The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce Using Tomato Paste
A quick and flavorful homemade pizza sauce using tomato paste and simple pantry ingredients. Ready in minutes with rich, pizzeria-style taste and customizable depth.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (or part water and part bone broth)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried onion pieces
- 1 tsp homemade Italian seasoning blend recipe link in notes (highly recommended for best flavor)
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic - In a small saucepan, warm 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 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.
- Add your flavor booster (optional)- 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.
Notes
Homemade Italian Seasoning Blend
Flavor and Farmstead Boost Options
| 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 |
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