Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste — Fresh & Flavorful

This homemade pizza sauce is quick, simple, and a family favorite. No tomato paste required.

Finding the perfect pizza sauce took me years. I grew up with a dad who made his own dough and sauce, so I admit I’m picky. After trying dozens of versions, this recipe finally gives the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory herbs. It complements any pizza and is what we use on all of ours.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Tomato puree — not the same as tomato sauce. Sauce can work but will be thinner.
• Spices — dried oregano, basil, thyme, and fennel (or fennel seeds).
• Sea salt
• Sugar — optional, helps cut tomato acidity.
• Red pepper flakes — optional for heat.
• Red wine vinegar — brightens the sauce; apple cider vinegar is an acceptable substitute.

Recipe Steps

Start by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan, then add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant (about 20 seconds).

Add the tomato puree, dried herbs, fennel, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes so it thickens and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and stir in a splash of red wine vinegar to brighten the taste.

Try this sauce with a gluten-free crust

Works well with quinoa, cauliflower, zucchini, red lentil, or coconut flour crusts.

Recipe notes

This makes a large batch and can be halved easily.

Freezing: Cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date. Store in the fridge for 5–7 days or in the freezer for 3–6 months.

Tip: freezing small portions (for example, in an ice cube tray) makes defrosting quick and convenient.