Recipes › Bread & Pizza › Easy Pizza Sauce I Recipe

Easy Pizza Sauce I Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This Easy Pizza Sauce I Recipe is a straightforward Italian tomato sauce that forms the flavorful foundation of authentic pizza. Made with just a handful of quality ingredients and finished in under 30 minutes, this sauce delivers the bright, balanced taste that defines traditional Italian pizza-making.

Ingredients

• 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt
• 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) sugar
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.

2. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

3. Pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the saucepan, stirring to combine with the garlic and oil.

4. Add the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar to the sauce, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a slow, steady simmer.

6. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar for balance.

8. Stir in the fresh basil if using, then remove from heat and let cool slightly before using on pizza dough.

Substitutions

• Replace fresh garlic with 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable
• Substitute dried oregano with 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh oregano, added in the last 2 minutes of cooking
• Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes instead of standard crushed tomatoes for a sweeter, more authentic flavor
• Replace sugar with 5 ml (1 teaspoon) finely grated carrot to add natural sweetness and depth

Tips

• Do not let the garlic brown; it will become bitter and ruin the sauce flavor. Keep the heat moderate and stir immediately after adding garlic
• Avoid overcooking the sauce; 15-18 minutes of simmering is optimal. Longer cooking can concentrate the acidity and lose freshness
• For extra depth, add a small pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmer if you prefer a slightly spicy pizza
• This sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it ideal for meal prep

In Italy, pizza sauce is deliberately simple and restrained, allowing the quality of the tomatoes and olive oil to shine. Regional variations exist, but the classic Neapolitan approach emphasizes minimal ingredients and proper technique over complex layering of flavors.

You might also like

Eggplant Pizzas Recipe

55 min · Bread & Pizza

Flash Pizza Recipe

27 min · Bread & Pizza

Focaccia Bread Recipe

145 min · Bread & Pizza

Focaccia Croutons Recipe

65 min · Bread & Pizza