If you’re craving a delicious homemade pizza but want to keep it plant-based, this vegan pizza sauce recipe is your new best friend. Crafting your own pizza sauce not only allows you to control the ingredients but also guarantees a rich, fresh flavor that store-bought varieties often lack.
Made from simple pantry staples like ripe tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this sauce is bursting with vibrant taste and the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, this sauce is easy to whip up and versatile enough to complement any pizza topping you love. Plus, it freezes well, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and have it ready for your next pizza night.
Ready to elevate your homemade pizzas? Let’s dive into this fantastic, foolproof vegan pizza sauce recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan pizza sauce is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fresh — made from scratch with no preservatives or artificial flavors.
Unlike canned sauces, you can customize the flavor intensity to suit your own taste, whether you prefer it more herby, garlicky, or with a spicy kick.
Additionally, it’s super simple to make and requires minimal ingredients. You don’t need any fancy equipment or long cooking times — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute pizza cravings.
It’s also oil-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Finally, this sauce pairs beautifully with any vegan pizza crust or toppings, from classic veggies to innovative plant-based cheeses. Once you try it, you might never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 can (14 oz) or 2 cups fresh, peeled and crushed |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons (optional for richness) |
| Dried oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon (optional for heat) |
| Sea salt | ½ teaspoon, adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | 1 teaspoon (to balance acidity) |
| Fresh parsley or basil (optional) | 1 tablespoon, finely chopped |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
- Knife and chopping board
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
- Storage container or jar for leftovers
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute, then peel and crush. Otherwise, open your canned crushed tomatoes and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil and sauce with a lovely aroma.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir well to combine with the garlic and oil.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Add the maple syrup or agave nectar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Simmer gently: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust texture and flavor: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and pulse to desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or herbs as needed.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil right before turning off the heat for a burst of freshness.
- Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool before spreading on your pizza dough. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
“For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.”
Try roasting fresh tomatoes and garlic before blending for a deeper, caramelized flavor. You can also experiment with adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar instead of maple syrup to balance the acidity.
For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step. If you prefer a more herby sauce, increase the amount of dried oregano and basil or toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary.
This sauce doubles beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or for using on other dishes like pasta or dipping breadsticks. To explore more vegan sauce ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per ¼ cup (60g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g (mostly from olive oil) |
| Sodium | 230mg (variable based on added salt) |
This sauce is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a wholesome addition to any vegan pizza. The fiber content helps with digestion, and the antioxidants from tomatoes support overall health.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan pizza sauce is the perfect base for all your favorite plant-based pizzas. Spread it evenly over your dough before adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, artichokes, or vegan cheese alternatives.
It also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or as a flavorful addition to roasted vegetable dishes. For more creative vegan meal inspiration, try pairing it with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to make homemade pizza pockets or calzones.
If you enjoy exploring vegetable-based meals, you might also love the fresh flavors in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, which complement the vibrant taste of this sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan pizza sauce from scratch is a rewarding and easy way to elevate your homemade pizzas. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you create a sauce bursting with fresh tomato flavor, aromatic herbs, and just the right touch of sweetness and spice.
This recipe is flexible, quick, and perfect for any skill level. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces that often contain unnecessary additives.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this vegan pizza sauce will become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own, and enjoy the pure satisfaction of crafting a delicious, wholesome meal from scratch. For more vegan cooking inspiration, explore other recipes on our site and keep your plant-based meals exciting and flavorful!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pizza Sauce Recipe
Description: A simple and flavorful vegan pizza sauce made from fresh tomatoes and herbs. Perfect for any homemade pizza.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.
- Simmer sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool before using on pizza.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 10 g
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