Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Copycat Recipe

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Bid goodbye to the times of pestering on how to turn a bland pizza into a party pleaser because this Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce always comes to the rescue! This copycat recipe is so delectable that no one will believe you ordered the pizza or made it yourself.

Now, let’s get ready to fool everyone at the table and make yourself seem like a real cooking star because this sauce is just magic. It’s made with only a few basic ingredients that are easily found in the kitchen. It has the bold flavor of tangy tomatoes with a hint of sweetness, which feels like a party in your mouth.

Moreover, the subtle flavors of oregano, basil, and black pepper add a savory depth. Therefore, I love to spread this sauce not just on pizza but also on garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, and even calzones.

So, don’t worry if you crave that Pizza Hut flavor at home. Just whip up this amazing sauce, and you’ll be good to go. Let’s take a look at the full recipe now.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Medium-Sized Saucepan: I simmer it in a medium-sized saucepan to get the bold flavors out of my sauce.
Wooden Spoon: Needed to stir the sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: I keep them handy to measure ingredients accurately.

Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients listed below will yield 2 cups of pizza sauce. However, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients according to the number of people you wish to serve.

1 (15-ounce) Can Tomato Sauce: When I don’t have tomato sauce, I usually use pureed fresh tomatoes.
¼ Cup Water
1 Teaspoon Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can be used as a substitute.
¼ Teaspoon Dried Oregano: In the absence of oregano, I suggest using fresh oregano, Italian seasoning, or marjoram.
¼ Teaspoon Dried Basil Leaves: Fresh basil or dried parsley can also work.
¼ Teaspoon Dried Thyme: When you run out of dried thyme, fresh thyme or rosemary would be the best substitutes.
¼ Teaspoons Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic, garlic salt, or garlic flakes are some alternatives to garlic powder.
¼ Teaspoon Salt
⅛ Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Whole Bay Leaf: I recommend substituting dried thyme, oregano, or basil leaf.
½ Teaspoon Lemon Juice: If you don’t have lemon in your pantry, you can also use lime juice, white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	25 Minutes	35 Minutes

How To Make Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce At Home

Step 1

Heat a medium-sized saucepan over a medium flame and pour the tomato sauce into it.

Step 2

Add garlic salt and mix well.

Step 3

Now add sugar.

Step 4

In the next step, add dried oregano.

Step 5

Then, add dried basil leaves.

Step 6

Next, add dried thyme.

Step 7

Add water.

Step 8

Now, add the black pepper.

Step 9

Add salt.

Step 10

Add the bay leaves.

Step 11

Lastly, add the lemon juice. Cook the sauce until it starts boiling.

Step 12

Now, lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes, until it thickens.

Step 13

Your delicious Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce is ready. Spread it over the pizza and enjoy.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

If you have time, I advise simmering the sauce for at least 1 hour. This will give the herbs and spices enough time to meld together, intensifying the flavors.
If you love extra heat, I recommend adding crushed red pepper flakes to the other spices for a subtle kick in the sauce.
Before adding the other ingredients, I add small amounts of olive oil, fresh rosemary, and thyme. This way, the oil infuses with the herbs, adding a fragrant depth to the sauce.
I also add a small amount of soy or Worcestershire sauce for savory richness.

FAQs About Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce

Why is the sauce too acidic?

The sauce may turn acidic if you add more lemon juice or tomatoes. So make sure to add a small amount of sugar or honey to balance this acidity.

Why is this sauce watery?

If you use tomatoes with high water content or don’t simmer the sauce long enough for it to reduce, then the sauce will turn out to be watery. So ensure simmering the sauce for a longer period so that it reduces. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken the sauce.

Why is this sauce burning while simmering?

If you cook the sauce at a high flame or do not stir it frequently while simmering, it may burn. Hence, make sure to cook the sauce on medium-low heat and stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking.

Why is this sauce too sweet?

If you use ripe tomatoes or add more sugar to the sauce, it may taste sweet. So make sure to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mellow out this acidity. Also, use less sugar next time.

