Paired with my pan pizza crust and favorite toppings, this copycat Pizza Hut pizza sauce makes a homemade gluten-free pan pizza taste just like the original. It’s rich, tangy, and foolproof—your family (and you) will be pleasantly surprised.
Sometimes you crave the nostalgic comfort of a chain pizza. I’ve never claimed Pizza Hut was the best pizza overall—I’m a New York-style fan—but their pan pizza had a distinctive appeal: a crisp, almost fried bottom, thick tangy sauce, and bubbly, gooey cheese. That combination was unforgettable.
My son is a delivery-pizza lover, and every time a box arrives I savor the aroma from across the table. He takes that first bite and I imagine sinking my teeth into the crunchy crust and that flavorful sauce. This recipe recreates that experience at home—without leaving the kitchen.
The image above isn’t from a delivery box—it’s my own creation. This is my gluten-free pan pizza, topped with this copycat Pizza Hut sauce and my gluten-free pan pizza dough. You can use the sauce on any crust—regular or gluten-free—or as a dipping sauce. It’s versatile and delicious.
What’s In This Copycat Pizza Hut Pizza Sauce?
This sauce uses simple pantry ingredients, but together they create depth and the right balance of tang, sweetness, and herbs. The ingredients are:
- tomato paste or tomato sauce
- water
- olive oil
- granulated sugar
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
If you’re gluten-free and miss delivery pizza, make this at home. With the right crust and toppings it can easily rival—or even surpass—the original. Below is a clear, practical recipe you can use right away.
Copycat Pizza Hut pizza sauce
Ingredients
- 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste or 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water, or 1 cup water if using tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low so the sauce simmers, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for about 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes, until the sauce is reduced and thickened.
-
Allow sauce to cool, then store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4–5 days or freeze for up to three months.