The Ultimate Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Sauce Recipe (Better Than Restaurant-Style!)
This authentic Chicago deep dish pizza sauce is thick, chunky, and packed with fresh flavors. Made with hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs, this thick sauce sits perfectly on top of your deep dish pizza. Ready in 30-40 minutes and can be made ahead. Each bite delivers the true taste of Chicago pizzerias!
Equipment
- Deep Dish Pizza Pan, Cake Pan, or Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 28 oz cans whole San Marzano tomatoes crushed by hand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil roughly chopped
Instructions
Prep Your Tomatoes:
- Drain ONE can of tomatoes
- Keep the juice from the second can
- Hand-crush both cans of tomatoes
- Pro tip: Don't use the food processor. We want chunks, not puree!
Build the Flavor Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
- Sauté onion until soft and slightly golden. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about one minute)
- Add your hand-crushed tomatoes and juice from one can
Season and Simmer:
- Throw in 1 tablespoon dried oregano, red pepper flakes (1-2 teaspoons depending on how hot you want it), 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Your sauce should be thick enough to mound on a spoon but juicy enough to spread. Think somewhere between marinara and crushed tomatoes. If it gets too thick while simmering, add a splash of water. Too thin? Let it cook down a bit more.
- Add ¼ cup fresh basil in the last 5 minutes
Notes
Calorie Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the actual nutritional content of recipes may vary depending on various factors, including the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.