Name: Domino's Pizza Sauce Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup tomato paste (the base for that thick tomato flavor); 1/4 cup water (to thin out the paste a bit); 2 tbsp sugar (helps tame acidity and caramelizes in the oven); 1 tbsp olive oil (for that smooth mouthfeel and herb bloom); 1 tsp dried oregano (main herb, sharp and herbal); 1 tsp dried basil (adds that classic pizza herb vibe); 1/2 tsp dehydrated garlic powder (garlicky punch without fresh garlic fuss); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (just a little bite); 1/8 tsp citric acid (for that consistent tang and shelf life, you can find it online or in canning supplies); 1/4 tsp salt (to round everything out)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the distinct flavor and texture of a Domino’s style pizza sauce, this copycat recipe is for you. You start with simple pantry ingredients like canned tomato sauce, a hint of sugar, dried herbs, and a splash of vinegar. Just pour everything into a saucepan and let the flavors simmer together. Your kitchen will smell like a real pizza shop in no time.

What’s great is that this sauce doesn’t need all day to taste good. Within 15 minutes, you have a thick, rich sauce that is both sweet and tangy. You can spoon it over homemade pizza dough or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Kids and grownups both approve. It’s a small effort with big rewards.

Creamy homemade tomato soup in a glass bowl garnished with fresh herbs and black pepper, placed on a wooden countertop in a cozy kitchen setting.

pizza oven cta 2025 ver2b Domino's Pizza Sauce Copycat Recipe

The Tomato Test

If you want your homemade Domino’s pizza sauce to taste like the real thing, start with the right tomato base. Skip watery crushed tomatoes or thin tomato sauce. What you need is thick, high-quality tomato paste. Tomato paste brings deep flavor and the right texture. It’s what Domino’s uses to help the sauce stick to the dough and let all those herbs shine.

Look for cans with just tomatoes and maybe citric acid listed on the label. No extra seasonings needed. The paste should be bright red and smell sweet, not metallic or sour. If you taste it, it should be tangy but not harsh. This is your blank canvas, ready for all the spices and sweetness that make Domino’s sauce pop.

Your Grocery List

Tomato paste
Olive oil
Sugar
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Black pepper
Dehydrated garlic or garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Citric acid or lemon juice
Water

Techniques and Tips

To get that signature Domino’s flavor, do not simmer your sauce. Instead, mix everything cold. This keeps the herbs tasting fresh and bright. Add the olive oil before the water so the spices can bloom in the fat. This helps the garlic and oregano stand out. Use a whisk to blend the tomato paste, oil, and spices until smooth, then thin it with water until it’s spreadable but not runny.

If you use citric acid, add just a pinch at a time. It gives the sauce that quick tang Domino’s is known for, but too much will make it sour. Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least an hour before using. This gives the flavors time to meld.

Make It Even Better

Want to level up your sauce? Try toasting the dried herbs in a dry pan for a minute before mixing them in. This wakes up their oils and makes the sauce smell amazing. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For a deeper garlic flavor, use roasted garlic powder instead of regular. And if you have the time, make the sauce a day ahead. The flavors get even stronger overnight.

Drink Pairings

Domino’s-style pizza sauce is bold and a bit sweet, so it pairs well with drinks that can handle a little spice. Try a cold cola if you like soda, or a light lager for beer fans. If you want wine, go for a fruity red like Zinfandel or a chilled Lambrusco. Even sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works to keep things fresh.

Dessert Pairings

After a cheesy, saucy pizza, something simple and creamy hits the spot. Vanilla ice cream sandwiches or a slice of cheesecake balance the herbs and tang in the sauce. If you want to keep it classic, chocolate chip cookies are always a win.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions using ice cube trays or snack-sized bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use straight from the freezer in a pinch.

Prep Time

About 10 minutes is all you need to mix everything together.

Cook Time

No cooking needed. This sauce is cold-mixed, just like Domino’s.

Total Time

Including a quick chill in the fridge, you’ll be done in about 1 hour.

Servings

This recipe makes enough sauce for 2 large pizzas.

Nutritional Info

Each two-tablespoon serving has about 40 calories, 2 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of sugar. It’s low in protein, but high in flavor.

Fun Facts

Domino’s calls this their “Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce.” It’s designed to taste the same in every store, whether you’re in Texas or Tokyo. The sauce never gets cooked in the store. Instead, it’s mixed and shipped cold to keep the herbs tasting fresh.

Allergen Warnings

This sauce is free from common allergens like dairy, nuts, and eggs. Always check your spice labels to make sure they don’t contain hidden fillers.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

Good news: The base recipe is already vegetarian and vegan. Just double-check your sugar and spices to make sure they’re processed without animal products if that’s important to you. If you want extra richness, try a splash of vegan butter instead of olive oil.