Savory Classic Pizza Sauce
This Savory Classic Pizza Sauce is the ultimate secret to achieving a rich, bold flavor on your homemade pizzas. Handed down as a cherished wedding gift, this recipe highlights the perfect blend of fresh ingredients that transforms any pizza night into a gourmet experience. Bursting with flavors from sautéed onions and garlic, complemented by a medley of herbs and spices, this sauce is as thick as it is delicious. It's perfect for layering on your pizza dough, and it also freezes beautifully — so feel free to double or triple the batch for convenience. Once you taste this sauce, you’ll never want to use store-bought alternatives again!
4
Servings
50
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Onion, chopped
1/2 cup (chopped)
Celery, chopped
1/4 cup (chopped)
Garlic clove, minced
1 (minced)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Bay leaf
1 small (none)
Fennel seed
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing until the mixture is smooth and combined.
4
Add the parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, sugar, black pepper, bay leaf, and fennel seed. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
5
Bring the sauce to a slow simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. For a quicker option, you can also skip the simmering.
6
Remove the bay leaf and allow the sauce to cool slightly before spreading it on your prepared pizza dough.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Classic Pizza Sauce?
It is a rich, bold-flavored homemade pizza sauce featuring sautéed vegetables, herbs, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I freeze this pizza sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes beautifully, and you can easily double or triple the batch for future use.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What vegetables are used in the base of the sauce?
The sauce uses chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
What type of fats are used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Does this recipe use tomato paste or tomato sauce?
Both; it requires one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What herbs are included in the sauce?
The recipe uses dried basil, dried oregano, and one small bay leaf.
Why is fennel seed included in the recipe?
Fennel seed is included to add a classic savory depth and aroma to the sauce.
Is there cheese in the sauce itself?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Do I need to add sugar to the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Is there a quicker way to make this sauce?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can skip the simmering process entirely.
What should I do with the bay leaf?
Remove the bay leaf after the sauce has finished simmering and before spreading it on the dough.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the sauce?
There is 1.25 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried herbs, you can use fresh herbs by adjusting the quantities accordingly.
Is this pizza sauce thick or thin?
This sauce is specifically designed to be thick and rich.
What type of pan is best for cooking this sauce?
A large skillet is recommended for heating the oil, melting the butter, and simmering the ingredients.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 minced garlic clove.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Does this sauce contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The description mentions this recipe was handed down as a cherished wedding gift.
Is this sauce better than store-bought?
According to the recipe description, once you taste this sauce, you will never want to use store-bought alternatives again.
At what temperature should the vegetables be sautéed?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
Should the sauce be cooled before use?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the sauce to cool slightly before spreading it on your pizza dough.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
Can this sauce be used for other dishes?
While intended for pizza, its thick and savory profile makes it versatile for other Italian-style dishes.