Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe for Perfect Crispy Crust

Introducing an incredibly simple Homemade Pizza Base Sauce. Ready in 10 minutes using just 5 ingredients and one pot, this easy sauce will quickly become your go-to for pizza nights.

pizza sauce topped on a pizza base.

Recipe Difficulty – Very Easy

Table of Contents

  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients to make Pizza Base Sauce
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to make Homemade Pizza Sauce
  • Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Pizza Base Sauce Recipe

Why this recipe works

This homemade pizza sauce is quick, versatile and made from pantry staples like canned tomatoes and tomato puree. It comes together in one pot and delivers a bright tomato flavour balanced with garlic and classic Italian herbs.

It tastes fantastic on a homemade pizza crust and also works well as a simple pasta sauce. The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free and contains no refined sugar. Make a batch and freeze portions to make future pizzas effortless.

Ingredients to make Pizza Base Sauce

ingredients for homemade pizza sauce on a marble background.
  1. Tinned chopped tomatoes – the base of the sauce.
  2. Tomato puree – adds thickness and depth of flavour.
  3. Dried basil and oregano – classic herb pairings for a savoury finish.
  4. Garlic cloves – crushed for aromatic balance.
  5. Pinch of salt – to round out the flavours.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Substitutions

  • Use fresh tomatoes if preferred: chop and lightly blend before cooking to reach the desired texture.
  • Substitute dried herbs with fresh if available; use roughly three times the amount of fresh herbs.
  • If you like a sweeter sauce, add a small pinch of sugar or a grated carrot while simmering.
  • For a smoother sauce, briefly purée the tomatoes before or after cooking.

Variations

  • Spicy – add red pepper flakes, cayenne or extra black pepper.
  • Deluxe – finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, grated parmesan, or a sprinkle of chilli and fresh basil after baking.
  • Kid friendly – keep it simple and mild; blend until smooth if preferred.

How to make Homemade Pizza Sauce

how to make pizza sauce by adding the ingredients into a pot.

Step 1: Place all ingredients in a large pot and stir to combine.

pizza sauce cooked in a pot with a wooden spoon showing.

Step 2: Simmer over low–medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Hint: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the tomatoes before cooking or briefly purée the sauce after simmering.

Leftovers

Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened during storage.

Recipe FAQs

How do you batch cook Homemade Pizza Sauce?

Make multiple batches and portion into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Freeze in single-use portions so you can thaw only what you need for pizza or pasta nights.

How do you make Pizza Sauce?

Combine canned chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, dried basil and oregano, crushed garlic and a pinch of salt. Simmer until slightly thickened, then use on your pizza base.

Can you substitute fresh tomatoes for canned tomatoes?

Yes. Fresh tomatoes require more prep—chop and blend if needed. You may need to add a little water or extra puree to reach the desired consistency.

Is homemade pizza sauce healthy?

Yes. Making sauce at home lets you control ingredients and avoid added sugars or preservatives. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

cooked pizza sauce in a glass jar ready to freeze.

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Tried this Pizza Base Sauce recipe? Please leave a star rating and a comment to share how it went. Hearing feedback is one of the best parts of creating recipes!

pizza sauce topped on a pizza base
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5 from 3 votes

Pizza Base Sauce

By: James Wythe
Easy to make pizza base sauce ready in 10 minutes using 5 simple ingredients!
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 Portions

Ingredients

  • 2 canned chopped tomatoes (800g or 28oz)
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 small garlic cloves, crushed
  • pinch salt
Metric – US Customary

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large pot and stir to combine.
  • Simmer over low–medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Step-by-Step Photos: The post includes photos to guide you through the process.

Substitutions & Variations: Suggestions are listed in the article above.

To Store: Keep in the fridge up to 7 days or freeze up to 6 months. Reheat gently and add water if needed to loosen the sauce.

To Freeze: Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags for easy thawing later.

Tip 1: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave the chopped tomatoes as they are. For a smooth sauce, blend before or after cooking.

Tip 2: This sauce doubles as a simple red pasta sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 5g
|
Protein: 2g
|
Fat: 0.2g
|
Fiber: 1g
|
Sugar: 5g


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