Signature Italian Pizza Sauce
Elevate your homemade pizza experience with this delicious and authentic Italian-inspired pizza sauce. This recipe captures the classic flavors of a pizzeria, combining rich tomato puree with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices. Quick and easy to prepare, this sauce can be used not only for pizza but also as a delightful dipping sauce for breadsticks, calzones, and more. Perfect for sharing, your family and friends will love the fresh taste that complements any of your pizza creations.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato Puree
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
Water
1/4 cup (measured)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (extra virgin recommended)
Lemon Juice
1/4 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (kosher or sea)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Basil
1/8 teaspoon (dried)
Thyme
1/8 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon (granulated)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients: tomato puree, water, sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder.
2
Set the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are combined evenly.
3
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to help develop the flavors.
5
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your favorite pizza or as a dip.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Signature Italian Pizza Sauce?
It is an authentic Italian-inspired sauce that captures classic pizzeria flavors using a blend of tomato puree, herbs, and spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The sauce is made from tomato puree, water, sugar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, it needs to simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
Can this sauce be used for things other than pizza?
Yes, it works perfectly as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, calzones, and other snacks.
What type of tomato base should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 3/4 ounces of canned tomato puree.
Why is sugar added to the pizza sauce?
A small amount of granulated sugar is used to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried herbs?
The recipe specifically uses dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Combine all the ingredients—tomato puree, water, sugar, oil, juice, and spices—in a small saucepan.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow it to thicken and develop flavors.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of either kosher or sea salt.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, this is a classic savory herb sauce. It contains garlic powder but no chili or pepper flakes.
How much garlic powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
After the initial boil, you should reduce the heat to low for the 15-20 minute simmering period.
Can I use this sauce for calzones?
Yes, its thick consistency and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for filling or dipping calzones.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe suitable for home cooks of all levels.
How much water is added to the puree?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of measured water.
Should the sauce be cooled before use?
Yes, you should let the sauce cool slightly after removing it from the heat before applying it to pizza dough.
What herb provides the strongest 'pizzeria' aroma?
Oregano is the primary herb used (1/4 teaspoon), which is a signature scent of traditional pizzeria sauces.
Can I double this recipe?
While the recipe lists 1 serving, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch for multiple pizzas.
Is this sauce vegan?
Based on the ingredients listed (tomato, sugar, oil, herbs), this recipe is vegan-friendly.
Is the garlic in this recipe fresh?
No, the recipe uses granulated garlic powder for even distribution and a smooth texture.
What is the purpose of the olive oil?
Olive oil adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the tomato base.
How often should I stir the sauce while it simmers?
You should stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Does this sauce contain onions?
No, this specific recipe does not include onions or onion powder.
Can I use this as a pasta sauce?
While designed for pizza, its rich tomato and herb profile would also work well with various pasta dishes.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is listed as 1 serving, which typically covers one large pizza or serves as a batch of dipping sauce.
Is the basil used fresh or dried?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of dried basil.
What makes this sauce 'Signature'?
Its unique and harmonious blend of three different dried herbs combined with lemon juice and garlic creates a distinctive professional taste.