Making your own pizza sauce elevates your homemade pies from good to exceptional.
With fresh ingredients and the right blend of herbs and spices, you can create restaurant-quality sauce that will make your pizzas truly memorable.
We’ve compiled 10 outstanding pizza sauce recipes that range from classic marinara to unique variations featuring roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Each recipe brings its own character to your pizza while maintaining that perfect balance of flavors and consistency you expect from a great sauce.
Classic Marinara Pizza Sauce with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your homemade pizza game with this classic marinara sauce that bursts with fresh herb flavors.
This vibrant sauce combines the sweetness of vine-ripened tomatoes with aromatic herbs to create the perfect base for your pizza.
You’ll never go back to store-bought sauce after trying this authentic recipe.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Step 2: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Step 3: Pour in the whole tomatoes, crushing them by hand as you add them to the pan.
Step 4: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Mix in fresh herbs during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Let the sauce cool slightly before blending to your desired consistency.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, let your sauce rest for at least 30 minutes before using it on your pizza. You can also make this sauce ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Roasted Garlic and San Marzano Tomato Base
Transform your everyday pasta dishes with this rich, aromatic tomato base that combines the sweetness of roasted garlic with the premium quality of San Marzano tomatoes.
This versatile sauce serves as a perfect foundation for pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired dish you’re craving.
Ingredients:
• 2 whole heads of garlic
• 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40-45 minutes until golden and soft.
Step 2: Heat remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (5-7 minutes).
Step 3: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pot, stirring to combine with onions.
Step 4: Add San Marzano tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Add all seasonings and stir well.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Blend with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor development, let your sauce cool completely and refrigerate overnight before using. Also, when choosing San Marzano tomatoes, look for DOP certification on the can to ensure you’re getting authentic Italian-grown tomatoes.
Spicy Arrabbiata-Style Pizza Sauce
Transform your homemade pizza into a fiery Italian masterpiece with this bold and zesty Arrabbiata-style pizza sauce.
This sauce combines the perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a sauce that’s both authentic and packed with heat.
Once you try this spicy version, you might never go back to regular pizza sauce again.
Ingredients:
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 2-3 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their heat.
Step 3: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them by hand as you add them to the pan.
Step 4: Add dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add fresh basil and sugar (if using) in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Let cool slightly before using on your pizza.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, avoid over-blending the sauce – some tomato chunks add authentic character. You can make this sauce ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
Garden Fresh Heirloom Tomato Pizza Sauce
Transform your homemade pizzas with this vibrant, garden-fresh heirloom tomato sauce.
This recipe captures the pure essence of summer tomatoes, creating a sauce that’s both sweet and rich in flavor.
Unlike store-bought alternatives, your homemade sauce will bring an authentic Italian taste to your pizzas while keeping things simple and natural.
Ingredients:
• 4 large heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Step 2: Add chopped heirloom tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add fresh basil and dried oregano in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Let the sauce cool slightly, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
Step 6: Store in an airtight container or use immediately on your pizza.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, choose fully ripe heirloom tomatoes that are slightly soft to the touch. You can make this sauce in bulk during tomato season and freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
Creamy Vodka-Free Rose Pizza Sauce
Transform your homemade pizza with this rich, velvety rose sauce that delivers all the decadence of a vodka sauce without the alcohol.
This versatile sauce combines the brightness of tomatoes with the luxurious smoothness of cream, creating the perfect base for your favorite pizza toppings or pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
Step 3: Pour in the whole tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon.
Step 4: Add tomato paste, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream.
Step 6: Simmer for another 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest texture, blend your sauce with an immersion blender before adding the cream. Always warm your sauce before spreading it on pizza dough to ensure even coverage and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce
Skip the store-bought alternatives and create your own fresh, zesty pizza sauce in minutes!
This no-cook sauce brings authentic Italian flavors to your homemade pizzas without any heating required.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to avoid turning on the stove.
Ingredients:
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon honey (to balance acidity)
Step 1: Drain excess liquid from your crushed tomatoes using a fine-mesh strainer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the drained crushed tomatoes with olive oil.
Step 3: Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and both peppers to the tomato mixture.
Step 4: Stir in the honey until well combined.
