When you think of pizza, the sauce plays a huge role in making it truly special.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe, then you know how incredibly delicious their pizza sauce is.

This famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. It’s a key ingredient that gives Lou Malnati’s pizza its unique taste and texture.

And the best part? You don’t have to go to Chicago to enjoy this pizza—now you can make Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce at home with just a few simple ingredients.

As a pizza lover, I’m always on the lookout for the perfect sauce recipe that can bring out the best flavors in every bite. After trying Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce for the first time, I was hooked.

It’s so much more than just a tomato-based sauce; it’s packed with rich, bold flavors that take any pizza to the next level.

Whether you’re making a deep-dish pizza, a regular crust pizza, or even just using the sauce for dipping, Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is a must-try.

Stick around to learn how to make it at home and how this flavorful sauce will elevate your pizza nights!

What is Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe?

Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce is the signature tomato sauce used in their famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

What makes this sauce so special is its fresh, simple ingredients and the way it enhances the pizza without overpowering it.

The sauce is made using whole tomatoes, which gives it a fresh, slightly chunky texture.

It’s seasoned with just a few spices, including garlic, oregano, and basil, which make it rich and flavorful but not too heavy.

Unlike many other pizza sauces, Lou Malnati’s sauce doesn’t have a lot of added sugar or complicated ingredients.

This simplicity allows the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine through, giving you a delicious and authentic pizza sauce experience.

If you’ve ever tasted Lou Malnati’s pizza, you know that the sauce is what sets it apart from many other pizza places. It’s not too sweet, not too tangy, but just the right amount of both.

The consistency is perfect for spreading across a pizza crust, and it holds up well under layers of cheese and toppings.

This sauce is also great for dipping your pizza crusts, making it a versatile addition to any pizza night.

How Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe Tastes Like

The taste of Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is what makes it so unforgettable.

It has a perfectly balanced flavor that’s both tangy and slightly sweet, thanks to the whole tomatoes used in the recipe.

The garlic, oregano, and basil add a savory depth to the sauce that pairs wonderfully with the cheese and other pizza toppings.

It’s not overly spicy or sharp, but rather a smooth and rich flavor that complements the pizza without overshadowing the other ingredients.

The texture of the sauce is chunky enough to give each bite a hearty, satisfying feel but still smooth enough to spread evenly on your pizza dough.

It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to scoop up every last bit, whether you’re eating the pizza or dipping your crust.

The balance of the tomato’s natural sweetness with the earthy herbs makes Lou Malnati’s sauce a standout feature of their famous pizza.

Each spoonful feels fresh and comforting, and it’s clear that they use only the finest ingredients to create this signature sauce.

When Was I First Introduced to Shrimp Cargot?

Now, you might be wondering, what does shrimp cargot have to do with Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce? Well, here’s a little story to explain.

My first encounter with shrimp cargot happened when I was at a family dinner party, and we were served a delicious appetizer featuring shrimp baked in garlic butter.

The flavor was incredible, and I could taste the richness of the butter mixed with the savory garlic and herbs.

It was an unforgettable experience, and I realized that great flavors can be a perfect pairing, just like how Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce pairs perfectly with their crust and cheese.

While shrimp cargot might not be a direct ingredient in Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce, the concept of pairing fresh, bold flavors inspired me to appreciate how something simple, like the perfect pizza sauce, can elevate a meal.

The rich taste of shrimp cargot, much like the pizza sauce, comes from a careful balance of ingredients.

This is why I love making Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce at home—it’s about getting that perfect combination of flavors to create something truly special.

