January 22, 2023

Authentic Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Name: PIZZA SAUCE
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 medium onion — finely chopped; ½ teaspoon basil leaves; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper — fresh cracked; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Authentic Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

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When it comes to pizza, the sauce is the heart of the dish, elevating flavors and tying the ingredients together into a culinary masterpiece. While store-bought pizza sauces offer convenience, crafting your own from scratch elevates the experience, offering unparalleled flavors and the joy of creating something uniquely yours. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, popularity, ingredients, nutrition, serving ideas, chef tips, and food safety considerations for homemade pizza sauce. By the end, you’ll be inspired to transform your kitchen into a pizzeria with this simple yet impactful recipe.

The History of Pizza Sauce

The roots of pizza sauce trace back to Naples, Italy, where pizza emerged as a humble street food in the 18th century. Traditional Neapolitan pizza features a simple tomato-based sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. This minimalist combination celebrates the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes, which perfectly complement the smoky crust baked in wood-fired ovens. Over time, variations of pizza sauce spread globally, adapting to regional tastes and ingredients while staying true to its Italian heritage.

Why Homemade Pizza Sauce Is Popular

Homemade pizza sauce has gained immense popularity due to its customization, quality, and the hands-on connection it fosters, allowing home cooks to immerse themselves in the satisfying and creative process of crafting a key element of their meal. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

Flavor Customization: Adjust the herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a sauce that perfectly complements your favorite toppings.
Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as vine-ripened tomatoes and aromatic herbs, for a superior taste.
Health Benefits: Control the sugar, sodium, and preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to many store-bought options.
Creative Expression: Making sauce from scratch allows you to infuse your personal touch into every pizza.

Common Ingredients in Pizza Sauce

The beauty of homemade pizza sauce lies in its simplicity—a few fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, like ripe San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a rich and flavorful sauce in minutes. Here are the key ingredients and their contributions:

Tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing rich umami flavor and natural sweetness. San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for their balance of acidity and sweetness.
Onion: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: A quintessential ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Basil and Oregano: Aromatic herbs that lend a classic Italian flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.
Sugar and Salt: Balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall taste.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice to round out the flavors.

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PIZZA SAUCE

Learn how to make a delicious and versatile pizza sauce at home with this easy recipe. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time of just 10 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful sauce that enhances the taste of your homemade pizzas. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, and the sauce can be stored for up to a week.

Course Pizza Dough and Recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Servings 8

Author N. J. Sorensen, RDN

Ingredients

15 ounces tomato sauce
1 medium onion — finely chopped
½ teaspoon basil leaves
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper — fresh cracked
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
Add the tomato sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
Stir in the basil leaves, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree until smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Use the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade pizza sauce that perfectly complements your favorite pizza recipes.

Nutrition Benefits of Homemade Pizza Sauce

Homemade pizza sauce is more than just a flavorful addition to your pizza—it’s packed with nutrients:

Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its heart health benefits. Unlike many store-bought varieties, homemade sauce avoids added preservatives and excess sodium, offering a fresher, healthier option.
Garlic and Herbs: Provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Olive Oil: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Low Sodium and Sugar: By controlling these components, you create a healthier option compared to many store-bought varieties.

Serving Ideas and Versatility

Homemade pizza sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes beyond traditional pizza. Here are some creative ways to use it:

Classic Margherita: Spread the sauce on a thin crust, add fresh mozzarella and basil, and bake until bubbly.
Gourmet Veggie Pizza: Use the sauce as a base for a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Calzones and Stromboli: Incorporate the sauce as a filling or serve it on the side for dipping.
Pasta Sauce: Thin the sauce slightly with pasta water for a quick and flavorful spaghetti dish.
Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or garlic knots.

Chef Tips for the Perfect Pizza Sauce

Tomato Selection: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes or other high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Cook Low and Slow: Simmer the sauce gently to develop a deeper, more complex flavor.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Immersion Blender: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or traditional blender to puree the sauce.
Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for convenient use later.

Food Safety Considerations

When preparing homemade pizza sauce, it’s essential to follow these food safety tips:

Storage: Cool the sauce completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Clean Surfaces: Ensure all utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces are sanitized to prevent contamination.
Proper Heating: Reheat the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Labeling: Clearly label stored sauce with the preparation date to track freshness.

Conclusion

Homemade pizza sauce brings authenticity, flavor, and nutrition to your pizza creations, offering a simple yet rewarding process that allows you to craft a sauce uniquely your own. With its rich history, customizable ingredients, and health benefits, this recipe is a must-have for any home cook. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or experimenting with new dishes, this sauce is the perfect foundation for endless culinary possibilities. Embrace the art of making pizza sauce from scratch and discover the joy of crafting a masterpiece that your family and friends will savor.