Delicious Homemade Tomato Pizza Sauce Recipe to Elevate Your Pizzas

When it comes to making the perfect pizza, the sauce is just as important as the crust and toppings. A great pizza sauce can take your homemade pizza from ordinary to extraordinary. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Watts Basic Tomato Pizza Sauce. This sauce is not only simple to make but packed with flavor, making it the perfect base for your favorite pizza creations.

A rich and flavorful tomato sauce simmering in a skillet.

Why Make Your Own Pizza Sauce?

Creating your own pizza sauce allows you to control the quality and flavor of the ingredients. Store-bought sauces often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, while homemade sauce is fresh and can be personalized to suit your taste. Plus, making your own sauce is incredibly satisfying.

For example, a study conducted by the USDA found that homemade meals can be 30-50% healthier than their packaged counterparts. This recipe ensures you enjoy a delicious and nutritious sauce that's easy to prepare and brimming with flavor.

Fresh basil leaves ready to be chopped for pizza sauce.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make Watts Basic Tomato Pizza Sauce, gather the following ingredients:

• 16 oz can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon Watts Sauce

• 1 small can tomato paste

• 1/4 tablespoon dry basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped

• 1 large clove garlic, minced

• 1/8 tablespoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  
  

These ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted based on your preferences. For instance, if you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove for more flavor!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic will spoil your sauce's taste.

Step 2: Combine the Tomatoes and Sauce

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Watts Sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil to allow all ingredients to blend beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Herbs and Seasonings

Once boiling, mix in the remaining ingredients: dry basil (or fresh if you have it), oregano, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Ensure everything is well combined for an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens, which should take about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen, resulting in a rich, robust sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Your Pizza

While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can make your pizza dough from scratch or use a store-bought crust for convenience.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza

Spread your delicious tomato sauce evenly over your pizza crust. Now comes the fun part—add your favorite toppings! Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, colorful veggies, or gourmet cheeses, the choice is all yours.

Step 7: Bake Your Pizza

Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the toppings are cooked through, usually around 25-30 minutes.

A freshly baked pizza topped with colorful vegetables and melted cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Sauce

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Fresh basil and oregano can elevate your sauce significantly.

• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings. If you enjoy some heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes. For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar slightly.

  
  

• Storage: If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for later use.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Making your own Watts Basic Tomato Pizza Sauce is rewarding and enhances your pizza-making experience. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a sauce that's bursting with flavor and perfect for any pizza night.

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the thrill of making delicious homemade pizza from scratch. Your taste buds will be grateful!

Now that you have this recipe at your fingertips, it's time to get creative with toppings and savor a delightful home-cooked meal. Happy cooking!