Easy Homemade Zesty Pizza Sauce Recipe

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If you’re looking for the best way to use up extra tomatoes and pantry staples, try this easy homemade zesty pizza sauce recipe. With a bold flavor and just the right amount of kick, it’s my go-to base for homemade pizzas, dipping sauce, and even veggie pizza.

Inexpensive and So Delicious

At our house, Friday nights are often pizza nights. Sometimes we go all in and make a full meal with homemade pizza dough, lots of cheese, and our favorite toppings. 

Other times, I grab a pre-made crust or leftover naan and whip up a quick pizza using this zesty homemade pizza sauce. It’s a great recipe that uses basic ingredients, and many of them are leftovers. Plus, it freezes well in a freezer bag or small 4-ounce mason jar for future meals.

How to Make This Zesty Pizza Sauce

This sauce is thick, rich, and loaded with flavor thanks to pantry staples and leftover odds and ends from other recipes. Whether you use canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or the last of your fresh tomatoes, it’s a great way to use what you already have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a large batch of zesty pizza sauce. If you’re making a double batch to freeze, just double everything.

Many of these are common pantry ingredients or can be leftover from other pizza recipes. If you really want to get your meal prep in hand, make it alongside a batch of homemade sugar-free spaghetti sauce and fill that freezer!

• 2 cups tomato puree (use crushed tomatoes, canned tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes)
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped (or sub with dried if needed)
  
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or granules
  
• 1 teaspoon onion powder or onion flakes
  
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  
• ½ teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
  
• ½ teaspoon sugar (more or less to taste)
  
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to personal preference)
  
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  

Optional additions if you like a next-level kick:

• A small squeeze of anchovy paste
  
• A sprinkle of fresh oregano or Parmesan cheese at the end
  

Directions

This is a quick stovetop sauce you can make in a single medium saucepan. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll have a zesty red sauce ready to go for your next pizza night.

Start by combining all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir well and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more those spices blend into a deeply rich sauce.

Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove from the heat. If you prefer a smoother sauce (especially for thin crusts or small pizzas), blend it with an immersion blender or food processor. I often leave mine a little chunky when I’m using it with lots of vegetable toppings or on doughy pizza bases.

Let it cool before using on large unbaked pizza dough or storing in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to freeze it in portions using a freezer bag or small glass jars for easy use with my sourdough pizza dough recipe.

Spicy Pizza Sauce FAQs

Have questions about making your own pizza sauce? You’re not alone. I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I’ve answered the most common ones here. If yours isn’t listed, leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to help.

What’s the best tomato base to use?

I use whatever I have on hand. If it’s canning season, I’ll use fresh tomato sauce made from pounds of tomatoes, including San Marzanos from the garden. Other times, I rely on canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. The important thing is to use a tomato base that simmers into a thick, rich sauce. Tomato paste adds body, so don’t skip it—it really helps make the best sauces.

Can I freeze this zesty pizza sauce?

Absolutely. I almost always make a large batch or double batch and freeze extra sauce. Let the sauce cool completely, then pour it into a labeled freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Lay it flat to freeze for easier storage. You can also use an airtight container or mason jar, just leave a little space for expansion.

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Yes. The red pepper flakes and black pepper give this sauce its zesty edge, but you can easily scale them back. Leave them out entirely if you want a basic homemade sauce that’s more mild, especially good for kids or “purple” pizzas loaded with veggie toppings like red cabbage, eggplant or beets. Add more sugar or Parmesan cheese at the end for balance if you reduce the heat.

What are some good ways to use leftover pizza sauce?

This sauce isn’t just for pizza night. Use leftover sauce as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, cheesy bread or calzones. It’s also a great choice for pasta sauce in a pinch, on potato puffs, or as a base layer for lasagna. If you make your own pizza sauce, you’ll always have options ready for quick dinners.

Make Your Own Pizza and Save

This zesty pizza sauce recipe is a favorite in our kitchen for good reason. It’s full of flavor, easy to adjust based on personal preference, and a smart way to use leftover tomato products and fresh herbs. Whether you’re making small pizzas for lunch, freezing a batch for future dinners, or trying to impress on pizza night, this easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is the best choice. Make it once and you’ll never go back to store-bought.

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