If you’re looking for the best homemade pizza sauce using tomato paste, try this quick and flavorful recipe today and see how it can become a staple in your kitchen. Made with basic ingredients and ready in minutes, this rich, from-scratch pizza sauce delivers that classic pizzeria taste—without the cost or questionable ingredients.

Whether you’re making sourdough pizza on the farmstead or a quick weeknight supper, this pizza base sauce is bold, balanced, and incredibly easy to customize.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Sauce Recipe

Quick & easy – ready in under 10 minutes
Pantry-friendly – no fancy ingredients required
Rich, deep flavor – tastes like it simmered all day
Customizable – adjust thickness, spice, and depth
From-scratch goodness – no preservatives or additives

What You’ll Need

Equipment Needed

Small saucepan
Spoon or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight container with tight-fitting lid

Electric Whisk

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Flip Cap Mason Jar Lids

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Ingredients for this Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

1 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp red pepper chili flakes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tbsp dried onion pieces
1 tsp homemade Italian seasoning blend (highly recommended for best flavor)

Homestead Tip:
For the best flavor, let the sauce sit for a few hours (or overnight) before using—this makes a big difference.

Flavor and Farmstead Boosters

Category	Option	Amount	What It Adds
Flavor Booster	Finely grated parmesan cheese	1–2 tbsp	Rich, classic pizzeria flavor with deep umami
Flavor Booster	Worcestershire sauce	1/2 tsp	Savory depth and a slightly tangy, complex taste
Flavor Booster	Nutritional yeast	Pinch	Mild cheesy flavor (great dairy-free option)
Farmstead Boost	Homemade bone broth	Replace part of water	Adds richness, nutrients, and slow-simmered flavor
Farmstead Boost	Freeze-dried bone broth powder	1–2 tsp	Concentrated flavor boost with added nutrition

How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce

Sauté the garlic – In a small saucepan, warm 2 – 3 TBSP of the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Add liquids and base ingredients – Stir in the remaining olive oil, water (or bone broth), apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.
Mix in tomato paste – Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Add seasonings – Stir in salt, onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried onion pieces, and homemade Italian seasoning.
Next, add your flavor booster (optional)—see the table below. Choose one: parmesan, Worcestershire, or nutritional yeast.
Simmer briefly – Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor. (Optional but recommended.)
Taste & adjust – Too tangy? Add a touch more maple syrup. Too thick? Add a splash of water. Needs more punch? Add a pinch of salt or seasoning.

Tips for the Best Flavor

Let the sauce sit for a few hours (or overnight) before using—this makes a big difference.
Use a good-quality olive oil for a richer taste.
Don’t skip the maple syrup—it balances the acidity perfectly.

How to use this Sauce

Spread on homemade pizza dough or sourdough crust.
Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Add to calzones or pizza pockets.
Use as a base for pasta in a pinch.

How to Store Homemade Pizza Sauce

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I make this pizza sauce without cooking it?

Yes! This sauce can be used as a no-cook pizza sauce by simply mixing all ingredients together until smooth. However, lightly simmering it for 5–10 minutes helps deepen the flavor and mellow the garlic.

2. How do I make this pizza sauce thicker or thinner?

Too thick? Add a splash of water or bone broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Too thin? Add a little more tomato paste, 1 tablespoon at a time.

3. Can I substitute the maple syrup?

Absolutely. Maple syrup helps balance the acidity, but you can use, honey, brown sugar, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a more tangy sauce.

4. What does adding bone broth do in pizza sauce?

Using bone broth or freeze-dried bone broth powder adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor, similar to a long-simmered sauce. It also boosts the nutritional value, making this a great farmstead upgrade.

5. Which optional flavor booster is best?

It depends on your preference:

Parmesan cheese → Rich, classic pizzeria flavor
Worcestershire sauce → Deep, savory umami
Nutritional yeast → Mild, cheesy flavor (great dairy-free option)

All three add that “something special” that makes the sauce taste more complex and homemade.

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Other Easy Homemade Pantry Swap Recipes

Special Tools (affiliate links): Electric Whisk | Flip Cap Mason Jar Lids |

This homemade pizza sauce proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s quick enough for busy days but rich enough to feel like something special—exactly the kind of recipe every homestead kitchen needs.

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars!

Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)