Easy Homemade Red Pizza Sauce Recipe

Last Week, my kids begged for pizza night, but I had leftover tomato paste and sauce sitting in my pantry. Instead of ordering delivery, I whipped up my favorite red pizza sauce recipe in just five minutes.

The moment I spread this rich, perfectly seasoned sauce on warm pizza dough, I remembered why homemade always beats store-bought.

You’ll love how this simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into something absolutely magical.

Why I Always Keep a Jar of This Red Pizza Sauce in My Fridge

I’ve been making this red pizza sauce for years, and it never fails to impress. You’ll love how it comes together in just minutes with pantry staples you probably already have.

My family requests this sauce specifically because it’s bold, flavorful, and has the perfect consistency – not too thin, not too thick.

You can taste every single herb and spice working together in perfect harmony.

When I’m planning our weekly pizza night, I always make sure to have some crowd-pleasing sides ready.

My easy homemade baked BBQ chicken tenders are perfect for the kids who want something familiar alongside their pizza experiments.

And if you’re hosting a larger gathering, I highly recommend whipping up my easy homemade mashed potatoes recipe, they make an unexpectedly delicious side that guests always rave about.

Ingredients You Need for Red Pizza Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible red pizza sauce:

• 6 ounces tomato paste (I prefer the kind that comes in a tube for easy storage)
• 15 ounces tomato sauce (any good-quality brand works perfectly)
• 1-2 tablespoons dried oregano (start with less if you prefer milder flavors)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (the secret to that authentic taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds wonderful depth)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (complements the garlic beautifully)
• ½ tablespoon garlic salt (or substitute with extra garlic powder and sea salt)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (freshly ground makes all the difference)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (trust me on this – it balances the acidity perfectly)

Pro tip: If you don’t have garlic salt, simply use an extra ¼ teaspoon garlic powder plus ½ teaspoon regular salt.

The sugar can be swapped for honey if you prefer, but don’t skip the sweetener entirely – it makes the tomatoes sing!

How to Make Red Pizza Sauce

Making this red pizza sauce is wonderfully straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it memorized after making it once or twice.

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste and tomato sauce. I like to use a whisk here because it helps break up any lumps and creates that smooth, even base you want for perfect pizza sauce.

Step 2: Add all your seasonings – oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. You’ll notice how the color deepens and becomes more vibrant.

Step 3: Taste and adjust! This is my favorite part because you can customize it to your family’s preferences. Want more herb flavor? Add extra oregano. Love garlic? Bump up that garlic powder. The beauty of homemade red pizza sauce is that you’re in complete control.

Step 4: Let the sauce rest for a few minutes if you have time. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating an even more delicious final product.

How I Make This Red Pizza Sauce Shine

After years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. First, I always use a red spatula when mixing – it prevents staining my favorite white utensils!

Second, don’t skip the tomato paste; it’s what gives your red pizza sauce that perfect thickness that won’t make your crust soggy.

Finally, I taste the sauce before using it every single time because tomato acidity can vary by brand, and sometimes you need just a pinch more sugar to balance everything out.

How long does This red pizza sauce last?

Your red pizza sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container. I often make a double batch and freeze half in small portions for quick weeknight pizzas.

Frozen sauce keeps beautifully for up to three months.

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Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! When using fresh herbs in your red pizza sauce, you’ll want to triple the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.

Fresh basil and oregano work wonderfully, though I still prefer dried Italian seasoning for its complex flavor blend.

Do I need to cook this pizza sauce?

Nope! This is a no-cook red pizza sauce that’s designed to be used directly on your pizza dough.

The sauce will cook perfectly as your pizza bakes, developing even deeper flavors in the oven.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your red pizza sauce feels too thick, add tomato sauce one tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

If it’s too thin, a small amount of additional tomato paste will thicken it right up.

I’d love for you to save this red pizza sauce recipe for your next pizza night! You can find this recipe and many more family favorites on my Pinterest.

I’m always sharing new comfort food recipes that make weeknight dinners easier and more delicious.

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How I Love to Serve My Red Pizza Sauce

Pizza night happens every Friday in our house, and this red pizza sauce is always the star of the show.

I love spreading it generously on homemade pizza dough, then watching my family create their own masterpieces with their favorite toppings.

During summer, we’ll make grilled pizzas on the deck, and in winter, there’s nothing cozier than the smell of pizza baking in the oven while snow falls outside.

This sauce also makes an excellent base for calzones and pizza rolls when we’re feeling creative.