Store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, but it's often loaded with added sugar and preservatives. This homemade pizza sauce recipe skips all of that — made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and pantry staples, it comes together in minutes with no cooking skills required.

It's a flavorful, healthier alternative to jarred sauce and works just as well on homemade pizza as it does in calzones or as a dipping sauce.

Watch the full recipe video here

Why Make Pizza Sauce From Scratch

Homemade pizza sauce lets you control exactly what goes into it — no added sugar, preservatives, or excess sodium found in many store-bought versions. It's also faster than most people expect: blending the base and simmering it briefly is all it takes to get a rich, spreadable sauce with fresh tomato flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 Roma tomatoes or 12 cherry/grape tomatoes
• ½ small onion, roughly chopped
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Olive oil
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, if needed)
• ½ cup water

How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

1. Blend the base. In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped onion, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and ½ cup of water. Blend until smooth.

2. Cook the sauce. In a small pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pour in the blended mixture and stir in the dried oregano.

3. Add the tomato paste. Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the tomato paste and mix well. Season with salt to taste.

4. Balance the acidity. If the sauce tastes too acidic, stir in about ½ teaspoon of sugar.

5. Simmer and thicken. Let the sauce simmer until it reaches a spreadable consistency, then remove from the heat.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe tomatoes: Riper Roma or cherry tomatoes give the sauce a naturally sweeter flavor and reduce the need for added sugar.
• Adjust the thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker, more concentrated sauce, or add a splash more water for a looser consistency.
• Store it right: Keep leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, canned whole or crushed tomatoes work well as a substitute — just drain excess liquid before blending.

How long does homemade pizza sauce last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this pizza sauce? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it into small containers or ice cube trays for easy use later.