Best Pizza Sauce Recipe (And How Store-Bought Stacks Up)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Pizza sauce is simple but the difference between a great sauce and a mediocre one is significant. Here is the definitive guide to homemade pizza sauce, plus an honest comparison of the best store-bought options when you need speed.

The Best Homemade Pizza Sauce (No-Cook Method)

The best pizza sauce is not cooked. Cooking the sauce before baking makes it taste more like pasta sauce. The heat of the oven does all the work, preserving bright, fresh tomato flavor.

Ingredients (makes enough for 3-4 pizzas)

• 1 can (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Method

1. Drain about half the liquid from the can.
2. Crush tomatoes by hand into a bowl – rough and chunky, not smooth.
3. Add garlic, olive oil, salt, and oregano. Stir to combine.
4. Taste and adjust salt. The sauce should be bold.

Why San Marzano Tomatoes Matter

True DOP San Marzano tomatoes have lower acidity and thicker flesh. They make a noticeably sweeter, more complex sauce. Look for the DOP label on the can. Buy certified DOP San Marzano tomatoes on Amazon

Best Store-Bought Pizza Sauce

For best store-bought, Rao’s Pizza Sauce is the top choice – quality tomatoes, real olive oil, no added sugar. Check Rao’s Pizza Sauce on Amazon

Recommended Tools

A food mill gives excellent sauce texture. For quick crushing, a large bowl and clean hands work perfectly.

Related Reading

• Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe
• Best Homemade Margherita Pizza
• Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe

See also: Best Pizza Sauce Recipe