Spicy Homemade Pizza Sauce and Pizza

Easy pizza crust, spicy tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings.

We make pizza at least once a week in our house. Sometimes we buy pizza sauce online from Warmart or Target and have it shipped to our location, because it is less expensive than purchasing it locally where we live. But most of the time, we prefer making our own.

This spicy homemade pizza sauce is one of our favorites when we're in the mood for something with a little extra heat and plenty of flavor. Made with canned tomatoes, butter, garlic, herbs, and red chile, it has a rich, savory taste that pairs wonderfully with homemade pizza crust.

You can adjust the amount of chile to suit your family's taste, making it as mild or as spicy as you like. Add your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and you have a delicious homemade pizza that's perfect for family pizza night! 

Ingredients: 

5 Tbs. butter
1 to 2 Tbs. red chile powder or flakes
2 to 3 Tbs. tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 Tbs. Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Pizza crust:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. onion powder
1 Tbs. garlic powder
1 to 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 1/2 c. flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tbs. olive oil

Favorite toppings:
Cooked ground beef, or sausage, browned and drained
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack, Colby or your favorite cheese
Sliced pepperoni
Parmesan cheese 
Mushrooms

Directions:

Prepare the pizza sauce.

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add the red chile powder or flakes, stirring constantly. Cook for just a few seconds to release the flavor. Be careful not to let the chile burn.

Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt to taste. Add the sugar if desired.  

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover the saucepan. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the salt or sugar as needed. 

Set aside while preparing the crust.

Prepare the pizza crust.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let stand in a warm place for about 10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.

Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, flour salt, and  olive oil.  Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 20 strokes, until a soft dough forms.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 15 minutes.

With lightly oiled or buttered fingers, gently press the dough into the prepared baking pan.  If the dough is not cooperating, after you put it in the pan, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes then try again. This helps the dough to relax and be more manageable. 

Bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes, until it is partially set.

Assemble and bake the pizza.

Remove the partially baked crust from the oven.

Spread the desired amount of spicy pizza sauce evenly over the crust. You may not need all of the sauce, depending on how much you like on your pizza.

Add your favorite toppings, followed by the shredded cheeses and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Best Success:

• Watch the chile carefully. Red chile powder and flakes can burn quickly in hot butter. A few seconds is all you need.
• Adjust the heat. Start with 1 tablespoon of chile and add more if you prefer a spicier sauce.
• Let the yeast bloom. The water should be warm, not hot. Water that's too hot can kill the yeast.
• Don't overload the crust. Too much sauce and too many toppings can make the center of your pizza soggy.
• Prebake the crust. This helps give the bottom a head start before adding the sauce and toppings.
• Drain cooked meats well. Removing excess grease helps keep the pizza from becoming oily.
• Save extra sauce. You may have some sauce left over, depending on how generously you spread it over the crust.

Variations and Substitutions:

Make it milder: Use 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or reduce the chile powder to suit your taste.
Make it extra spicy: Add more red chile flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Change the cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, and provolone all work nicely.
Use different meats: Try Italian sausage, cooked hamburger, bacon, or sliced pepperoni.
Add vegetables: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, and jalapeños are all delicious additions.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can be used in place of dried herbs, adjusting the amount to taste.
Use store-bought crust: If you're short on time, your favorite refrigerated or prepared pizza 
crust can be used instead.

Serving Suggestions:

This homemade pizza is filling enough to serve on its own, but it's also delicious with a few simple sides.

• Serve with a fresh garden salad and your favorite dressing.
• Add a bowl of homemade vegetable soup for a comforting meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Offer extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table for everyone to customize their slices.
• Pair with a simple green salad or sliced fresh vegetables for an easy family supper.

How to Store:

• Refrigerator: Allow leftover pizza to cool completely. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual pizza slices in plastic wrap or freezer-safe wrapping and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover pizza in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, until the cheese melts and the crust crisps. You can also reheat it in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Extra pizza sauce: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it in smaller portions for future pizza nights.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the spicy pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes putting together homemade pizza even easier on busy evenings.

Can I freeze homemade pizza sauce?
Absolutely. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

How can I make the pizza sauce less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of red chile powder or flakes. You can start with a small amount, taste the sauce as it cooks, and add more if needed.

Why should I prebake the pizza crust?
Prebaking helps the dough begin cooking before the sauce and toppings are added. This helps prevent a soggy crust, especially when using a generous amount of sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, although canned plum tomatoes are convenient and provide consistent flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, peel them if desired, chop or crush them, and allow for additional simmering time to cook down excess liquid.

Can I use this sauce for something besides pizza?
Certainly! It also works well as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, pizza rolls, and cheesy bread. You can even use it as a flavorful sauce for homemade calzones.