Step 5: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 6: Let the sauce rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, make sure to drain the tomatoes well – excess liquid can make your pizza crust soggy. You can prepare this sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop even more deeply.
Slow-Simmered Sicilian-Style Sauce
Bring the authentic flavors of Sicily to your kitchen with this rich, slow-simmered sauce that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking.
This versatile sauce combines sweet tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and depth from caramelized vegetables, making it perfect for pasta, eggplant dishes, or as a base for other Italian favorites.
Ingredients:
• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (8-10 minutes).
Step 2: Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize slightly.
Step 4: Add whole peeled tomatoes, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Add oregano, bay leaves, and half the basil.
Step 5: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Add remaining fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor development, make this sauce a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. The longer simmering time allows the vegetables to completely melt into the sauce, creating a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
Four-Cheese White Pizza Sauce
Transform your homemade pizza into a gourmet masterpiece with this velvety four-cheese white sauce.
This luxurious blend combines Italian cheese favorites to create a smooth, flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauce.
Perfect for white pizzas or as a decadent pasta coating.
Ingredients:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cream cheese and heavy cream over medium-low heat, stirring until cream cheese melts completely.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix in ricotta cheese until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until all cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 6: Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens to desired consistency.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest texture, let your cream cheese come to room temperature before starting, and always keep the heat on medium-low to prevent the sauce from separating. You can prepare this sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just reheat gently before using.
Fire-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce
Transform your homemade pizza game with this rich, smoky pizza sauce that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
This sauce captures the essence of fire-roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a vibrant base that will elevate any pizza from good to extraordinary.
Ingredients:
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey
Step 1: Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat.
Step 2: Toss cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large bowl.
Step 3: Spread tomatoes and garlic on a baking sheet or grill pan.
Step 4: Roast for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes are charred and burst.
Step 5: Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic to a food processor.
Step 6: Add remaining olive oil, herbs, spices, and honey.
Step 7: Pulse until smooth but slightly chunky.
Step 8: Let cool to room temperature before using.
Pro Tip: For the best charred flavor, don’t move the tomatoes too much while they’re roasting – let them develop those beautiful dark spots. You can make this sauce up to 5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Herb-Infused Olive Oil Pizza Base
Create a delightful twist on traditional pizza with this Herb-Infused Olive Oil Pizza Base.
This aromatic and flavorful foundation transforms your ordinary pizza into an elevated culinary experience, featuring a perfectly crispy crust enriched with fresh herbs and quality olive oil.
Ingredients:
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ cup high-quality olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix minced garlic and herbs with olive oil in a separate bowl. Let it infuse for 10 minutes.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
Step 4: Pour the yeast mixture and herb-infused oil into the well. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 5: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 6: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 7: Punch down dough, shape into your desired pizza base, and add toppings.
Pro Tip: For the best herb flavor, make sure to finely chop your fresh herbs – this ensures even distribution throughout the dough. Always let your dough come to room temperature before shaping to prevent it from springing back while you’re trying to stretch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential ingredients needed for a classic pizza sauce recipe?
For a classic pizza sauce, you’ll need canned whole peeled tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, and salt. These core ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors.
How long should you simmer pizza sauce for the best flavor development?
Simmer your pizza sauce for 20-30 minutes to develop deep flavors and achieve the right consistency. Avoid overcooking as it can make the sauce too thick and concentrated.
Can you make pizza sauce ahead of time and how should you store it?
Store homemade pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
What’s the secret to making a smoother pizza sauce texture?
Use an immersion blender or food processor to achieve your desired consistency. Start with whole tomatoes and blend until smooth, straining out seeds if preferred.
How can you adjust the acidity in pizza sauce if it’s too tart?
Add a pinch of sugar or grated carrots to naturally balance the acidity. You can also include a small amount of baking soda to neutralize excess acid.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve explored these delicious pizza sauce recipes, you can create the perfect base for your homemade pizzas.
Remember that high-quality ingredients make a significant difference, especially when it comes to tomatoes and herbs.
Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, and always let your sauce simmer to develop deeper flavors.
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months.
With these recipes in your culinary arsenal, you’ll never need to buy pre-made pizza sauce again.
