Creating the perfect pizza sauce at home can transform your homemade pizzas from ordinary to extraordinary. Aurelio’s Pizza has been serving their signature sauce for decades, delighting customers with its rich, balanced flavor. This authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe captures that beloved taste that has made the restaurant chain famous across the Midwest.
The secret to Aurelio’s success lies in their carefully crafted sauce that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly. Their sauce isn’t overpowering but complements every topping beautifully. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can recreate this restaurant-quality sauce in your own kitchen.
This homemade version of the Aurelios pizza recipe will give you the same deep, rich flavor that customers have loved for generations. Whether you’re making pizza for family dinner or hosting a party, this sauce will be the star ingredient that elevates your entire dish.
My Personal Experience with This Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
I first discovered Aurelio’s Pizza during a trip to Chicago, and their sauce immediately caught my attention. The perfect balance of sweetness and herbs made each bite memorable. When I returned home, I was determined to recreate that exact flavor profile in my own kitchen.
After several attempts and careful taste testing, I finally cracked the code to this Aurelios sauce recipe. The key was understanding that less is more – the sauce doesn’t need complicated ingredients, just the right proportions. My family now requests this sauce for every pizza night, and guests always ask for the recipe.
What I love most about this homemade version is how it brings back those restaurant memories while allowing me to control the ingredients. The aroma that fills the kitchen while the sauce simmers is absolutely divine. It’s become our go-to recipe for not just pizza, but also as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and appetizers. Don’t forget to try Domino’s Garlic Butter Recipe for dipping, KC Joe’s Fry Seasoning for extra flavor, or Houston’s Spinach Dip for a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients Required for This Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Crushed Tomatoes: 2 cans (15 oz each) – use high-quality tomatoes for best results
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – extra virgin preferred for rich flavor
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced) – fresh garlic is essential for authentic taste
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste) – balances the acidity of tomatoes
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon (dried) – provides that classic Italian herb flavor
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste) – enhances all the other flavors
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – adds subtle warmth
- Water: 1/4 cup – helps achieve the perfect consistency
Kitchen Utensils List
- Medium saucepan – for cooking the sauce evenly
- Wooden spoon – for stirring without scratching the pan
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
- Garlic mincer or knife – for preparing fresh garlic
- Can opener – for opening tomato cans
- Ladle – for easy serving and storage
- Storage containers – for leftover sauce
- Tasting spoon – for adjusting seasonings
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 3 cups of sauce
- Difficulty Level: Easy – perfect for beginners
This quick preparation time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want homemade pizza without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Instructions for Making Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. This initial step is crucial for building flavor foundation. The oil should be warm but not smoking. This helps bring out the garlic’s flavor and creates the perfect base for your Aurelios pizza recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning, as burnt garlic will make the entire sauce bitter. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the oil with aromatic garlic flavor that permeates the entire sauce.
Step 3: Add Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil. Allow the sauce to start simmering gently. The tomatoes will begin to break down and meld with the garlic oil. This combination creates the heart of your authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to blend all the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce. The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of tomatoes, while oregano provides that classic Italian flavor. Season gradually and taste as you go.
Step 5: Simmer on Low
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow simmering process allows all flavors to meld together perfectly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and developing a richer color during this time.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Sample the sauce as it cooks and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or add water if the consistency becomes too thick. This is where you can customize the sauce to match your personal taste preferences while maintaining the authentic Aurelios sauce recipe profile.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. Allow it to cool before using it on pizza or storing for later use. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Once cooled, your homemade Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe is ready to transform your pizzas.
Storage Guidance for Leftover Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce
Store leftover sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze portions in ice cube trays for easy use later. Frozen sauce maintains quality for up to three months. Always reheat gently and stir well before using on your next Aurelios pizza recipe creation.
Serving Ideas for Your Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce
- Classic Margherita Pizza: Spread this sauce on pizza dough, add fresh mozzarella and basil leaves for an authentic Italian experience that rivals any restaurant.
- Dipping Sauce for Breadsticks: Warm the sauce and serve alongside homemade or store-bought breadsticks for a perfect appetizer that guests will love.
