Chicago Pizza Sauce Recipe
Chicago Pizza Sauce Recipe is rich, tangy and perfect for deep-dish or homemade pizzas. It adds bold flavor to every bite. This sauce is thick, smooth and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Heat Olive Oil
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. This releases the garlic flavor.
Add Tomatoes
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan. Stir well with the garlic and oil. This forms the base of your Chicago pizza sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Add Herbs and Spices
- Add oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt and pepper. Sprinkle in sugar if desired. Stir everything together. These herbs give the sauce a classic Chicago-style taste.
Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. This allows flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Adjust Flavor
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired. Blend with a hand blender for extra smoothness.
Cool and Store
- Remove the sauce from heat. Let it cool slightly. Use immediately on your pizza or store in the fridge. It keeps well in airtight containers for up to a week.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor
- Simmer slowly to develop a richer taste
- Blend sauce for smoother texture
- Adjust herbs according to personal preference
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity