From classic marinara to creamy white sauce — master the foundation of perfect pizza
This is THE sauce. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil — nothing more, nothing less. This 20-minute recipe has been perfected over generations.
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Open the can and crush San Marzano tomatoes by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor. Leave some chunks for texture.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, but don't let it brown.
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Let cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.
Pro Tip: For smoother sauce, blend before adding basil. For chunky texture, leave as is.
From tangy to sweet, spicy to creamy — find your perfect pizza sauce
The original Italian pizza sauce. Simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious.
Creamy, garlicky, and perfect for white pizza. A gourmet choice!
Sweet, smoky, and perfect for BBQ chicken pizza. Tangy perfection!
For those who like it HOT! Red pepper flakes bring the fire.
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Family favorite!
Fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil. Italian perfection!
Smooth, creamy ricotta with garlic and herbs. Perfect for white pizza.
Spicy buffalo sauce for the ultimate chicken pizza experience.
Kalamata olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. A taste of Greece!
Essential tips for perfect pizza sauce every time
Always simmer on low heat. High heat cooks off flavors and can make sauce too thick. 15-25 minutes is ideal.
Use fresh basil instead of dried. Fresh garlic over powder. Fresh ingredients make all the difference!
Look for DOP certified San Marzano tomatoes from Italy. Sweeter, less acidic, and genuinely authentic.
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of honey if your sauce tastes too acidic. Or use roasted tomatoes!
Let sauce cool for 10 minutes before spreading on dough. Hot sauce will start cooking the dough!
Use extra virgin olive oil for finishing. It adds depth and richness that regular olive oil can't match.
Find the perfect sauce for your pizza style
| Sauce Type | Prep Time | Difficulty | Best For | Tomato-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Marinara | 20 min | Easy | All pizzas | |
| White Garlic Sauce | 5 min | Easy | White pizza | |
| BBQ Sauce | 25 min | Medium | Chicken pizza | |
| Spicy Arrabbiata | 25 min | Medium | Spicy lovers | |
| Basil Pesto | 5 min | Easy | Veggie pizza | |
| Ricotta White | 5 min | Easy | Creamy pizza |
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You've got the sauce — now find the perfect toppings and order your pizza