Homemade Pizza Sauce
Homemade pizza sauce is so easy and tastes so much better than store bought. This recipe has a secret healthy ingredient that’s totally optional.
On Friday I asked E what she wanted for dinner. Why I’m asking a two-year-old what she wants for dinner is beyond me. Ben had a late night at work, so I guess I didn’t really care. Well, sweet little E said “pizza!”
Shocking request.
I opened the pantry only to discover that we had no pizza sauce. Well, helllllo–I can make my own, right? It’s really not difficult at all.
This pizza sauce is easy and turns out perfect every time. I’ve tweaked and tasted it until it’s just right. I don’t know why I don’t always make my own pizza sauce.
I add a completely weird secret ingredient. Chia seeds. Yes, you probably think I have fallen off of my rocker. No, you do not have to put them in if you don’t want to. They are not integral to the success of this recipe, but I like to throw in a little extra nutrition. Why not?
This sauce is beyond easy. I bet you have everything you need to make homemade pizza sauce in your pantry right now: onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, dried basil, olive oil, and seasonings. Throw all the ingredients in a blender, pour the sauce in a pan, and simmer for 30 minutes .
And don’t wear white while you’re stirring. And definitely don’t cook in your birthday suit.
Ouch. (Not that I would do that or anything.)
This recipe makes about enough sauce for two pizzas, depending on the size of the pizzas and how much sauce you like. You can easily freeze half of it for use at another time. Enjoy!
Have extra pizza sauce?
This homemade pizza sauce can be used in so many ways besides pizza. Here’s a few ideas for you:
- Pizza sliders (baked in the oven)
- Pizza pasta (one pan, 6 ingredients)
- Pizza baked chicken
- Pepperoni pizza quinoa stuffed peppers
- Pizza stuffed spaghetti squash
- Pizza turkey burgers
- Pepperoni pizza tortilla pinwheels (use homemade pizza sauce to dip them in)
Homemade Pizza Sauce
This homemade pizza sauce is so easy to prepare and way better than store-bought. Secret ingredient to boost nutritional content is totally optional.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into large chunks
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 28 ounce can of tomatoes (diced or whole)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in blender until combined and no large chunks remain.
- Pour into a large heavy saucepan or a deep skillet and simmer partially covered over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally or until reduced and thickened. If desired, in the last five minutes, add chia seeds for some great added nutrition.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1/4 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 56Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
Husband’s take: He dubbed this my best pizza ever. Not even kidding you! Cooking from scratch pays off. E devoured it too, but that is no surprise.
Changes I would make: None!
Difficulty: Easy!
34 Comments on “Homemade Pizza Sauce”
pizza sauce with extra nutrition – yes please!
I love making sauce from scratch. It’s just so much more satisfying that way.
Totally going to try this! Buying the good organic stuff isnt cheap… and this sounds so good! :)
Thanks Amanda! Hope you like it!
I have been looking for a great homemade pizza sauce recipe for a long time now. I think I just found it. Yum!
I hope you like it!
Love that you added chia seeds! If I asked my kids what they wanted for dinner pizza would probably be their answer too.
Love your new head shot, Jamie!
Such a smart idea to throw in chia seeds!
Thanks Sylvie!
The sauce really makes a big difference so having a quick recipe like this would be great for pizza night!
Great to have it stored in the freezer too, then it is even quicker! :)
Looks easy and delicious–Love the chias!
Thanks Bree!
Chia seeds! Brilliant. I love this!!
Thanks Cassie!
I love a chunky pizza sauce and yours looks perfect, Rachel! Chia seeds is an awesome addition, too.
Thanks Georgia. PS: I still haven’t mailed your book, SO sorry! Getting to the post office w/ two kiddos has proved difficult. Will do asap!
Chia seeds? What a great idea! I am sure you can’t even taste them, but knowing pizza is a little better for you is always good!
Definitely! I’m always trying to think of ways to sneak extra nutrition in. :)
I know, we should all be making our own sauce. Wayyy better taste and if you can throw in some seeds go for it! Ouchy with the birthday suit though :)
Haha! Yes! I’m trying to make more things from scratch.
I am going to repeat what everyone has already said because it is true, you’re a genius with the chia seeds! Great idea.
Hehe–thanks Nik!
I’m totally trying this!! Chia seeds? Brilliant.
Thanks Lauren!
I really need to jump on this chia seed bandwagon!!
Yes! :)
This sounds like a great recipe for pizza sauce and why not add the chia seeds for extra nutrition. I think it’s a great idea. I always asked my kids what they wanted for dinner. I think it makes them feel special and let’s face it – they are!
Agree! I usually give her a couple of choices for lunch, but as a food blogger I typically have a plan for dinner. ;)
I’ve never tried chia seeds, but I’m seeing them more and more in recipes lately. I need to get with it!
Definitely! They are so unique.
I’d never have thought to throw some chia seeds in there too! Did you (or E!) notice them at all?
Tiny bit of crunch if you ate the sauce off a spoon, but undetectable on the pizza. E loved it!