Extra Pizza Sauce Or Ranch Dressing Recipe

Sauté garlic

Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tsp olive oil. Once warm, add the minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Combine tomatoes and seasonings

Add the canned crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine so the paste dissolves into the tomatoes. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well.

Simmer to develop flavor

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 2 tablespoons water to reach your desired consistency.

Adjust and finish

Taste and adjust salt, sugar, or herbs as needed. If you want a touch of heat, stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before using on pizza or storing.

Storage

Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months in portions.

Whisk base

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1/4 cup sour cream. Whisk until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.

Add herbs and seasonings

Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped chives, 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried dill (if using), 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk to combine thoroughly.

Taste and adjust

Taste the dressing and adjust thickness or tang: add a little more buttermilk (1–2 tbsp) to thin, or another teaspoon of vinegar/lemon to increase tang. If the dressing tastes slightly bitter or you prefer a hint of sweetness, whisk in 1 tsp honey.

Rest to meld flavors

Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to allow the herbs and seasonings to meld. Stir again before serving. Drizzle a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil on top if desired for sheen.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir or shake before using.

If using red pepper flakes in the pizza sauce, add them during the final seasoning adjustment. For ranch, adding honey or a drizzle of olive oil is optional at the tasting step.