This Homemade Pizza Sauce is a quick, flavorful alternative to store-bought options, made with simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes. Itโs rich, perfectly seasoned, and just what you need for a pizza night that rivals your favorite pizzeria.

Inspired by classic marinara and my go-to Easy Pasta Sauce, this recipe brings those comforting Italian flavors to a quick and versatile pizza topping. If you're a fan of bold tomato flavors with a hint of garlic and herbs, this sauce is for you.
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Why You'll Love Homemade Pizza Sauce
Easy to make: this easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is a tomato-based sauce that's easy to make and ready in just 1 hour.
Pantry-Friendly: Uses canned tomatoes and common seasonings you likely already have.
Versatile: Not just for pizzaโuse it for dipping breadsticks or as a base for calzones.
Ingredients

- Canned tomatoes: I used a quart sized jar of home canned tomatoes but you can use store-bought tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Unsalted butter: adds a creaminess and boosts flavor.
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes: these are optional but just a touch of spicy.
- Salt: start small and increase as needed
- Yellow onion
- Fresh basil: I like to simmer the fresh herbs in the pizza sauce, then remove them when done.
- Honey: adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavor of the tomatoes.
See recipe card below for full ingredient list
How To Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

Step 1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add the onion, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 3 minutes, until onions have softened.

Step 2
Add tomatoes, salt, basil, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce temperature and cook pizza sauce on low heat for 1 hour, until sauce is reduced by almost half.

Step 3
Remove from heat and allow to cool 15 minutes. Transfer pizza sauce to blender and blend on high until smooth. Store in airtight glass jar.
Equipment
- High speed blender, Immersion blender, or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Glass storage jar: be sure to use one with an airtight lid.
Storage
Storage: Let the sauce cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Substitutions
Canned Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes (peeled and pureed) if you prefer.
Dried Herbs: Swap for fresh herbsโjust triple the amount for similar flavor.
Sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for a velvety finish.
Herb-Forward: Boost the flavor with extra basil, oregano, or even rosemary.

Top Tip
If you like a chunkier sauce, skip the blender and just a potato masher (affiliate link) to break down the tomatoes.
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Serve With..
- Spread on homemade pizza dough for the ultimate pizza night.
- Use as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
- Pair with calzones, or pizza rolls.
When you make this homemade pizza sauce recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating
๐ Recipe

Homemade Pizza Sauce
Equipment
- High speed blender ย (or immersion blender, or food processor)
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Ingredients
- 28 ounces canned tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- โ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ยฝ teaspoon salt adjust according to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter (if using) until butter is melted. Add the onion, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 3 minutes, until onions have softened.
- Add tomatoes, salt, basil, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce temperature and cook pizza sauce on low heat for 1 hour, until sauce is reduced by almost half. Remove from heat and allow to cool 15 minutes.
- Transfer pizza sauce to blender and blend on high until smooth. Store in airtight glass jar.
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