Vegan Pizza Sauce

Whip up a flavorful vegan pizza sauce with this easy homemade recipe! Made with pantry staples. It is the perfect addition to your plant-based pizza night.

There's something inherently comforting about a perfect slice of pizza. Whether it's thin and crispy, deep-dish, or somewhere in between, the secret to an outstanding pizza often lies in its sauce. Today, we're going to explore a delectable vegan pizza sauce recipe that's not only easy to make but also packs a flavorful punch that will elevate your homemade pizzas to a whole new level. 

The key to this recipe is a combination of simple ingredients and a little patience to let the flavors develop. Let's dive right in. 

Jump to:

• Ingredients You Need 
• How to Make Vegan Pizza Sauce 
• Storage 
• More Ways to Use Vegan Pizza Sauce
• Vegan Condiments
• Vegan Pizza Sauce

Ingredients You Need 

• Oil: You can use any oil, but I'd recommend olive or canola oil because they don't add extra flavors to your sauce. They let the other ingredients shine. 
• Garlic: Chopped fresh garlic is always a priority when making pizza sauce. It is one of the key ingredients in this vegan pizza sauce recipe. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute it with garlic paste, minced garlic, or garlic granules. 
• Tomato Sauce: You can go as fancy as you like, but for our sauce, plain tomato sauce is perfect. Avoid pre-seasoned ones because we'll be adding our own seasonings. You can also use fire-roasted tomato sauce to add an extra dimension. I'm using the lighter version with reduced salt. 
• Tomato Paste: It will bring a burst of flavor to your homemade pizza sauce. It's what gives your sauce that delicious taste and aroma. 
• Herbs: Pizza sauce needs some herbs for that special flavor. I'm using oregano and dried basil. You can use fresh basil leaves, but be careful because they're strong in flavor, so don't go overboard. 
• Chili Flakes: Chili flakes can be quite spicy, so use them according to your heat preference. If you prefer a milder sauce, or if making it for kids, you can skip the chili flakes. You can also use red pepper flakes or paprika for a milder spice. 
• Salt and Sugar: These are the basic seasonings for the sauce. Salt adds flavor, and sugar balances it out. They work together to make your sauce taste just right. 

Remember, cooking should be fun, and you can adjust these ingredients to your taste. So, enjoy your pizza sauce-making adventure! 

How to Make Vegan Pizza Sauce 

Prepare the Flavor Base

In a deep frypan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You'll want to use a pan with some depth to prevent any splattering. Add the crushed garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about a minute. Keep Stirring. Be cautious not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can give your sauce an unpleasant bitter taste. 

Add the Tomato Goodness 

It's time to introduce the star of the show, the tomatoes. Stir in the entire can of tomato sauce and the tomato paste. Continue to cook the mixture for approximately 2 minutes. This brief cooking period allows the tomato flavors to meld and intensify, setting the foundation for a delicious pizza sauce. 

Season to Perfection 

Now comes the exciting part—adding the seasonings. Sprinkle in the onion powder, chili flakes (adjust the quantity based on your spice preference), oregano, dried basil, salt, and sugar. These seasonings are the key to infusing your pizza sauce with that classic, Italian-inspired taste. Stir these ingredients into the sauce, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. 

Simmer and Reduce 

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. To achieve the perfect thickness, add half a cup of water and then let it cook on low-medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. 

I would recommend covering your pan if you can so the bubbles don’t leave their mark on your stovetop. The longer you allow this to cook, the more flavor you will develop. Allow the sauce to cool before topping your pizzas or the heat will make your crusts soggy.   

Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, let it cool and store it in airtight containers for future pizza-making adventures. Enjoy your homemade pizza sauce, packed with flavor and free from animal products! 

Storage 

Storing this sauce properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some guidelines for storing homemade pizza sauce. 

Refrigeration 

Store the sauce in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for short-term use. Ensure the sauce is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation. Use within two weeks to maintain freshness. 

Freezing and Defrosting

Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date to track freshness. Frozen sauce can stay good for several months. 

To use frozen sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Alternatively, gently heat it in a saucepan on low heat while stirring until fully defrosted. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, unusual color, or the presence of mold, before using the sauce. 

More Ways to Use Vegan Pizza Sauce

This sauce is perfect for making pizza any time but here are some fun ways to creatively use this vegan pizza sauce;

• Add pizza sauce to soups like Taco Soup or tomato soup for an extra layer of flavor.
• Incorporate pizza sauce into Mushroom Enchiladas as an alternative to enchiladas sauce.
• Use pizza sauce as a spread on grilled cheese sandwiches for a unique and tasty twist on classic comfort food.
• Stir pizza sauce into Rice or grain-based dishes for added flavor and a touch of tomato goodness.
• Fill your Crunch Wraps with vegan pizza sauce as a base of flavor.

Vegan Condiments

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