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.
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.