Equipment

A Medium-Sized Saucepan

A Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
A Can Opener (if using canned tomatoes)
A Measuring Spoon (for spices)

A Cutting Board and Knife (for chopping garlic) (if using fresh garlic)
A Container (for storing leftover sauce) (Optional)

Ingredients to Make Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe

Whole Peeled Tomatoes = 01 can (28 oz) (preferably San Marzano) (for best flavor)

Olive Oil = 02 tablespoons
Garlic = 03 cloves (minced) or (Garlic Powder = 01 teaspoon)
Oregano = 01 teaspoon (dried)

Basil = 01 teaspoon (dried)
Salt = 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black Pepper = 1/4 teaspoon

Red Pepper Flakes = 1/4 teaspoon (for a little heat) (Optional)
Tomato Paste = 01 tablespoon (for a thicker sauce) (Optional)
Sugar = 01 tablespoon (if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce) (Optional)

How to Make Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 01: Prepare the Tomatoes

Open the can of tomatoes.
Pour them into a bowl.

Use a spoon or hands to break the tomatoes.
Leave some pieces bigger for a chunkier sauce.

Step 02: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.

Add minced garlic once the oil is hot.
Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 03: Add the Tomatoes

Stir in the prepared tomatoes.

Mix with garlic and oil.
Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04: Season the Sauce

Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Stir in sugar if you want a sweeter taste.
For a thicker sauce, add tomato paste.

Step 05: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer on low heat.

Stir occasionally to thicken the sauce and blend flavors.

Step 06: Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce.
Adjust with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 07: Cool and Store

Let the sauce cool.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Or freeze for later use.

Servings and Preparation Times

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes enough sauce for about 2-3 large pizzas, depending on how much sauce you like to use. It’s also great for dipping breadsticks or using as a sauce for pasta dishes.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Servings)
Calories	45 kcal
Total Fat	2 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	350 mg
Total Carbohydrates	8 g
Dietary Fibre	2 g
Sugars	4 g
Protein	1 g

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and Minerals	Value
Vitamin A	4 %
Vitamin C	10 %
Calcium	2 %
Iron	4 %

Recipe Tips

Making Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce at home is simple, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to get it just right:

Use Whole Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, use whole canned tomatoes. They’re fresher and provide a more natural taste than crushed or pureed tomatoes.

Let It Simmer: After mixing your ingredients, let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. This helps to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
Don’t Overdo the Spices: The beauty of Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce lies in its simplicity. Stick to garlic, oregano, and basil for the best results—don’t add too many spices.
Adjust the Consistency: If you find your sauce too thick, you can add a little bit of water to reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to spread but not too dry.

Let It Rest: For the best taste, allow the sauce to cool and rest for a bit before using it on your pizza. This lets the flavors meld together even more.

FAQs

Can I make Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pizza sauce a day or two ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve as it sits. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before using it on your pizza.

Can I freeze the sauce for later?

Absolutely! Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce freezes well. Simply let it cool, place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but it requires a bit more work. You’ll need to peel and dice the tomatoes, and you may need to cook the sauce a little longer to achieve the right consistency.

What To Serve with Lou Malnati’s Pizza Sauce Recipe

Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is perfect for a variety of dishes beyond just pizza. Here are some great options to serve with this flavorful sauce:

Deep-Dish Pizza: Of course, the classic pairing is with deep-dish pizza. The rich, hearty sauce goes perfectly with a thick, buttery crust.

Thin-Crust Pizza: While it’s often used in deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s sauce is great with thin-crust pizzas as well. It gives a delicious, fresh contrast to the crispiness of the crust.
Pizza Dippers: Use the sauce as a dip for breadsticks, garlic bread, or even mozzarella sticks. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors without the pizza.
Pasta Dishes: You can also use the sauce for pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. The rich tomato flavor will complement the pasta perfectly.

Salads: For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of the pizza sauce on a salad or use it as a topping for a caprese salad.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months.

Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. You can also warm it on the stove over low heat.

Concluding Remarks

Lou Malnati’s pizza sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your homemade pizza.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate a slice of Chicago-style pizza right in your kitchen.

This sauce is perfect for any pizza night, and its rich, aromatic flavors will leave everyone coming back for more.

Whether you’re making deep-dish or thin crust, this pizza sauce will be the highlight of your meal.

Enjoy your Cooking Adventure with Munchiie!

More Amazing Recipies

Texas Roadhouse Italian Dressing Recipe