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Ah, the joys of pizza night! But we’re not talking about any regular pizza night; we’re spicing it up with a homemade small batch Pizza Sauce that will make you say goodbye to store-bought versions forever. This lusciously rich, thick sauce is made with pantry staples and is ready to amp up your pizza or serve as a decadent dipping sauce in minutes!
Enjoy this versatile, small batch pizza sauce with various dishes. It’s perfect for enhancing Mini Detroit Style Pizza, topping a crisp French Bread Pizza, spreading on a Personal Pizza, or adding flavor to a Pizza Bowl. Additionally, this rich and tangy sauce serves as an excellent dip for crunchy French Bread or tender Chicken Tenders.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Flavorful: Made with pantry staples, this sauce has a depth of flavors that store-bought versions can’t match.
- Quick: Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for spontaneous pizza nights.
- Versatile: Great for pizzas but also perfect as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or vegetables.
- Small Batch: The recipe yields 1/2 cup, making it ideal for single pizzas or small gatherings.
- Doubles Well: Need more? Just double the ingredients and you’re good to go!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor and a ton of health benefits, including vitamins and minerals. It’s the least processed variety, offering a robust olive taste that elevates the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can go with a lighter olive oil instead.
- Garlic: A single clove of fresh garlic adds those delightful, aromatic bits to your sauce. If you’re short on time, swap out the fresh garlic for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. With the powder, there’s no need to simmer; just mix and you’re ready to go.
- Canned tomatoes: The go-to here is canned crushed tomatoes for a smooth and flavorful base. If you have whole, peeled canned tomatoes, a quick whirl in a blender or food processor will get you the consistency you need. If you have leftover canned tomatoes, consider using them in Spaghetti Sauce, Tomato Soup, or Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja.
- Tomato paste: This is concentrated tomato goodness in a tiny package. It adds a rich depth to your sauce. I recommend using tomato paste in a tube for extended fridge life. If you only find it in cans, freeze the excess in ice cube trays and store in a freezer-safe bag for future use. Leftover tomato paste can be used in Lasagna Soup or Chili Mac.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances out the tomato’s natural acidity, making for a well-rounded flavor.
- Seasonings: Round it off with dried basil and salt. These pantry staples bring out the Italian essence and offer the finishing touch your pizza sauce craves.
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this pizza sauce recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Recipe Variations
Love our basic small batch pizza sauce? Here are some other variations to try.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: If you’re an herb enthusiast, consider adding some freshly chopped oregano or rosemary to the mix. Just sprinkle it in while the sauce is simmering to elevate the flavor profile.
- Spicy Pizza Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, add a few dashes of red pepper flakes or a small spoonful of sriracha into the sauce. It’ll add a spicy kick that complements the tomato base wonderfully.
- Creamy Pizza Sauce: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream for a rosé-like sauce that adds a silky, luxurious texture. Great if you’re going for something a bit indulgent.
- Pizza Sauce With Mushrooms: Finely chop some baby bella or cremini mushrooms and sauté them before adding to the sauce. It’ll add an earthy note that mushroom lovers won’t be able to resist.
How To Make Pizza Sauce
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of pizza sauce. See the recipe below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: If I’m using this sauce for homemade pizza, I prepare the pizza dough while the sauce simmers.
This recipe yields about 1/2 cup of pizza sauce.
Once the sauce is finished, use it to make homemade pizza! This easy homemade pizza dough recipe is my go-to.
Expert Tips
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your homemade pizza sauce turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Personalize Your Flavor: This pizza sauce recipe is already a hit, but if you’re a fan of spicy foods, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. For an extra layer of savory richness, fold in a couple of tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before using the sauce.
- Go Chunky: If you enjoy a pizza sauce with more texture, switch out the crushed tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes. This simple swap will give your sauce a chunkier consistency.
- No-Cook Option: If you’re in a time crunch or prefer not to cook the sauce, substitute the fresh garlic with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix it with the other ingredients in a bowl, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to use!
Frequently Asked Questions
While they may seem similar, pizza sauce and pasta sauce are not interchangeable. Pizza sauce is usually made with a minimal list of ingredients and is thicker in consistency. Pasta sauce, on the other hand, often includes additional vegetables like onions and carrots, and sometimes even cheese. Plus, pasta sauce generally requires a longer cooking time.
Pizza sauce has a thicker consistency, making it a better choice for a pizza topping. While tomato sauce can be used in a pinch, it won’t offer the same texture or richness.
If your sauce seems too watery, you have a couple of options. Add a bit more tomato paste to increase the thickness or extend the simmering time for another 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce has reduced to your liking.
Absolutely, this pizza sauce recipe is vegan, as well as vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. It’s a versatile option that suits various dietary preferences.
Absolutely, it stores well in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Refrigerate leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Explore More Small Batch Sauces You’ll Love
If you’re digging this small batch pizza sauce, you might also want to try your hand at these other homemade sauces perfect for a cozy meal. Each sauce serves up something different, and they’re all scaled down to fit your needs.
- Tomato Sauce: A simple yet flavorful option, ideal for pasta or a base for more complex dishes.
- Pomodoro Sauce: Tomato-based but with the added richness of garlic, basil, and sometimes a touch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Spaghetti Sauce: A hearty tomato sauce featuring ground meat, perfect for lasagna or spaghetti.
- Vodka Sauce: A creamy tomato sauce with a touch of vodka for an extra layer of flavor and complexity.
- Alfredo Sauce; A rich, creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese; it’s a decadent choice for pasta or chicken dishes.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this small batch pizza sauce or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Small Batch Pizza Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes (4-ounces)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce is finished, use it to make homemade pizza! This easy homemade pizza dough recipe is my go-to.
Notes
- Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your homemade pizza sauce turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- Personalize Your Flavor: This pizza sauce recipe is already a hit, but if you’re a fan of spicy foods, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. For an extra layer of savory richness, fold in a couple of tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before using the sauce.
- Go Chunky: If you enjoy a sauce with more texture, switch out the crushed tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes. This simple swap will give your sauce a chunkier consistency.
- No-Cook Option: If you’re in a time crunch or prefer not to cook the sauce, substitute the fresh garlic with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix it with the other ingredients in a bowl, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to use!
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Love this sauce! So simple, so delicious.
I tried this recipe it tasted great I substituted tomato sauce instead of using the crushed tomatoes it was great.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I’m so happy you enjoyed the pizza sauce.
The pizza and sauce recipes are exactly what I was looking for!!!!! Can’t wait to try them! Love your website. Keep it up!!!!!
I am already in love with your website and I have only been cruising through the main dishes! I had to move by myself to Phoenix, AZ about 9 months ago. In the good old days I had a family of 5 to cook for so of course the pots were big and I always hoped for leftovers. Unfortunately I lost several members of my family and my kids grew up and now have families of their own. Just before Covid hit I did personal cookbooks for each of my kids their spouses and the grandkids. I collected a ton of recipes but they all usually require a lot of cooking and lots of portions. I can’t wait to try nearly everything I have seen so far here, and will most likely be hiding out here for a long time…Thanks so much, Grandma Linda
Great recipe.