When you think of pizza, what comes to mind? For me, it’s all about the sauce. Good pizza can often be defined by its sauce. That rich, tangy blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices brings everything together. Are you ready to explore the fascinating world of Pizza Hut pizza sauce? Let’s dig in.
Before we dive into crafting your own version of Pizza Hut pizza sauce, let’s explore some perfect pairings to enjoy alongside your pizza. Garlic bread, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, is ideal for dipping into that rich pizza sauce, amplifying your bliss with each bite.
A simple side salad, whether a classic Caesar or a fresh garden variety, can provide a refreshing balance to the savory flavors of your pizza. For a delightful contrast, consider crispy, spicy chicken wings served with a cooling dip, which pairs wonderfully with the cheesy goodness of your pizza. Choosing the right sides elevates your dining experience and enhances that signature sauce flavor. Now, let’s move on to the sauce itself!

Pizza Hut has established a reputation for delivering compelling flavors that keep patrons returning. But what’s the secret? The foundation often lies within its sauce. Understanding how to make a similar pizza sauce allows anyone to recreate that pizzeria charm at home. Imagine layering your homemade pizza with a sauce that sings with flavor. The brightness of tomatoes combined with the perfect blend of seasonings can be transformational.
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Why This Recipe Works
Making your Pizza Hut-style sauce at home can optimize your pizza-making experience. Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh ingredients ensures that your sauce bursts with flavor. You control the quality.
- Customizable Flavor: You can adjust ingredients to suit your palate. Add more spice if you fancy heat, or skip the vinegar for a more straightforward flavor.
- Simplicity: This recipe is easy and quick. With straightforward steps, you can whip up a mouth-watering sauce in little time.
- Cost-Effective: Making sauce at home saves money. Store-bought sauces can be pricey and might not offer the same taste.
Each of these points plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of this sauce recipe, providing insight into why you should give it a try.
How Does It Taste?
The flavor profile of Pizza Hut pizza sauce is a delightful combination. The sweetness from the tomatoes, enhanced by a touch of vinegar and sugar, brings depth. Herbs like oregano and basil introduce a fragrant essence, while garlic powder rounds it off nicely. It is neither too acidic nor bland; rather, it strikes a delicate balance that makes it addictively delicious.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
You might wonder what differentiates this recipe from other variations. Here are some unique aspects:
- Signature Ingredients: The inclusion of balsamic vinegar gives this sauce a hidden layer of complexity.
- Spice Level: Adjusting the red pepper flakes to your liking allows for personalization that you’ll enjoy.
- Texture Control: You can adjust thickness by controlling water content. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply use less water or simmer it longer.
- Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: This recipe can shine with either, making it flexible based on what you have on hand.
The Ingredients
Now that we’ve established the reasons and flavors, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ready to make some sauce? Let’s jump into the instructions.

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 1/4 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 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!
Sides for Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce
Ready to create a feast? Here are some sides that match beautifully with homemade pizza.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing. Topped with croutons and Parmesan, this salad offsets the pizza’s richness well.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots topped with garlic and parsley deliver all the comforting vibes you need with pizza. They elevate the entire meal.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: A cheesy, spicy delight that can serve as an appetizer. It pairs with crunchy tortilla chips and adds that extra kick.
These sides will help turn a simple pizza dinner into a celebratory meal!
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:
- Crushed Tomatoes: If you have whole tomatoes or tomato puree, they can substitute easily. Simply crush the whole tomatoes or thin the puree with extra water.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Red wine vinegar works nicely. It offers a complementary acidity without dramatically changing the flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Honey or agave can sub in if you prefer natural sweeteners. Just use slightly less, as they are sweeter.
- Dried Herbs: If you have fresh herbs, double the quantity and add them towards the end of cooking for a vibrant flavor boost!

Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 1/4 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 1/4 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, 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
Creating Pizza Hut pizza sauce at home is not just about replicating a beloved taste. It’s about pouring love into a recipe that feeds friends, family, and the occasional midnight snack craving. The right ingredients and a bit of time can result in a sauce that brings people together, one pizza slice at a time. So fire up the oven, get your dough ready, and let your homemade sauce shine through. The taste is absolutely worth it. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!