Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe

If you love bold flavors and crave a little heat on your slice, this Spicy Pizza Sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Made with pantry staples and customizable heat levels, it’s the perfect base for everything from classic pepperoni pies to veggie-loaded creations.

Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: SauceCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

90

kcal

Spicy Pizza Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the sauce to a simmer.
• Add the red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
• Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
• Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, sugar, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
• Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before spreading it over your pizza dough.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

This spicy pizza sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for classic pizzas topped with mozzarella and pepperoni, or try it with grilled vegetables for a smoky twist. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for cheesy breadsticks, calzones, or even mozzarella sticks. If you’re a fan of fusion dishes, try spreading it on naan or flatbread for a quick pizza-inspired snack.

Savings Suggestions

Making your own spicy pizza sauce is not only flavorful—it’s budget-friendly. Use canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste, which are both affordable and shelf-stable. Buy herbs and spices in bulk to reduce cost per use, and store leftover sauce in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for single-use portions. This helps cut down on food waste and saves money compared to store-bought sauces.

FAQs

Q: How spicy is this pizza sauce?
A: The spice level is moderate by default, but you can adjust it easily. Add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or tone it down if you’re cooking for kids.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes! Blanch, peel, and blend fresh tomatoes for a more natural flavor. Just simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken it.

Q: How long does homemade pizza sauce last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 1 week in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Q: Is this sauce gluten-free or vegan?
A: Absolutely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a safe option for most diets.

Q: Can I use this sauce for pasta or other dishes?
A: Definitely! This spicy sauce works great as a pasta base or even as a zesty addition to meatball subs and casseroles.