Name: Best Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe: Easy, Rich & Irresistibly Flavorful Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes – use canned for the best texture; 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (kosher salt works well too); 1/5 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, torn by hand; 2 teaspoons Roasted Red Chili Flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (optional; fresh herbs may be used); 1 teaspoon Sugar (skip if tomatoes are sweet)

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Introduction

This homemade pizza sauce is easy to make, rich in flavor, and irresistibly delicious. Using simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of chili flakes, it creates the perfect base for your favorite pizza at home.

A close-up view of a thick, rich tomato sauce in a white pot with a red outside. The sauce is bright red with visible chunks of tomatoes and small green herb pieces mixed in. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the sauce, showing its dense, slightly chunky texture. One green basil leaf floats on top near the center, adding a touch of color contrast. The pot rests on a blue and white cloth, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
1 teaspoon Sea Salt (kosher salt works well too)
1/5 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn by hand)
2 teaspoons Roasted Red Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary (optional)
1 teaspoon Sugar (optional, skip if tomatoes are sweet)

Instructions

Step 1: Open the cans of whole peeled tomatoes and crush them gently by hand or with a masher, keeping small chunks for a rustic texture.
Step 2: Stir in the olive oil, dried rosemary (if using), and roasted red chili flakes into the crushed tomatoes.
Step 3: Place the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Tear the fresh basil leaves by hand to release their aroma and stir them into the sauce.
Step 5: Add sea salt, sugar (if using), and adjust chili flakes to your preference. Remove the lid and continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed before removing from heat.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before cooking or after simmering.
Use fresh rosemary instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Adjust the chili flakes according to your spice preference for a mild or spicy kick.
Skip sugar if your canned tomatoes are naturally sweet to keep it healthier.

Storage

Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before using.

How to Serve

A thick, rich red tomato sauce fills a round white pot with a dark rim, showing textured chopped tomatoes and small green herb pieces throughout. A wooden spoon scoops a chunky portion of the sauce near the center, with sauce lightly splattered on the inner pot walls. A large green basil leaf sits on top of the sauce, adding contrast. The pot rests on a soft blue and white cloth over a white marbled surface, with soft focus light cream fabric in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used, but canned whole peeled tomatoes provide the best texture and consistent flavor for this sauce.

How spicy is this sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate spiciness depending on the amount of roasted red chili flakes you add. You can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.