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Learn how to make Ooni pizza sauce that won’t make your crust soggy at high temperatures! This 5-minute no-cook recipe has bold flavor and works in any outdoor pizza oven.
After years of outdoor pizza oven pizza failures, I’ve seen blackened dough to watery, gooey piles. So I’ve spent the last few years perfecting my Ooni pizza oven technique. First it was the dough, and now I’ve cracked the code for the best pizza sauce, too!
Pizza ovens operate at much higher temperatures than normal ovens (as in, 900°F!). I’ve tested and developed an Ooni pizza sauce recipe that won’t turn watery at high heat. Paired with my Ooni pizza dough recipe, it makes one perfect pizza!
Why This Pizza Sauce Works at High Temperatures
Pizza sauces with high water content can turn your crust soggy when cooking at the very high temperatures of a pizza oven.
What I’ve found works best, after lots of experimenting, is this no-cook sauce using fire-roasted tomatoes. It has just the right texture and moisture level for pizza oven cooking.
While your Ooni preheats, you can whip up the sauce in five minutes. No simmering required!
My 5-Ingredient Ooni Pizza Sauce Recipe
I make this sauce every time I fire up the pizza oven. The ingredient list is short, but quality matters:
- Crushed fire-roasted tomatoes (15 oz can): Look for brands like Muir Glen. The fire roasted flavor adds complexity you can’t get from regular tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): It adds richness and helps the sauce adhere to the dough.
- Fresh garlic (1 small clove): Even a small garlic clove adds intense flavor.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Oregano adds just the right Italian-style seasoning.
- Kosher salt (scant ½ teaspoon): Of course, salt brings all the flavors together.
Pairing This Sauce with the Right Dough
This sauce works perfectly with my Ooni pizza dough recipe, which uses a 62% hydration ratio specifically designed for high-heat cooking.
The low hydration (ratio of water to flour) versus my standard pizza dough recipe makes the Ooni dough easier to work with at high temperatures so it’s not as sticky.
I’ve found that Tipo 00 flour creates the most authentic texture for any pizza dough. Many grocery stores these days stock this traditional Italian flour, so it’s easy to find (or you can buy it online).
Pro Tip for Serving
When you make your pizza, make sure to spread a very thin layer of sauce on top of pizza dough. Keep in mind that this sauce has a loose texture that’s similar to what’s used in a traditional Neapolitan pizza or Margherita pizza.
Don’t expect it to be like canned American pizza sauce, which can have extra ingredients like sugar and thickeners like cornstarch!
The Pizza Oven I Use
My husband Alex and I have both an Ooni pizza oven and a Gozney ROCCBOX. Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:
- Open-front propane ovens are best for easy cooking. I recommend this Ooni Koda 12 or the ROCCBOX. This type is an upgrade from the wood fired Ooni, which I’ve found is more finicky in the cooking process.
- Upgrade for larger pizzas. If you prefer a larger pizza, try the Ooni Koda 16.
Best Pizza Recipes for Your Ooni
Once you’ve mastered Ooni pizza sauce recipe and dough, the fun begins. Here are my favorite pizzas to make in the pizza oven:
- Start with a simple Margherita pizza or cheese pizza to master the basics
- Try a white pizza using ricotta instead of my red sauce
- Experiment with pesto pizza for a different flavor profile
- Make my favorite goat cheese pizza or a Greek pizza loaded with feta, olives, and fresh vegetables
- This truffle pizza or mushroom pizza always go over well
- My spinach artichoke pizza brings everyone’s favorite dip to pizza form
- Check out these 25 popular pizza toppings for even more inspiration
Storage Tips for Your Pizza Sauce
This sauce stores well, making pizza night even more convenient. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze in portions for up to three months. I sometimes make a double batch and freeze half for future pizza nights. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Dietary notes
This Ooni pizza sauce recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Ooni Pizza Sauce Recipe
This Ooni pizza sauce won’t make your crust soggy at high temperatures! It’s a 5-minute no-cook recipe that has bold flavor and works well in any outdoor pizza oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 15 ounces crushed fire roasted tomatoes*
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic (1/2 medium clove)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Scant ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Chop the garlic into a few rough pieces. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until fully combined.
- To serve, spread a very thin layer of sauce on top of pizza dough, keeping in mind that this sauce has a loose texture that’s similar to what’s used in a traditional Neapolitan pizza or Margherita pizza. (Don’t expect it to be like canned American pizza sauce, which can have extra ingredients like sugar and thickeners like cornstarch.) Store refrigerated for 1 week or frozen up to 3 months. For baking instructions, go to Ooni Pizza Dough.
