Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Simmered with Italian spices and a touch of sugar, it’s perfectly balanced and full of fresh, bold flavor.

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This post was last updated 10/2025.

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Shopping list:

• olive oil
• garlic
• canned crushed tomatoes
• onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• granulated sugar
• salt
• black pepper

Homemade Pizza Sauce is one of those simple recipes that makes a huge difference in flavor compared to store bought versions. Made with olive oil, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, it’s rich, bold, and perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while onion powder, salt, and black pepper bring out the savory depth that pairs beautifully with melty cheese and crisp crust.

This sauce comes together in less than 30 minutes and can be used for so much more than pizza. It’s great for dipping cheesy bread, spooning over pasta, or using in casseroles. The best part is that it stores well, so you can make a batch ahead and keep it in the fridge or freezer for easy, homemade pizza nights anytime. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and total control over seasoning, it’s everything you want in a go to red sauce!

We love to serve this pizza sauce as a side to some of our favorites! Check out this Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread or Buttery Garlic Bread!

Looking for some other homemade sauce recipes? Try this Homemade Tartar Sauce or Homemade Pesto!

Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe 💙

Recipe tips and substitution ideas:

• Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stove before using.

• Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth and sweetness. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano can be added at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness, while a pinch of smoked paprika brings a subtle, earthy flavor. For a richer, saltier sauce, mix in a spoonful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese just before serving.

• Swap Italian seasoning for a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if that’s what you have on hand. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch (use ½ teaspoon per clove). 

Yield 14 servings

Author Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Prep time

5 Min

Cook time

20 Min

Total time

25 Min

Pizza Sauce

This sauce is versatile enough for pizza, pasta, or dipping breadsticks and freezes beautifully for later use. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 - 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomatoes, onion powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

31

Fat

1 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

6 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

5 g

Sugar

4 g

Protein

1 g

Sodium

161 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

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You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful. I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual's dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual.

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