Classic Pizzeria-Style Pizza Sauce
A well-balanced, savory tomato sauce for home pizza nightThis simple, pizzeria-style pizza sauce is designed to deliver rich tomato flavor without excess sweetness or salt. A brief simmer and a small amount of olive oil help round out acidity and create a sauce that spreads easily, clings to dough, and bakes up cleanly in both home and high-heat ovens.
Servings 1.5 Cups
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (preferably no-salt-added)
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes, until slightly darkened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic, onion powder, salt, sugar (if using), and vinegar.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and smooth.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or a pinch of sugar, if needed.
- Cool completely before spreading on pizza dough.
Notes
The finished sauce should be thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon (nappe consistency) and smell savory rather than sharp. Allowing the sauce to cool before using helps protect dough structure and prevents excess moisture during baking.
Variations
- Family-Friendly: Increase sugar to ½ teaspoon for a slightly sweeter, classic pizzeria profile.
- Low-Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomato sauce and start with ¼ teaspoon salt, adjusting after simmering.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil after cooking for a brighter aroma.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the dried herbs.