Pizza lovers across the world know that the sauce is what makes or breaks the pie. The perfect pizza sauce should be flavorful, aromatic, and easy to make. There are several easy pizza sauce recipes out there that can make your pizza taste like it was made by an Italian chef.
Why Make Your Own Pizza Sauce?
One of the biggest reasons why many people prefer making their own pizza sauce is because store-bought sauces can be loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and other ingredients that don't belong there. Not only that, making your own pizza sauce allows you to customize the flavors to fit your taste buds.
Tomato-Based Pizza Sauce
The most common pizza sauce recipe is tomato-based, and it's also one of the easiest. It requires only a few ingredients and can be done in a matter of minutes. You'll need canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Crush the tomatoes with a fork or a blender, and cook them in olive oil with minced garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a smoother sauce, you can blend it until the desired consistency is reached.
Pesto Pizza Sauce
Pesto sauce is another popular alternative to tomato-based pizza sauce. It's made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. To make it, blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Spread it on the pizza dough before adding your toppings.
Barbecue Pizza Sauce
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try barbecue pizza sauce. This sauce is made with ketchup or tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
White Pizza Sauce
White pizza sauce is made with ricotta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Spread the sauce on the pizza dough, and add your favorite toppings.
Buffalo Pizza Sauce
Buffalo pizza sauce is perfect for those who love spicy food. To make it, you'll need hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Melt the butter in a saucepan, and then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it's well combined. Spread it on your pizza dough, and add your toppings.
Conclusion
Making your own pizza sauce is easy, and it allows you to experiment with different flavors. Whether you prefer tomato-based sauce, pesto, barbecue, white, or buffalo sauce, there's a recipe out there for you. With a little bit of creativity and the right ingredients, you can make a delicious pizza sauce that will make your homemade pizza taste like it came from your favorite pizzeria.
Tips for Making Easy Pizza Sauce Recipes
If you're a fan of pizza, then you know that the sauce is one of the most important ingredients. Without good sauce, a pizza can be dry and flavorless. Luckily, making a delicious pizza sauce is easier than you might think. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making another easy pizza sauce recipe.
Use High-Quality Tomatoes
The quality of your sauce will depend largely on the quality of your ingredients. For the best sauce, start with high-quality tomatoes. Look for canned tomatoes that are labeled as "San Marzano" or "plum-style" tomatoes. These varieties are known for their sweet, rich flavor and low acidity. They're perfect for making pizza sauce because they'll give your sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
Sauté Your Aromatics
To give your pizza sauce a depth of flavor, you'll want to sauté some aromatics before adding your tomatoes. Aromatics are herbs or vegetables that are used to add fragrance and flavor to a dish. Common aromatics used in pizza sauce include garlic, onions, and basil. To sauté, heat some oil in a pan and add your aromatics. Cook until they become fragrant and slightly browned.
Add Flavorful Herbs and Spices
In addition to aromatics, you can also add flavorful herbs and spices to your pizza sauce. Common options include oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Be careful not to go overboard with your seasonings, though. You want your sauce to enhance the flavors of your pizza toppings, not overpower them.
Simmer for a Luscious Texture
Once you've combined your ingredients, you'll want to let your sauce simmer over low heat for several hours. This will help the flavors meld together and create a luscious, thick texture. Be sure to stir your sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You'll know your sauce is ready when it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Adjust the Acidity Level
If you find that your sauce is too acidic, you can adjust the flavor by adding a pinch of sugar. Sugar can help balance out the acidity and bring out the natural sweetness of your tomatoes. Be sure to add a little at a time, though, so you don't overshoot and end up with an overly sweet sauce.
Experiment with Different Variations
While a classic pizza sauce is always delicious, don't be afraid to experiment with different variations. For example, you could try adding some roasted red peppers for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Or, you could add some anchovies and capers for a salty, umami-rich sauce. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and put your own spin on your pizza sauce recipe.
Make More Than You Need
Finally, whenever you're making pizza sauce, it's always a good idea to make more than you need. Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge or freezer and used for future pizza nights. It's also great as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Conclusion
Making pizza sauce doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can create a delicious sauce that will elevate your pizza to the next level. Keep these tips in mind the next time you're making another easy pizza sauce recipe, and you're sure to end up with a sauce that's bursting with flavor.