Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe

There’s something magical about Round Table Pizza sauce that keeps pizza lovers coming back for more. That perfect balance of tangy tomato, aromatic herbs, and subtle sweetness creates an unforgettable flavor that’s become legendary in the pizza world.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that signature Round Table pizza experience at home, you’re in the right place. This copycat Round Table pizza sauce recipe captures every nuance of the original, from its smooth texture to its complex flavor profile.

With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll have authentic-tasting Round Table sauce ready for your homemade pizza nights, pasta dishes, or any recipe calling for premium pizza sauce.

What Does It Taste Like?

This round table sauce recipe delivers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and herbaceous notes that dance on your palate. The tomato base provides rich umami depth, while garlic and onion powders add aromatic complexity.

You’ll notice a gentle warmth from cayenne pepper that never overwhelms, balanced perfectly by a subtle sweetness that rounds out the acidity. The oregano and basil bring that classic Italian pizza parlor aroma, while the secret ingredient celery seed adds an unexpected layer of sophistication.

The texture is smooth yet slightly thick, clinging beautifully to pizza dough without being watery. After resting, the flavors meld into that distinctive Round Table Pizza taste you know and love.

Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (6 oz) Hunt’s or Contadina tomato paste
• 4 oz water (½ cup)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp sugar (½ tsp + ¼ tsp, divided)
• ½ tsp celery seed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Kitchen Utensils

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Liquid measuring cup
• Whisk or sturdy spoon
• Mortar and pestle (optional, for crushing herbs)
• Airtight jar or container for storage
• Rubber spatula

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour minimum (overnight preferred)
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (or overnight)
Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sauce (enough for 2-3 medium pizzas)

Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Empty the entire 6-ounce can of tomato paste into your medium-sized mixing bowl, scraping the sides to get every bit of that concentrated tomato goodness.

Step 2: Measure exactly 4 ounces (½ cup) of water and add it to the tomato paste. Using a whisk or sturdy spoon, stir vigorously until the paste and water blend completely into a smooth, thick sauce consistency without any lumps.

Step 3: Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt to your tomato mixture. These foundational spices create the savory backbone of your round table pizza sauce copycat. Mix thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure even distribution throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of sugar first, stir well, then add the remaining ¼ teaspoon. This two-step sugar addition helps you control the sweetness level and perfectly balances the natural acidity of the tomato paste, mimicking that signature Round Table flavor.

Step 5: If you have a mortar and pestle, crush the dried oregano and basil together before adding them to release their essential oils and maximize flavor. If not, simply rub the herbs between your palms to break them up slightly, then add to the sauce.

Step 6: Add the celery seed this is the secret ingredient that truly makes this copycat round table pizza sauce taste authentic. Stir everything together thoroughly for about one minute, ensuring all herbs and spices are evenly incorporated.

Step 7: Transfer your freshly made round table pizza recipe sauce into an airtight jar or container using a rubber spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors begin melding, but for the absolute best results that rival the original, let it rest overnight. The waiting period allows the spices to bloom and develop that complex, well-rounded taste.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Cheese Pizza Base: Spread this round table sauce recipe generously over your favorite pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with whole milk mozzarella and aged parmesan for an authentic pizzeria experience that showcases the sauce’s flavor perfectly.

2. Spicy Kick Variation: Double the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love heat. This transforms your copycat round table pizza sauce into a zesty version that pairs beautifully with pepperoni, Italian sausage, or jalapeños.

3. Garlic Lover’s Dream: Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon or add ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic for extra punch. This enhanced version works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, calzones, or as a base for white meat chicken pizzas.

4. Sweet and Savory Balance: If you prefer a sweeter profile similar to round table polynesian sauce influences, increase the sugar to 1 full teaspoon. This version complements ham and pineapple pizzas or pairs excellently with caramelized onions and roasted vegetables.

5. Herb Garden Fresh: Add ½ teaspoon of dried thyme and a pinch of rosemary to create a more complex herbal profile. This variation elevates gourmet pizzas topped with prosciutto, arugula, or goat cheese.

6. Pasta Sauce Transformation: Thin the sauce with an additional 2-4 ounces of water or chicken broth to create a perfect consistency for pasta dishes. Toss with spaghetti, use in baked ziti, or layer in lasagna for that familiar Round Table taste.

7. Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve your round table pizza sauce copycat in small ramekins alongside mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, chicken wings, or pizza rolls. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich spread for Italian subs or meatball sandwiches, adding that pizzeria-quality flavor to any meal.

Essential Tips for Perfect Round Table Pizza Sauce

Tip 1 – Choose Quality Tomato Paste

The foundation of your copycat round table pizza sauce starts with good tomato paste. Hunt’s and Contadina brands are recommended because they have the right consistency and flavor balance. Avoid generic brands that may be too watery or metallic-tasting, as they’ll affect your final result.

Tip 2 – Don’t Skip the Resting Time

While it’s tempting to use your round table sauce recipe immediately, patience pays off tremendously. The overnight refrigeration allows the dried herbs to rehydrate, the spices to bloom, and all flavors to marry together. This resting period is what transforms good sauce into great sauce that truly mimics the original.

