If you grew up on Friday night pizzas from a box, chances are you remember that Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce sweet, herby, rich, and utterly comforting. For me, it was more than just a sauce. It was tradition. The smell of that little red can opening, the tomatoey goodness bubbling away in the oven, and the joy of building your own pizza all felt special.
So, after searching high and low for the standalone product (and striking out at stores often), I decided to recreate the Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce Recipe at home. And let me tell you, this version hits all the right notes slightly sweet, herbaceous, with that deep tomato flavor we all crave.
Today, I am sharing my go-to copycat version that is easy to whip up with pantry staples and takes less than 30 minutes. If you are ready to relive those nostalgic bites but with a fresher, more flavorful twist let us dive in.
What so Special About Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce?
What makes Chef Boyardee pizza sauce so special is its nostalgic, sweet-savory flavor that instantly takes you back to classic homemade pizza nights. It is perfectly balanced with tomato richness, gentle herbs like basil and oregano, and just a touch of sweetness simple, comforting, and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients Required for Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- 28 oz. can crush tomatoes.
- 6 oz. can tomato paste.
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper (about 10–15 twists)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Medium sauce pot
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic presses or knife
- Can opener
- Immersion blender
- Glass jar or container for storing leftovers
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2
How to Make Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce at home
Step 1 – Sauté the Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a medium saucepot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 1–2 minutes just until it smells amazing but has not browned.
Step 2 – Add Tomatoes and Flavor: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Then stir in the sugar, salt, basil, oregano, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 3 – Simmer and Develop Flavor: Cover the pot, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook for at least 15 minutes 30 if you have the time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually let it simmer while prepping my pizza dough. The longer it cooks, the deeper and richer the flavor becomes.
Some Delicious Food Pairings for This Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce
1. Homemade French bread pizza
Crisp, golden bread topped with melty cheese and this rich, slightly sweet sauce, it’s crunchy, gooey, and deeply satisfying.
2. Mozzarella stick dipping sauce
A warm, herby, tangy tomato dip that perfectly complements the salty creaminess of mozzarella.
3. Pizza bagels
Chewy, toasty bagels layered with bold, savory-sweet sauce and gooey cheese bite-sized bursts of flavor.
4. Stromboli or calzones
Flaky crust wraps around melted cheese and this aromatic sauce, each bite is saucy, spicy, and indulgent.
5. Pasta bake
Tender pasta baked in cheesy layers with this smooth, zesty sauce, comfort food with a nostalgic twist.
6. Grilled cheese dip
Dip crispy, buttery sandwiches into this bold, slightly tangy sauce for a melty, tomato-kissed explosion.
7. Pepperoni pinwheels
Buttery dough swirled with cheese, pepperoni, and this sweet-herbed sauce – savory, snackable perfection.
8. Eggplant or chicken parm
This sauce adds sweet-savory depth to crispy layers of eggplant or chicken and rice mozzarella.
9. Slathered on meatball subs
Juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, tomatoey sauce that’s sweet, peppery, and full of bold flavor.
10. Baked ziti with a twist
Pasta baked in this nostalgic, sweet-savory sauce with bubbling cheese, pure, saucy comfort in every bite.
Some Tips to Nail the Perfect Sauce Every Time
1. Use quality tomatoes. San Marzano or fire-roasted brands really elevate the flavor.
2. Do not rush the simmer Even 10 more minutes on low heat deepens the taste.
3. Balance the sugar. Too much and it is cloying; too little and it is too tart.
4. Crack your pepper fresh. It adds more depth than pre-ground.
5. Blend if desired. For a smoother texture, give it a quick buzz with an immersion blender.
6. Add umami. A dash of anchovy pastes or Parmesan rind boosts savory notes.
7. Double the batch. It freezes well and saves you time later.
8. Control the heat. Red pepper flakes are optional but give them character.
9. Layer flavors. Start with garlic in oil to build the base.
10. Taste and tweak. Your palate is the final judge, do not be afraid to adjust salt or herbs.
How to Store and Reheat Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce Properly?
Once your sauce has cooled completely, you can store it in the fridge by transferring it to a sealed glass jar or any airtight container, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 7 days. When you are ready to use it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or pop it in the microwave in short bursts, giving it a good stir between intervals to keep the texture exactly right.
Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce Recipe
Craving that nostalgic flavor? This homemade Chef Boyardee pizza sauce recipe brings back the classic sweet and herby taste you remember. Made fresh with pantry staples in under 30 minutes. Perfect for pizzas, pastas, and more!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- 28 oz. can crush tomatoes.
- 6 oz. can tomato paste.
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper (about 10–15 twists)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a medium saucepot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 1–2 minutes just until it smells amazing but has not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Flavor: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Then stir in the sugar, salt, basil, oregano, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Simmer and Develop Flavor: Cover the pot, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook for at least 15 minutes 30 if you have the time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I usually let it simmer while prepping my pizza dough. The longer it cooks, the deeper and richer the flavor becomes.
Notes
- Use quality tomatoes. San Marzano or fire-roasted brands really elevate the flavor.
- Do not rush the simmer Even 10 more minutes on low heat deepens the taste.
- Balance the sugar. Too much and it is cloying; too little and it is too tart.
- Crack your pepper fresh. It adds more depth than pre-ground.
- Blend if desired. For a smoother texture, give it a quick buzz with an immersion blender.
- Add umami. A dash of anchovy pastes or Parmesan rind boosts savory notes.
- Double the batch. It freezes well and saves you time later.
- Control the heat. Red pepper flakes are optional but give them character.
- Layer flavors. Start with garlic in oil to build the base.
- Taste and tweak. Your palate is the final judge, do not be afraid to adjust salt or herbs.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114
Common Queries on This Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce that people often ask.
1. What are the ingredients in Chef Boyardee pizza sauce?
This Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce typically includes tomato puree, garlic, salt, sugar, and Italian herbs. Our version upgrades these with crushed tomatoes and fresh spices.
2. What is Chef Boyardee sauce made of?
This Chef Boyardee Sauce is made from a tomato base enriched with herbs like oregano and basil, plus sugar and salt for balance.
3. Why is Chef Boyardee sauce so good?
Chef Boyardee Sauce hits that sweet spot between sweet and savory. It is nostalgic, easy to love, and surprisingly well balanced.
4. Does Walmart have Chef Boyardee pizza sauce?
They often sell full pizza kits, but the sauce alone is haphazard. That is why this homemade version is so handy.
5. Can I use this sauce for pasta or other dishes?
Definitely. It is great on pasta, meatballs, subs, or as a dipping sauce.
6. How long does it last in the fridge?
This Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce last up to 7 days in an airtight container.
7. Can I make it in advance?
Yes, and it often tastes better the next day.
8. What makes this copycat taste so real?
The combo of tomato paste, olive oil, and sweet-savory herbs nails that have classic flavor.
9. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Add or skip the red pepper flakes based on your preference.
10. Is it gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, just check your canned tomatoes for any additives.
There you have it my from-scratch, flavor-packed, Chef Boyardee pizza sauce recipe that brings back all the nostalgia of those iconic Friday nights, but with a deeper, fresher flavor you will be proud to serve.
Whether you are spreading it on dough, dipping garlic knots, or spooning it over pasta, this sauce is a notable change. Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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