Ever crave that nostalgic taste of Chef Boyardee’s classic pizza sauce but wish it was homemade? I totally get it. There’s something special about recreating childhood favorites in your own kitchen.
With this copycat recipe, you’ll capture the rich, tangy flavor that made Chef Boyardee a pantry staple. It’s simple to make and perfect for any pizza night. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your sauce feels so much better.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Medium onion | 1 | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Tomato sauce | 15 oz can | |
| Tomato paste | 6 oz can | |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional for heat |
Tools And Equipment
To master my copycat Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce, gather the following tools and equipment:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ensure precise measurements for all ingredients.
- Cutting Board
Provides a stable surface for chopping onions and garlic.
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp knife makes prep work quick and safe.
- Medium-Sized Saucepan
Ideal for simmering the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
- Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional)
For achieving a smoother texture if desired.
- Storage Containers
Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
- Measuring Jug
Handy for adding liquids accurately.
Having these tools on hand will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable, allowing you to recreate that nostalgic Chef Boyardee flavor with ease.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing your Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce ahead of time ensures you always have a rich, flavorful sauce ready for pizza nights. Here’s how I make and store the sauce for maximum convenience and taste:
- Cook the Sauce
- Follow the recipe steps to prepare the pizza sauce.
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature after simmering.
- Portion the Sauce
- Divide the cooled sauce into meal-sized portions.
- This makes it easier to thaw only what you need each time.
- Choose Storage Method
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Airtight containers | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Freezer-safe bags | Up to 3 months |
- Label Containers
- Write the date and portion size on each container.
- This helps keep track of freshness and usage.
- Reheat the Sauce
- Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to reach desired consistency.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy homemade pizza sauce with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Chef Boyardee-style pizza sauce that will elevate your homemade pizzas.
Prepare The Ingredients
I start by gathering all my ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Begin by finely chopping 1 medium onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Measure out 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce, 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Cook The Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onions. I sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I like to stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Cool And Store
Once the sauce has cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool on the countertop for about 15 minutes. I find that allowing the sauce to cool slightly makes it easier to handle. Transfer the sauce into airtight containers, dividing it into meal-sized portions if you plan to store it for later use. Label each container with the date and portion size for easy tracking. You can refrigerate the sauce for up to one week or freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before spreading it on your pizza dough.
Storage And Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve perfected my Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce copycat recipe, proper storage ensures you can enjoy its rich, nostalgic flavor anytime. Here’s how I store and serve this versatile sauce to keep it fresh and delicious.
Storing Your Pizza Sauce
To maintain the quality and safety of your homemade pizza sauce, follow these storage guidelines:
Refrigeration
- Container: Use airtight glass or BPA-free plastic containers.
- Duration: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
- Tips: Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. This prevents condensation and preserves the sauce’s integrity.
Freezing
- Container: Opt for freezer-safe bags or rigid containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Duration: Lasts for up to 3 months.
- Tips: Portion the sauce into meal-sized amounts before freezing. Flatten freezer bags for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Airtight glass or plastic | Up to 1 week |
| Freezing | Freezer-safe bags/containers | Up to 3 months |
Labeling Your Sauce
Keeping track of your sauce’s freshness is crucial. I always label my containers with:
- Date Prepared: Helps you monitor how long the sauce has been stored.
- Portion Size: Indicates how much sauce is in each container, making meal prepping easier.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to use your stored sauce, these tips ensure it tastes just as good as freshly made:
- Thawing (if frozen): Move the desired portion to the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, place the container in a bowl of cold water.
- Reheating on the Stovetop:
- Pour the sauce into a saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to reach your desired consistency.
- Reheating in the Microwave:
- Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover loosely and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Adjust consistency with water or additional tomato sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
While this pizza sauce shines on your homemade pies, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Pasta Dishes: Toss with your favorite pasta for a quick marinara.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or fresh vegetables.
- Meatball Subs: Spoon over meatballs and top with cheese for hearty sandwiches.
- Lasagna: Layer between pasta sheets and cheese for a classic lasagna.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Use as the base sauce for a savory vegetarian dish.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy the delightful taste of my Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce copycat recipe in various dishes, making your meals both convenient and flavorful.
Conclusion
Making my own Chef Boyardee pizza sauce has been a game changer for our family pizza nights. There’s something special about crafting that nostalgic flavor right in my kitchen. The simplicity of the recipe means I can whip it up whenever the craving strikes without any hassle.
I love knowing exactly what goes into my sauce and being able to tweak it to suit our taste. Plus having it ready ahead of time saves so much effort on busy evenings. Whether it’s for pizza, pasta, or dipping, this sauce has quickly become a staple in our meals.
Giving this copycat recipe a try has not only brought back fond memories but also added a homemade touch to our favorite dishes. I’m excited to keep experimenting and enjoying the rich flavors it brings to our table.
