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Why Settle For Plain Pizza Sauce When You Can Turn up the Heat?
Why settle for plain pizza sauce when you can turn up the heat?
I’ve always believed that a good sauce makes or breaks a pizza. Dough and toppings matter, of course, but the sauce is what ties it all together. That’s why I love this spicy pizza sauce recipe, it’s bold, zesty, and packed with layers of flavor that make every slice unforgettable.
What Makes This Sauce Different From the Jarred Kind?
The answer is simple: freshness and control. When I make this sauce at home, I know exactly what’s going into it. No hidden sugars, no preservatives, just rich plum tomatoes, a handful of herbs, garlic, and a touch of chili for heat. The difference in flavor compared to store-bought is night and day. It’s brighter, fresher, and infinitely more satisfying.
How Do I Balance Spice and Flavor?
This is the question I get asked most often. The beauty of this Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe is that it’s completely customizable. I add just enough chili flakes to give the sauce a gentle kick without overwhelming the other flavors. If you prefer more heat, you can double the flakes or even toss in a diced fresh chili. And if you want it milder, just pull back a little, the flavor will still shine through.
Use This Sauce Beyond Pizza
While I originally created this as a pizza sauce, I often find myself using it in other dishes too. Toss it with pasta for a quick weeknight dinner, spoon it over grilled chicken, or use it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks. It’s one of those recipes that works harder than it looks, and once you try it, you’ll find excuses to use it everywhere.
How To Store And Reheat This Pizza Sauce
One of the things I love most about this Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe is how well it keeps. After it cools, I store it in an airtight jar in the fridge where it lasts up to five days. For longer storage, I freeze it in small portions so I can pull out just what I need for a quick pizza night. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s become too thick. That way, the flavor stays fresh, bold, and just as fiery as the day you made it.
Why Try Making It Yourself?
Because it’s fast, easy, and worth every minute. From start to finish, this sauce takes just 35 minutes, with most of that being simmer time. It’s a small investment of effort for a huge payoff in flavor. And when you take your first bite of homemade pizza topped with this sauce, you’ll taste the difference right away.
Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 Large Red onion diced
- 3 Teaspoons Minced garlic
- 1 Carrot diced
- 2 Tablespoons Dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1/4 Teaspoon Chili flakes
- 800 Grams Plum tomatoes 2 tins
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato puree
- 250 Milliliters Water
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.2 Tablespoons Olive oil, 1 Large Red onion
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Add the diced carrot and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.3 Teaspoons Minced garlic, 1 Carrot
- Sprinkle in the oregano, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir well and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.2 Tablespoons Dried oregano, 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 Teaspoon sugar, 1/2 Teaspoon Salt, 1/2 Teaspoon Ground black pepper, 1/4 Teaspoon Chili flakes
- Add the canned plum tomatoes, breaking them up gently with a spoon as you pour them into the pan. Stir in the tomato puree and water, then mix everything together.800 Grams Plum tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons Tomato puree, 250 Milliliters Water
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking—add more chili flakes for extra heat, or a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
- Your spicy pizza sauce is ready to use! Spread it over pizza dough, stir into pasta, or store it for later use.
Notes
- Texture matters: If you like a chunkier sauce, blend only half of it and stir it back into the pan.
- Make ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Boost the flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while simmering for extra depth.
- Spice it up: Prefer a fiery kick? Double the chili flakes or add a diced fresh chili.
- Use quality tomatoes: Good canned plum tomatoes make a big difference in flavor and richness.
Nutrition
Ready for Pizza Night?
This Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I think it deserves a place in yours too. It’s simple, versatile, and delivers that perfect mix of rich tomato flavor with just the right amount of heat. The best part? You can make it ahead, freeze it, and always have some ready for pizza night.
If you’re inspired to take your homemade pizza game even further, try pairing this sauce with my Perfect Pesto Pepperoni Pizza or turn up the heat with the Spicy Pepperoni Jalapeño Pizza. And don’t forget the sides, think crispy French fries, refreshing salad recipes, and even homemade garlic bread to round out the meal. For more recipes, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes cooking fun, be sure to follow me on social media, I love seeing what you create!
