Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is known for its fresh and vibrant flavor. It’s one of the reasons people love their famous deep-dish pizza.
If you’re craving that same sauce at home, you’re in luck. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe.
This recipe is perfect for homemade pizzas, whether you’re making a deep-dish or a thin crust. It’s easy to whip up and adds a special touch to your pizzas. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious sauce yourself.
Ready to make your own Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce? Follow the steps below and impress your family or friends with a flavorful pizza night.
What is Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce?
Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. It is the key to their signature deep-dish pizzas.
The sauce is made from ripe tomatoes, and it’s seasoned with herbs and spices that give it a fresh, tangy taste.
The sauce has a chunky texture, as they use crushed tomatoes. This allows the sauce to stand out on the pizza without being too runny. It’s simple, fresh, and perfectly balanced for pizza lovers.

Ingredients
- San Marzano tomatoes = 2 (28 oz.) cans
- Garlic (minced) = 3 cloves
- Dried oregano = 1 tsp
- Dried basil = 1 tsp
- Sugar = 1 tsp
- Olive oil = 2 Tbsp
- Red wine vinegar = 1 Tbsp
- Salt = to taste
- Black pepper = to taste
Step By Step Instructions To Make Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce
- Mince the garlic and crush the tomatoes if whole.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for one to two minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir with the garlic.
- Add oregano, basil, and sugar to the mixture.
- Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat.
- Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring sometimes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add water or broth.
- If too thin, simmer longer to thicken it.
- Cool the sauce to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer to airtight containers for the fridge or freezer.
- Use the sauce on pizza or other favorite dishes.
Recipe Tips
To get the best out of this pizza sauce, here are a few tips:
- Use good tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- Crush by hand: To get that perfect chunky texture, crush the tomatoes by hand.
- Simmer gently: Let the sauce cook slowly to develop its flavor.
- Don’t over-season: Keep the seasoning simple to let the tomatoes shine.
- Adjust sweetness: If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes for this sauce?
Yes, canned tomatoes work great, especially San Marzano.
How long should I cook the sauce?
Simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Do I need to strain the tomatoes?
No, keep the juice for a chunky and flavorful sauce.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
You can, but the original recipe is a simple tomato sauce.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
What To Serve with Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce (3-5 sides)
While pizza is the main star, you can pair it with these sides:
- Garlic Bread: A classic side to any pizza meal.
- Caesar Salad: Light and fresh, it balances the rich pizza.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Cheesy goodness that pairs well with pizza.
- Antipasto Salad: A mix of meats, cheese, and veggies for a hearty side.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: A savory bite that complements the pizza flavor.
Storage Tips
To keep your Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any unused sauce in an airtight container.
- Use within a week: For the best flavor, use the sauce within 5-7 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portions.
- Label and date: Always mark the container with the date so you know when it was made.
Concluding Remarks
Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is a game-changer for any homemade pizza. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re making a deep-dish pizza or a thin crust, this sauce will elevate your dish.
Try making this pizza sauce at home for your next pizza night. It’s sure to impress your family or friends. Don’t forget to pair it with some tasty sides to complete the meal. Enjoy!
If you loved this recipe, stay tuned for more delicious homemade pizza ideas.
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Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- San Marzano tomatoes = 2 28 oz. cans
- Garlic minced = 3 cloves
- Dried oregano = 1 tsp
- Dried basil = 1 tsp
- Sugar = 1 tsp
- Olive oil = 2 Tbsp
- Red wine vinegar = 1 Tbsp
- Salt = to taste
- Black pepper = to taste
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and crush the tomatoes if whole.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for one to two minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir with the garlic.
- Add oregano, basil, and sugar to the mixture.
- Pour in the red wine vinegar and stir.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat.
- Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring sometimes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add water or broth.
- If too thin, simmer longer to thicken it.
- Cool the sauce to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer to airtight containers for the fridge or freezer.
- Use the sauce on pizza or other favorite dishes.
Notes
- Use good tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- Crush by hand: To get that perfect chunky texture, crush the tomatoes by hand.
- Simmer gently: Let the sauce cook slowly to develop its flavor.
- Don’t over-season: Keep the seasoning simple to let the tomatoes shine.
- Adjust sweetness: If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar.
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