Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Recipe - Taste Just Home
When it comes to recreating Pizza Hut at home, the sauce is everything. That slightly sweet, tangy, herb-forward flavor is what defines the slice. This recipe is designed to closely replicate that recognizable balance using simple ingredients and controlled seasoning.
Why This Recipe Works
- Signature Ingredients: The inclusion of balsamic vinegar gives this sauce a hidden layer of complexity.
- Adjustable Spice Level: Adjusting the red pepper flakes to your liking allows for personalization that you'll enjoy.
- Works with Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: This recipe can shine with either, making it flexible based on what you have on hand.
The Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional ¼ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds (adds subtle pizzeria-style depth)
Ready to make some sauce? Let's jump into the instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Tomatoes and Water
Combine crushed tomatoes and water in a saucepan.
Step 2: Add Vinegar, Lemon Juice, and Sugar
Stir in vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Spices
Add herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
Step 4: Simmer 20-30 Minutes
Simmer 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf and Adjust Seasoning
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Taste Test
After simmering, carefully taste your sauce. Adjust your seasonings according to your liking-more salt, sugar, or herbs. The goal is to create something deliciously tailored to your taste buds.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once you're happy with the flavor, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Your homemade Pizza Hut pizza sauce is ready for that pizza base!
Notes
- Storage: Allow your sauce to cool down before transferring it to a jar. Store it up to one week in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage.
- Usage: This sauce isn't just for pizza. Use it for pasta, as a dip for breadsticks, or as a base for a savory casserole.
- Adaptation: If you find yourself low on certain spices, feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer without the lid to evaporate more water.
- Fresh Herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs, substitute a tablespoon of each for the dried spices!
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Nutrition Information
Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Do You Store This Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce?
Your pizza sauce can be stored easily. After it cools, transfer the sauce into either an airtight container or a jar. It'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about seven days. You could also freeze individual portions, which makes it incredibly simple to grab and go for pizza night!
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
Sometimes, you might not have every ingredient on hand. Here are some alternatives you can use if you find yourself in a pinch:
- Can substitute whole tomatoes (crush first)
- Can swap red wine vinegar for balsamic
- Honey instead of sugar
- Use fresh herbs (double amount)
Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
- Start by gathering a medium-sized saucepan. Be sure to put your crushed tomatoes in the saucepan first. Follow this with ¼ cup of filtered water. This helps manage the thickness of your sauce.
Step 2: Flavor Components
- Next, add the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. These two add distinct characteristics and will brighten your mixture. Sprinkle the sugar over the tomatoes, as this will play a vital role in balancing the acidity.
Step 3: Season Generously
- Now, we bring in the spices. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Each one brings its own unique flavor puzzle piece. Don't forget to toss in the salt and black pepper to enhance everything.
Step 4: The Bay Leaf
- Don't overlook the bay leaf! Add it to the pot for an aromatic touch. It'll infuse the sauce while cooking. Just remember to remove it before serving as it's not edible.
Step 5: Simmer Away
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer low for about 20-30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Taste Test
- After simmering, carefully taste your sauce. Adjust your seasonings according to your liking-more salt, sugar, or herbs. The goal is to create something deliciously tailored to your taste buds.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Once you're happy with the flavor, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Your homemade Pizza Hut pizza sauce is ready for that pizza base!
Notes
- Storage: Allow your sauce to cool down before transferring it to a jar. Store it up to one week in the fridge or freeze it for longer storage.
- Usage: This sauce isn't just for pizza. Use it for pasta, as a dip for breadsticks, or as a base for a savory casserole.
- Adaptation: If you find yourself low on certain spices, feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer without the lid to evaporate more water.
- Fresh Herbs: If you prefer fresh herbs, substitute a tablespoon of each for the dried spices!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this sauce without sugar?
Yes! If you're looking to skip sugar, consider adding finely chopped carrots to increase sweetness naturally without adding processed sugars.
2. How long does it take to make this pizza sauce?
Preparation and cooking combined take about 40-50 minutes.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh ones, you might want to blanch them to remove the skins. Adjust cooking time as fresh tomatoes generally take longer to soften.
4. Is this sauce suitable for pizza rolls or calzones?
Definitely! This sauce can be used in any dish that requires a robust tomato flavor, making it versatile in your meal prep.
Conclusion
This copycat Pizza Hut pizza sauce recipe gives you the same sweet, tangy, herb-forward flavor at home using simple pantry ingredients.
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Pizza Hut sauce is very good sauce. Their sauce has crushed fennel seeds. Your recipe doesn't have this ingredient.
I saved your recipe to make. But, I will be adding crushed fennel seeds.
It's a must, for me, to add to pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, and lasagna sauce.
Hi there! Thanks so much for your comment. You’re absolutely right, crushed fennel seeds add great flavor, and many people love that hint of sweetness and aroma in their pizza or pasta sauces. This recipe is meant to be a close homemade version, but adding fennel seeds is a wonderful personal touch.
I’m glad you saved the recipe, and I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to let me know how it turns out with your fennel addition.