Best EVER Pizza Sauce

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If you’ve ever dreamt of that perfect pizza sauce that balances flavor, richness, and a touch of sweetness, then look no further! This Best EVER Pizza Sauce recipe combines fresh ingredients for an authentic flavor that elevates any homemade pizza. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this sauce will tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this hearty, savory sauce that tastes just like a pizzeria, but made with love in your own kitchen!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This pizza sauce is not just any ordinary recipe; it’s the culmination of flavors melded together to create a delicious sauce that perfectly complements your crust and toppings. The combination of sautéed vegetables enriches the tomato base, while herbs and spices add depth and complexity. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a robust sauce that serves as the foundation for your pizzas, making each slice that much more enjoyable. Trust us, once you try making your own pizza sauce, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup celery, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fennel seed

How To Make Best EVER Pizza Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start off by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Chop the yellow onion, celery, and garlic beforehand to make the cooking process smooth and efficient. Make sure you have your tomato sauce and tomato paste ready for use.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the chopped yellow onion and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables become soft and translucent. This step is crucial, as it builds a flavor base that will make your sauce irresistible.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the chopped garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter and affect the flavor of your sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Tomato Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the star players of our sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and start to bubble gently.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add the grated parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, sugar, black pepper, bay leaf, and fennel seeds into the mixture. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully in the pot.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This is the secret sauce magic time, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from heat. Discard the bay leaf and any large pieces of fennel if you prefer a smoother texture. Your Best EVER Pizza Sauce is now ready to be spread on your favorite pizza dough or used in any dish that calls for a delicious tomato-based sauce.

Expert Tips

• For a richer flavor, allow the sauce to simmer for longer than 20 minutes if time permits; even up to an hour for deep flavors.
• Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste preferences. Fresh herbs can also be used—just triple the amount!
• If you like a hint of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you season the sauce.
• Using high-quality canned tomatoes can elevate the overall taste; look for brands that offer San Marzano tomatoes for a noteworthy flavor boost.

Variations and Customizations

• Add a splash of grape juice during the simmering stage for additional depth and flavor.
• Include roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
• For a vegan option, simply omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative.
• Make it a spicy pizza sauce by incorporating jalapeños or cayenne pepper during the cooking process.

How to Store Leftovers

Once you’ve whipped up a batch of the Best EVER Pizza Sauce, you may find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays or freezer bags. Thaw and reheat as needed for your next pizza night!

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 pounds. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes! This sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!

What can I use this pizza sauce for besides pizza?

This versatile sauce can be used for pasta dishes, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or as a base for baked dishes like lasagna.

Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, by simply omitting the parmesan cheese, you can make this pizza sauce vegan-friendly while still maintaining fantastic flavor.

Conclusion

Creating your own pizza sauce at home has never been easier, and this Best EVER Pizza Sauce recipe brings all the flavor you crave right to your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can craft a sauce that’s bursting with rich, homemade flavors. Whether you’re hosting a pizza party or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this sauce is sure to impress. So roll out your dough, grab your favorite toppings, and let this pizza sauce shine as the star of your next meal. Enjoy every bite!

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