- Pasta Sauce Base: Use this sauce as a foundation for spaghetti or penne, adding ground meat or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Calzone Filling: Include a spoonful inside calzones along with your favorite cheeses and meats for extra flavor and moisture.
- Pizza Bread Topping: Spread on sliced Italian bread, add cheese, and broil for quick pizza bread that’s perfect for lunch or snacks.
- Shakshuka Style Eggs: Create a breakfast dish by simmering eggs directly in the warmed sauce, served with crusty bread for dipping
Tips for Perfecting Your Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Invest in good-quality crushed tomatoes as they form the base of your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are excellent if available in your area.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: The tablespoon of sugar isn’t optional – it balances the natural acidity of tomatoes and creates that signature sweet-savory balance that makes Aurelios sauce recipe special.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Patience is key when making this sauce. The 20-25 minute simmer time allows flavors to develop fully and creates the perfect consistency.
- Fresh Garlic Only: Never substitute garlic powder for fresh minced garlic in this recipe. Fresh garlic provides the aromatic depth that defines authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe.
- Taste as You Go: Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust seasonings gradually. Start with the recommended amounts and modify to suit your family’s preferences.
- Let it Cool Properly: Using hot sauce on pizza dough can make it soggy. Always let your sauce cool to room temperature before assembling your pizza for best results.
- Make Extra Batches: This sauce freezes beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing portions for quick weeknight meals when you’re craving homemade pizza.
This authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste. The simple ingredients combine to create something truly special that will elevate every pizza you make. Try this recipe tonight and taste the difference that homemade sauce makes – your family will be amazed by the results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
A: While fresh tomatoes can work, canned crushed tomatoes provide better consistency and concentrated flavor. If using fresh, you’ll need to cook them longer to achieve the right texture and may need to add tomato paste for richness.
Q: How can I make this sauce less sweet?
A: Reduce the sugar to 1/2 tablespoon or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also add a splash of red wine vinegar to cut through the sweetness while maintaining flavor complexity.
Q: Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, this sauce freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays for convenient single-use amounts. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Q: Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
A: While oregano is traditional, you can experiment with dried basil, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs. Add them gradually and taste-test to maintain the authentic flavor profile that makes this sauce special.
Q: Why does my sauce taste too acidic?
A: Tomatoes can vary in acidity. If your sauce tastes too tart, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of sugar or a small pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acid without changing the overall flavor profile.
Q: How thick should the finished sauce be?
A: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be spreadable. If it’s too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Q: Can I make this sauce in larger batches?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just maintain the same ingredient ratios and extend the simmering time slightly for larger batches to ensure even cooking and proper flavor development.
Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. This initial step is crucial for building flavor foundation. The oil should be warm but not smoking. This helps bring out the garlic’s flavor and creates the perfect base for your Aurelios pizza recipe.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning, as burnt garlic will make the entire sauce bitter. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the oil with aromatic garlic flavor that permeates the entire sauce.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil. Allow the sauce to start simmering gently. The tomatoes will begin to break down and meld with the garlic oil. This combination creates the heart of your authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe.
- Add sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to blend all the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce. The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of tomatoes, while oregano provides that classic Italian flavor. Season gradually and taste as you go.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow simmering process allows all flavors to meld together perfectly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and developing a richer color during this time.
- Sample the sauce as it cooks and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or add water if the consistency becomes too thick. This is where you can customize the sauce to match your personal taste preferences while maintaining the authentic Aurelios sauce recipe profile.
- After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. Allow it to cool before using it on pizza or storing for later use. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Once cooled, your homemade Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe is ready to transform your pizzas.
Video
Notes
This Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce recipe is the ultimate shortcut to capturing that iconic South Side Chicago flavor in your own kitchen. By balancing the bright acidity of crushed tomatoes with a touch of sweetness and aromatic garlic, you create a profile that is both nostalgic and professional. The 25-minute simmering process is the secret to its success, allowing the dried oregano and black pepper to fully infuse the base. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, this easy-to-follow method delivers a rich, restaurant-quality sauce that will elevate any pizza night.
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