Tip 3 – Measure Water Precisely

The 4-ounce water measurement creates the ideal pizza sauce consistency thick enough to stay on the dough without making it soggy, yet spreadable enough to cover evenly. Too much water creates a runny sauce that slides off during baking; too little makes it pasty and difficult to spread.

Tip 4 – Crush Your Herbs

Taking the extra minute to crush dried oregano and basil releases their aromatic oils, intensifying the flavor exponentially. Whether using a mortar and pestle or simply rubbing between your palms, this small step makes a noticeable difference in achieving that authentic round table pizza recipe taste.

Tip 5 – Temperature Matters

Always make your sauce with room temperature ingredients rather than cold tomato paste straight from the pantry. This helps everything blend more smoothly and allows the sugar to dissolve completely. However, once mixed, refrigeration is essential for flavor development.

Tip 6 – Adjust Sweetness Gradually

The two-step sugar addition isn’t just for show it gives you control over the final sweetness level. Tomato paste brands vary slightly in acidity, so tasting after the first ½ teaspoon allows you to adjust. You can always add that final ¼ teaspoon or even omit it if your tomatoes are naturally sweeter.

Tip 7 – Make It in Batches

This round table pizza sauce copycat recipe stores beautifully, so consider doubling or tripling the batch. Freeze portions in ice cube trays, then transfer to freezer bags for individual pizza-sized portions. Each cube equals roughly 2 tablespoons perfect for quick weeknight pizzas or last-minute entertaining.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your round table pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months. No reheating necessary simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before using on pizza or in recipes.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe that people often ask.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste for this copycat round table pizza sauce?

A: While fresh tomatoes are wonderful, they won’t replicate the concentrated flavor and thick consistency that makes Round Table sauce special. Tomato paste provides the intense tomato flavor and proper texture without excess water. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you’d need to cook them down significantly and strain out seeds and skins, which defeats the quick simplicity of this recipe.

Q: What makes celery seed so important in this round table sauce recipe?

Celery seed is the secret ingredient that distinguishes this sauce from ordinary pizza sauces. It adds a subtle, earthy complexity and slight bitterness that balances the sweetness and acidity. While many people can’t identify it specifically, they notice something special about the flavor profile. You can omit it, but your sauce won’t taste quite as authentic.

Q: Can I substitute fresh herbs for the dried oregano and basil?

Fresh herbs have much more water content and milder flavor than dried, so they’re not ideal for this round table pizza recipe. If you must use fresh, you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of each (three times the dried amount), but the sauce may become thinner and the flavor won’t develop the same way during resting. Dried herbs are truly better for replicating the original.

Q: Why does my sauce taste too acidic or tart?

Tomato paste brands vary in acidity levels. If your sauce tastes too tart, gradually add more sugar, ⅛ teaspoon at a time, until balanced. Alternatively, add a tiny pinch of baking soda (no more than ⅛ teaspoon) to neutralize acidity. Remember that flavors mellow during refrigeration, so taste again after the resting period before adjusting.

Q: How much sauce should I use per pizza?

For a 12-inch medium pizza, use approximately ⅓ to ½ cup of this round table pizza sauce copycat. Spread it thinly and evenly, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust. Too much sauce makes pizzas soggy and prevents the crust from crisping properly. This recipe yields enough for 2-3 medium pizzas.

Q: Can I cook this sauce before using it on pizza?

No cooking required! This is an uncooked sauce designed to bake directly on your pizza. Cooking it beforehand would concentrate the flavors too much and change the texture. The sauce cooks perfectly during the pizza baking process, developing its flavor while the cheese melts and the crust crisps.

Q: What’s the difference between this and round table ranch recipe or round table polynesian sauce?

This is specifically the red pizza sauce recipe. Round Table ranch recipe is their creamy ranch dressing used for dipping or as a pizza sauce alternative, made with buttermilk, herbs, and mayonnaise. Round table polynesian sauce is a sweet-and-tangy sauce with tropical flavors, completely different from this tomato-based pizza sauce. Each serves different menu purposes.

Q: Does this round table pizza sauce copycat work for deep dish pizza?

Absolutely! This sauce works beautifully for any pizza style thin crust, hand-tossed, deep dish, or even flatbreads. For Chicago-style deep dish, you might want to make 1.5 times the recipe since those pizzas use more generous sauce amounts. The thick consistency holds up perfectly in deep dish without becoming watery.

Q: Can I make this sauce spicier without affecting other flavors?

Yes! Increase the cayenne pepper gradually, adding ⅛ teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired heat level. You can also add red pepper flakes (start with ¼ teaspoon) for a different type of heat with visible flakes. The other seasonings are balanced to complement added spice without needing adjustment.

Creating an authentic-tasting copycat round table pizza sauce at home is easier than you ever imagined, requiring just minutes of hands-on time and simple pantry ingredients.

This recipe captures the essence of what makes Round Table Pizza sauce so beloved that perfect harmony of tangy tomato, aromatic herbs, and balanced sweetness that keeps you coming back slice after slice.

Whether you’re crafting homemade pizzas for family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving that nostalgic pizzeria flavor, this sauce delivers every time. Make a batch today and discover how easy it is to bring the Round Table experience to your own kitchen!

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