more salt or another tiny bit of sugar depending on how acidic the tomatoes are. Every brand is different, so you’re doing great by tasting as you go.

Let it cool for a few minutes before using it on your pizza dough. This is my favorite part because the kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant.

2. No Cook Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Grab a medium bowl and dump in the tomato sauce and tomato paste.

The tomato paste thickens everything up so it’s not too runny on your pizza. Use a spoon or whisk to mix them together until completely smooth with no lumps.

This takes maybe 30 seconds of stirring. If you see any chunks of paste, just smash them against the side of the bowl.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, olive oil, and sugar to the bowl.

Stir everything together really well so the spices are evenly distributed. The raw garlic will mellow out as it bakes on the pizza, so don’t worry about it being too strong.

I make this on busy weeknights when I literally cannot stand at the stove. So easy.

Step 3: Let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes if you have the time.

This gives the dried herbs a chance to hydrate a little and the flavors start to blend together. Not required, but it does make a difference.

If you’re in a rush, just use it immediately. The oven will finish the job.

Step 4: Taste it before spreading it on your dough.

Add more salt, sugar, or garlic if you want. This sauce is super forgiving and you can adjust it however you like.

Spread it thin on your pizza crust and bake. The heat concentrates all those flavors and you’d never know this didn’t simmer for an hour.

3. Garlic Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium low heat.

Add all that minced garlic and cook it slowly for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. You want it soft and fragrant but not browned at all.

Low and slow is the move here. If it starts to brown, your heat is too high and it’ll taste bitter instead of sweet and mellow.

Step 2: Pour in the tomato sauce carefully because it might splatter a little.

Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. The garlic powder adds an extra layer of garlic flavor without making the sauce too chunky.

Mix everything together until it’s completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This gives the garlic time to infuse into the tomato sauce and the flavors really come together. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.

If you love garlic like I do, this is going to be your new go to sauce. Smells incredible.

Step 4: Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before using.

Taste it and see if it needs more salt or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Every tomato sauce brand is a little different.

Spread it on your pizza dough and get ready for some serious garlic flavor in every bite.

4. Margherita Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (28 oz) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Pour the whole tomatoes into a bowl and crush them with your hands.

This is honestly the best part. Just squeeze each tomato until it breaks apart and gets all juicy. You want some chunks but mostly a thick sauce texture.

San Marzano tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic, so they make a really bright, fresh sauce. Worth the extra couple dollars.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the garlic.

Cook it for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing but before it starts to turn golden. Quick check, does your kitchen smell like an Italian grandma is cooking? Good.

Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

The sauce will reduce slightly and get thicker. Don’t cover it because you want some of that liquid to evaporate.

Right at the end, tear up your fresh basil leaves and stir them in. They’ll wilt in the heat and release so much flavor.

Step 4: Remove from heat and taste for seasoning.

Adjust salt or add a tiny bit more sugar if your tomatoes are tart. This sauce is all about simplicity and fresh flavors.

Let it cool before spreading on your pizza. It’s perfect with fresh mozzarella and more basil on top.

5. Sweet Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the tomato sauce and tomato paste in a medium saucepan.

Stir them together over medium heat until smooth and well mixed. The tomato paste gives the sauce more body and a deeper tomato flavor.

Add the honey and brown sugar next. Yep, it seems like a lot of sweetness, but it balances out the acidity beautifully.

Step 2: Toss in the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. The smell is incredible, kind of like a barbecue sauce but lighter.

Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness if you want.

Some people like it even sweeter, so feel free to add another teaspoon of honey. I wouldn’t go too crazy though because it can get cloying.

The sauce should be thick and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water and stir.

Step 4: Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza.

This sauce is amazing on pizzas with salty toppings like ham, bacon, or pepperoni because the sweet and salty combo is unbeatable.

I make this when I want pizza to feel a little different. Kids love it too.