Why is my sauce having an off taste?

If you use old or stale spices and herbs, the sauce may have an off-taste. To prevent this, ensure you use fresh, high-quality spices. You can also store your spices in cool, dark places for 6-12 months.

Why is the sauce tasting bitter?

The sauce may taste bitter if you use more oregano or overcook it. To prevent this, cook the sauce at low heat and use oregano sparingly. Moreover, add a pinch of sugar or more tomato paste to balance the bitterness.

Why does this sauce taste flat after adding the seasonings?

The sauce may taste flat if you use less lemon juice. Lemon juice tends to brighten up the flavors. Hence, add the appropriate amount of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

How can I tell when the sauce is done simmering?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency, and the flavors have melded together. A good indicator is when it coats the back of a spoon.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce is healthy to eat in moderation, as it has a high sodium content.

I have provided the full nutritional information of this sauce in the table below for your reference.

Calories	375.5 kcal
Total Fat	8.8 g
Saturated Fat	2.4 g
Sodium	1437.9 mg
Total carbohydrates	89.3 g
Dietary Fibre	29.7 g
Sugars	11.2 g
Protein	10.6 g

The best part about this sauce is that it is suitable for people on vegetarian and vegan diets, as it contains no animal products. Moreover, it can be consumed by people on a gluten-free diet, as all the ingredients are gluten-free.

How-To-Make-Pizza-Hut-Pizza-Sauce-At-Home

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Keto-Friendly: I use unsweetened tomato puree or crushed tomatoes to make this sauce carbohydrate-free. Additionally, I use stevia instead of sugar and apple cider vinegar in place of lemon juice. This way, I prepare a low-carb version of this sauce.
Paleo: Making this sauce paleo-friendly is pretty easy. I just use homemade tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes in place of canned tomato sauce and honey instead of sugar.
Low-Sodium: This pizza sauce uses canned tomatoes and spices that may be high in sodium. Hence, I make a low-sodium tomato sauce at home by using fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, black pepper, and lemon juice. Instead of garlic powder, I use fresh garlic and herbal salt-free blends from brands like Mrs. Dash. You can also use potassium chloride as the other salt substitute.

Storing This Recipe

Refrigerator: To store Pizza Hut sauce in the refrigerator, I first let it cool to room temperature. Then, I transfer it to an airtight container to prevent moisture and other odors from affecting it. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids also work well. Then, I store it in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 7 days.
Freezing: If I wish to store this sauce for longer, I prefer to freeze it. First, I make sure that my Pizza Hut sauce is completely cool. Then, I divide the sauce into smaller portions and transfer them into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Finally, I store them in the freezer, where they stay safe for 2-3 months.

What To Serve With This Recipe

My favorite way to use this sauce is to spread it on a gluten-free Pizza Crust. It also pairs well with various pasta dishes, such as Zucchini Spaghetti or Penne. In addition to these options, you can enjoy it with Cornbread and Mozzarella Sticks. It provides a nice, savory contrast.

But the usage of this sauce doesn’t end here. It also works wonderfully well as a spread for my Cheese Sandwiches and Veggie Burgers. Sometimes, I also drizzle it over Grilled Veggies like zucchini and mushrooms to give a Mediterranean contrast to this authentic sauce.

Printable Version

More Pizza Hut Recipes That You Can Try

Thin Crust Pizza Recipe — Pizza Hut Thin Crust Pizza

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Feature Image — Pizza Hut Thin Crust Pizza

Conclusion

This Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce is a complete game-changer for everyone looking to elevate their homemade Italian dishes. It has the goodness of rich tomatoes, garlic, and vibrant herbs, making it a better choice than all the other store-bought sauces. You can toss it over pizzas or serve it with delectable pastas.

Hence, folks, rush to the kitchen and make yourself a batch of this delicious all-rounder sauce. Don’t forget to share your suggestions for serving with us in the comment section below.