Pizza night is always a crowd-pleaser, and one of the secrets to making the perfect homemade pizza lies in the sauce. This Easy Pizza Sauce recipe not only elevates your pizza game but also comes together in just a few minutes. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Say goodbye to store-bought options and hello to rich, homemade goodness!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Easy Pizza Sauce is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Here are just a few things to love about it:
– Quick and straightforward preparation.
– Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
– Customizable to suit your personal taste preferences.
– Perfect for pizza, pasta, or as a dipping sauce.
– Can be made in bulk and stored for later use.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious Easy Pizza Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- A pinch of fennel seed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Must-Have Equipment
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for simmering your sauce.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic a breeze.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
Easy Pizza Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
Making Easy Pizza Sauce is simple and fun! Follow these steps for a delicious sauce that will knock your socks off.
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about a minute, ensuring it doesn’t smoke.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Step 3: Add the Fennel Seed
Sprinkle in a pinch of fennel seed. This adds a lovely aromatic flavor to your sauce that elevates it beyond the ordinary.
Step 4: Mix in the Tomatoes
Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich base for your sauce.
Step 5: Season It Up
Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Don’t forget to sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste your sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning—add more salt, herbs, or crushed red pepper according to your taste.
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
This Easy Pizza Sauce is versatile, making it suitable for both warm and cool weather dishes. Here are some ideas:
- In warm weather, use it as a fresh topping for grilled pizzas.
- In cooler months, serve it as a comforting sauce for pasta dishes or alongside a warm breadstick.
- Mix it with sautéed vegetables for a quick and healthy side dish.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or breaded chicken tenders.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
While making Easy Pizza Sauce is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Burning the garlic: Keep an eye on it while sautéing to prevent bitterness.
- Not simmering long enough: Allowing the sauce to cook lets the flavors deepen.
- Using too much salt: Start with less and adjust to taste; you can always add more but can’t take it away.
- Skipping the fennel seed: This ingredient adds a unique flavor that makes the sauce special.
How to Store & Reheat
If you find yourself with extra Easy Pizza Sauce, don’t worry! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
To store, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it to avoid splatters.
Quick Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, roughly chop about 3-4 cups and cook them down until they break apart and release their juices. You may need to adjust the cooking time to allow for proper thickening.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! This Easy Pizza Sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge or freeze for later use.
Is this sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce or omit the red pepper altogether.
What can I use this sauce for besides pizza?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it in pasta dishes like Creamy Tomato Spinach Orzo With Chicken, as a base for casseroles, or even as a dip for appetizers like mozzarella sticks.
Once you’ve mastered this , consider trying your hand at these delicious recipes:
That’s a Wrap
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade pizza sauce simmering on the stove. This Easy Pizza Sauce recipe is a must-have for pizza lovers and home cooks alike. It’s not only easy to make but also allows for endless customization. Whether you’re whipping up a classic Margherita pizza or experimenting with toppings, this sauce is the perfect foundation.
You’re just a few ingredients away from transforming your pizza nights forever. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, have fun creating delicious memories in your kitchen!
Easy Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about a minute, ensuring it doesn’t smoke.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of fennel seed. This adds a lovely aromatic flavor to your sauce that elevates it beyond the ordinary.
- Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich base for your sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Don’t forget to sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Stir until everything is well blended.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After simmering, taste your sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasoning—add more salt, herbs, or crushed red pepper according to your taste.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- This sauce can be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper.
