If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a delicious pizza at home without spending time simmering sauce on the stove, you’re in for a treat. This Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe is an absolute favorite of mine for its simplicity and vibrant flavor. Combining pantry staples like tomato sauce and paste with fragrant herbs and spices, it delivers everything you crave in a pizza sauce without any heat required. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever pizza night calls for speed and convenience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward that perfect sauce. Each component adds its own magic, from the robust tomato base to the herbal aroma and gentle sweetness that balance everything beautifully.
- 15-oz can of tomato sauce: The heart of the sauce providing rich and smooth tomato flavor.
- 6-oz can of tomato paste: Adds thickness and depth to your sauce without cooking.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herb punch essential for pizza.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil: Brings a sweet and slightly peppery lift to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, slightly smoky undertone that livens up the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and brightens the tomato taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (jarred is fine): Fresh garlicky zing that wakes up the entire sauce.
How to Make Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients Thoroughly
Start by pouring your tomato sauce and tomato paste into a medium-sized bowl, then sprinkle in all your dried herbs and spices. Add the minced garlic last to infuse a lovely aromatic quality. Mix everything together vigorously with a spoon until the ingredients meld into a vibrant, thick sauce. If the consistency looks a bit too thick for your liking, just add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your preferred texture.
Step 2: Spread It on Your Pizza Dough
Once your sauce is perfectly blended, use a ladle or large spoon to generously spread it over your rolled-out pizza dough. This sauce covers around 3 to 5 small 12-inch pizzas, or roughly 2 and 2/3 cups, so really tailor the amount to how saucy you love your pies.
Step 3: Get Ready to Bake and Enjoy
With the sauce beautifully slathered on, top your pizza with fresh cheese, veggies, or your favorite meats, then pop it into a hot oven. Because the sauce is already full-flavored and perfectly balanced, it complements any toppings effortlessly, giving you delicious results every time.
How to Serve Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese are fantastic garnishes that elevate this no-cook sauce when your pizza emerges from the oven. You can also add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to counterbalance the sweet, herb-infused richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic breadsticks for a classic combo that feels restaurant-worthy but totally homey. The brightness of the salad and the comforting crunch of the breadsticks both work beautifully alongside the easily prepared sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
This sauce isn’t just for pizza — try dolloping it onto toasted baguette slices for a quick bruschetta, or swirl it into cooked pasta as an impromptu marinara. Its fresh, no-cook nature means it also shines as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or garlic knots.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Its flavors meld beautifully over time, so it can taste even better the next day, making it a handy base for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze this sauce in small containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it, then give it a quick stir before spreading on your dough.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook sauce, reheating isn’t necessary except when using it beyond pizza. For pasta or dipping purposes, warm it gently in a saucepan on low heat, stirring frequently so it doesn’t scorch, or microwave it briefly until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce and paste?
While fresh tomatoes are wonderful in many dishes, this recipe relies on the concentrated flavor and texture of canned tomato sauce and paste to keep it quick and consistent. You could blend fresh tomatoes, but expect to adjust consistency and seasoning.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This sauce is naturally vegan and gluten-free since it uses only tomato products and spices. Just be sure your garlic and herbs don’t have any added non-vegan ingredients.
How long does the sauce keep its fresh flavor without cooking?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the sauce stays fresh and flavorful for about 5 to 7 days. Always check for any off smells before use, as fresh garlic can sometimes dull in flavor over time.
Can I adjust the herbs to suit my taste?
Definitely! This recipe is a great base, so feel free to add more oregano for earthiness, extra basil for sweetness, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Will this sauce work on thicker crust or deep dish pizzas?
Yes, but you might want to add a bit more sauce per pizza since thicker crusts can soak up more moisture. Just keep the texture balanced by adding a splash of water if it gets too thick while spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe has truly transformed my pizza-making routine by saving time without skimping on flavor. It’s approachable, customizable, and bursting with fresh, aromatic goodness. I highly encourage you to try making this sauce for your next pizza night — I promise it’ll add a delightful punch to every slice and might just become your go-to sauce all year round!
Print
Easy No-Cook Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3.3 servings (approximately 2 2/3 cups of sauce)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy No Cook Pizza Sauce offers a quick and flavorful base for your homemade pizzas. Made from simple pantry staples, it combines tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a blend of herbs and spices to create a rich, savory sauce without any cooking required. Perfect for those seeking convenience without compromising on taste, this sauce is ideal for spreading directly onto pizza dough before baking.
Ingredients
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
- 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
- 1 6-oz can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (jarred)
- Water, as needed (about 1 tablespoon per use)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, onion powder, sugar, and minced garlic until thoroughly mixed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, gradually add water one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Apply to Pizza Dough: Use a ladle or spoon to spread the sauce evenly over your prepared pizza dough. This recipe yields about 2 and 2/3 cups, enough to cover 3 to 5 small 12-inch pizzas, depending on how much sauce you prefer on each.
Notes
- This sauce requires no cooking, making it quick and convenient for last-minute pizza preparations.
- The recipe yields approximately 2 2/3 cups of sauce, sufficient for 3 to 5 small pizzas depending on your sauce preference.
- Adjust the amount of water to control the thickness of your sauce.
- For a fresher garlic taste, you can substitute minced fresh garlic but adjust quantities as fresh garlic is stronger.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