6. Spicy Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The heat from the oil will release all those spicy oils from the pepper flakes.

Don’t breathe in too deeply right now or you’ll cough. Learned that the hard way.

Step 2: Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar.

Stir everything together really well so the spices are evenly mixed in. The cayenne adds a deeper heat while the red pepper flakes give you those little bursts of spice.

Bring it to a simmer.

Step 3: Let the sauce cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken up nicely. Taste it carefully because it’s hot.

If it’s too spicy for you, add a bit more sugar or a splash of cream to cool it down. Too mild? Add more cayenne.

Step 4: Remove from heat and let it cool before spreading on your pizza.

This sauce is perfect if you like your pizza with some serious kick. I use it on pizzas with Italian sausage or jalapeños.

Fair warning, this one builds as you eat it. So good though.

7. Thick New York Style Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. You’ll smell it immediately and it’ll make your mouth water.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. The paste is what makes this sauce really thick and rich.

Step 2: Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Stir everything together until the tomato paste is completely incorporated and there are no lumps. The sauce will look thick and glossy.

Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low.

Step 3: Let the sauce cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so.

The sauce will reduce and get even thicker as it cooks. You want it to be almost paste like so it doesn’t make your pizza soggy.

If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you get the right consistency.

Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

This sauce should be bold and flavorful with a thick, almost spreadable texture. That’s what makes New York style pizza so good.

Let it cool before using. Spread it thin on your dough because a little goes a long way.

8. White Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The butter will foam up a little and smell incredible.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together with the butter and garlic to make a roux.

Step 2: Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly.

It’ll turn a light golden color and smell slightly nutty. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce properly.

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add it gradually, not all at once.

Step 3: Keep whisking as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer.

It’ll start to thicken after a few minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and olive oil. The cheese will melt into the sauce and make it creamy and rich.

Step 4: Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your pizza.

It’ll thicken more as it cools, which is exactly what you want. Too thick? Whisk in a splash of milk.

This sauce is perfect for white pizzas with spinach, mushrooms, or chicken. Totally different from tomato sauce but so delicious.

9. Pesto Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Step 1: Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Shake the pan frequently so they toast evenly and don’t burn. They’ll turn golden and smell nutty when they’re done.

Let them cool for a few minutes before using. This step makes such a difference in flavor.

Step 2: Add the basil, Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor.

Pulse it a few times to break everything down into smaller pieces. Scrape down the sides with a spatula so everything gets chopped evenly.

Don’t overprocess it yet because you still need to add the oil.

Step 3: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the top.

The pesto will come together and become smooth and creamy. Stop once or twice to scrape down the sides.

Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice and pulse a few more times to mix. Taste it and adjust seasonings.

Step 4: Transfer the pesto to a bowl or jar.

Use it immediately on your pizza or store it in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it bright green.

This sauce is amazing with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. So fresh and summery.

10. BBQ Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine the barbecue sauce and tomato paste in a medium bowl.

Stir them together until smooth. The tomato paste thickens the BBQ sauce so it doesn’t slide off your pizza.

Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne.

Step 2: Whisk everything together until completely combined.

The vinegar adds a nice tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and honey. The smoked paprika gives it that grilled flavor.

Taste it and see if you want more heat or sweetness. Adjust as needed.

Step 3: Let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes if you have time.

This gives the flavors a chance to blend together. The spices will hydrate and everything will taste more cohesive.

You can use it right away if you’re in a hurry though. No judgment.

Step 4: Spread the sauce on your pizza dough.

This sauce is perfect for BBQ chicken pizza with red onions and cilantro. Also amazing with pulled pork or bacon.

I use whatever BBQ sauce I have on hand, so feel free to use your favorite brand. Makes it even easier.

Final Words

There you go. Ten pizza sauces that’ll make your homemade pizza taste like it came from somewhere way fancier than your kitchen. Pick one, make it tonight, and let me know which one becomes your favorite. I’m always curious what people end up loving.