Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe

Looking for the perfect sauce to bring your homemade pizza to life? This Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe is the answer! Inspired by the rich, flavorful sauce that has made Lou Malnati’s pizza a staple in Chicago, this recipe combines the right balance of sweet tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and just a touch of seasoning to create a sauce that’s both savory and fresh. It’s simple to make and easy to customize based on your taste preferences.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s not only packed with flavor but also versatile and family-friendly. You can use it for deep-dish pizza, classic Italian-style pizza, or even pasta dishes. I first tried this sauce at Lou Malnati’s on a trip to Chicago, and it instantly became one of my favorites. The taste is so distinct that I wanted to recreate it at home, and after a bit of trial and error, I found the perfect balance of ingredients. Now, it’s my go-to sauce whenever I’m craving that authentic Chicago pizza experience.

Why You’ll Love This Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe

If you’re a fan of deep-dish pizza, you’ll love this Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe. The rich, chunky tomato flavor mixed with a careful blend of herbs creates a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making it the perfect complement to the buttery crust of deep-dish pizza. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just looking to add some authentic flavor to your meal, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can make a batch ahead of time, saving you time during busy weeknights.

Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe

Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe is the perfect blend of fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a rich, savory flavor that sets Lou Malnati’s pizza apart. This sauce has a chunky texture that adds depth and richness, complementing a buttery, flaky pizza crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife for chopping vegetables
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans 14.5 oz each of crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar optional, for sweetness
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice

Instructions

 

Step 01: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 02: Add the Tomato Paste

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and flavor.

Step 03: Add the Crushed Tomatoes

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion, garlic, and tomato paste mixture.

Step 04: Season the Sauce

• Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir the sauce well and bring it to a simmer.

Step 05: Add Sugar (Optional)

• If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir it in. This helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 06: Simmer the Sauce

• Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 07: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preferences.

Step 08: Blend (Optional)

• If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender for a few pulses. This will create a smoother texture, but the chunky version is more traditional.

Step 09: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to be served on your favorite pizza or pasta.

Notes

This Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe brings the delicious, authentic flavors of Chicago’s beloved deep-dish pizza right into your kitchen. What sets this sauce apart is its simple yet flavorful combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, giving it a slightly sweet, savory taste that perfectly complements a buttery, flaky pizza crust. It’s versatile enough to be used not only as a pizza sauce but also as a pasta topping, dipping sauce, or even for grilled veggies.

Making this sauce is easy and quick, taking just 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking. It’s the perfect base for any pizza, whether you prefer classic deep-dish or thin-crust. If you’ve ever visited Chicago and had Lou Malnati’s pizza, you know how special the sauce is. Now, with this recipe, you can recreate that same mouthwatering taste at home. It’s also great for meal prep—just make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it for days to come.

Lou Malnati’s Sauce Nutrition Facts Table

For an extra savory touch, pair this Lou Malnati’s Sauce with Chili Loaded Mashed Potatoes for a deliciously indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Tips for Making Perfect Lou Malnati’s Sauce

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor, especially San Marzano tomatoes if available.
• Allow the sauce to simmer slowly to bring out the best flavors.
• Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if you prefer it that way, but leaving it chunky gives it that authentic Lou Malnati’s feel.
• Adjust the seasoning based on your taste—some like a little more heat, while others prefer it milder.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Serving Tips

• This sauce is perfect for deep-dish pizza, but it’s also great with regular pizza or pasta dishes.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or garlic bread.
• Drizzle it over grilled vegetables for added flavor.

What to Serve with Lou Malnati’s Sauce

• Deep-dish pizza with your favorite toppings
• Regular pizza for a classic meal
• Pasta like spaghetti or penne
• Breadsticks or garlic bread for dipping

Conclusion!

This Lou Malnati’s Sauce Recipe brings a slice of Chicago to your kitchen with its rich, flavorful blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Perfect for topping deep-dish pizza or pasta, it’s a versatile sauce that will make every meal special. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just craving a homemade sauce, this recipe is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a favorite!

FAQs

1. Can I make Lou Malnati’s sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more seasoning to match the flavor.

3. Is this sauce spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder sauce.

4. Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Just let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

5. Can I use this sauce on regular pizza?
Absolutely! While it’s perfect for deep-dish pizza, it works just as well on traditional pizza or even pasta dishes.