When it comes to unforgettable pizza, the sauce is always the star. Round Table Pizza has earned a loyal following not just for its toppings, but for its uniquely spiced, slightly sweet, and bold tomato sauce. This flavorful base is what makes every bite stand out, and many pizza lovers have wondered how to recreate it at home.
The good news? With a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can whip up a sauce that comes remarkably close to Round Table’s iconic flavor. While it may not be an exact copy, it captures the essence beautifully.
This homemade version has just the right balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and subtle spice. Perfect for pizza night, it’s a recipe that will impress your family and friends every single time.
Why You’ll Love Round Table Pizza Sauce
I’ve always believed that the secret to a great pizza lies in its sauce. The first time I tried Round Table’s, I knew there was something special about it. Its richness, slight sweetness, and hint of spice made every bite memorable.
That led me to experiment at home, determined to craft a sauce that brought me as close as possible to the original. After several trials, taste tests, and debates with family members, I finally landed on a version that hit the spot.
The best part? During blind tastings, some people even preferred my homemade version over the real thing! That moment made all the effort worthwhile, and now it’s my go-to recipe for pizza nights.
Ingredients Required for Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe
- 1 can (6 oz) Hunt’s or Contadina tomato paste
- 4 oz water
- 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 for sweetness balance)
- ½ tsp celery seed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Mortar and pestle (for grinding herbs, optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight jar or container
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: None (best flavor develops overnight)
Total time: 10 minutes active + overnight resting
Copycat Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Round Table Pizza Sauce at home
1. Prepare the Base: Start by emptying a 6-ounce can of tomato paste into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add 4 ounces of water, measured carefully, and stir until the paste and water blend into a smooth, thick sauce consistency.
2. Add the Core Spices: Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. These spices create the base flavors that make the sauce savory and slightly spicy. Mix well to evenly distribute them throughout the tomato mixture.
3. Balance the Sweetness: Add ½ teaspoon of sugar, followed by an additional ¼ teaspoon. This step helps mimic the subtle sweetness of Round Table Pizza’s sauce while balancing the acidity of the tomato paste. Stir thoroughly.
4. Grind the Herbs; For maximum flavor, crush dried oregano and basil using a mortar and pestle before adding them to the sauce. Grinding releases the oils and aroma, giving your pizza sauce an extra layer of freshness.
5. Incorporate Celery Seed: Add ½ teaspoon of celery seed and stir again. This unique ingredient brings out the complexity of flavors and makes the sauce taste remarkably close to the original Round Table Pizza sauce.
6. Rest for Best Results: Once mixed, transfer the sauce into an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to deepen and blend. If you’re short on time, the sauce can be used after an hour, but resting overnight delivers the best taste.
How to Store Round Table Pizza Sauce Properly?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 2 months and thaw before use.
What to Pair and Serve with Round Table Pizza Sauce
1. Classic Homemade Pizza
Of course, the first way we use this sauce is on homemade pizza. Spread it over dough, layer on mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings it truly feels like Round Table right at home.
2. Cheesy Breadsticks
We love brushing breadsticks with garlic butter, baking them golden, and dipping them into this sauce. It turns a simple snack into something irresistible.
3. Pasta Night Upgrade
One evening, we swapped our regular marinara for this sauce on spaghetti. The bold, slightly sweet flavor paired with Parmesan was an instant family hit.
4. Pizza Sandwich Melt
We once spread it inside a toasted sandwich with mozzarella and pepperoni basically a pizza in sandwich form. It was pure comfort food.
5. Stuffed Peppers
We discovered it makes a fantastic base when mixed with rice, ground beef, and veggies inside bell peppers. The sauce ties everything together beautifully.
6. Dipping Sauce for Mozzarella Sticks
Nothing beats dunking hot, gooey mozzarella sticks into this homemade sauce. Honestly, it’s better than most restaurant dips we’ve tried.
7. Eggplant Parmesan
We layered it with breaded eggplant and cheese, and it elevated the dish completely rich, tangy, and hearty.
8. Meatball Subs
This sauce smothered over meatballs inside a crusty roll made one of the best subs we’ve ever had.
9. Breakfast Pizza
Yes, we tried it with eggs, bacon, and cheese on top of pizza dough. Surprisingly delicious and a fun weekend twist.
10. Calzones
Filling calzones with cheese and pepperoni, then dipping them into this sauce, has become one of our guilty pleasures.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Measure carefully
A little too much spice can change the taste, so use measuring spoons and don’t just guess.
2. Use good tomato paste
We noticed Hunt’s or Contadina works best. They make the sauce rich and smooth.
3. Don’t skip the sugar
A pinch of sugar balances the tangy tomato and makes the sauce taste closer to Round Table’s.
4. Grind the herbs
Crushing basil and oregano makes the sauce smell and taste fresher. It’s worth the extra step.
5. Mix really well
Stir until everything blends together. No one wants a bite that’s just salt or spice.
6. Let it rest overnight
We tried it right away, but it tasted much better the next day. The flavors need time to “be friends.”
7. Adjust the spice
If you like it hotter, add a little more cayenne. If not, use less it’s okay to make it your way.
8. Try both brands
Hunt’s makes it a little smoother, while Contadina is chunkier. We enjoyed testing both!
9. Store it safely
Keep the sauce in a jar with a lid. Put it in the fridge so it stays fresh.
10. Use it in fun ways
Don’t just save it for pizza! Try dipping breadsticks or spreading it on sandwiches.
FAQs on Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Round Table Pizza Sauce Recipe.
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
We tried it once, but fresh tomatoes made the sauce too watery. Tomato paste really gives that thick, bold base like Round Table.
2. Which brand of tomato paste works best?
From our tests, Hunt’s gave us a smoother finish, while Contadina had a chunkier texture. Honestly, both worked great it depends on what you like.
3. Do I really need to let the sauce rest overnight?
Yes, if you can! We tasted it right after mixing, and it was good, but the next day it was incredible. The flavors blend much better with time.
4. Is the sauce spicy?
Not too much. It has just a gentle kick from the cayenne. If you like extra heat, add more. If you prefer mild, use less or skip it.
5. Can I freeze this sauce?
Absolutely! We’ve frozen it in small jars, and it reheats beautifully. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
6. What makes this sauce taste like Round Table’s?
We noticed it’s the combo of oregano, basil, and celery seed that really nails the flavor. Without those, it just tastes like regular pizza sauce.
7. Can I make this sauce without sugar?
We tried once, and it came out too tangy. A little sugar balances the flavor, so we recommend keeping it.
8. How long does it last in the fridge?
In our kitchen, it stayed fresh for up to 5 days in a sealed jar. After that, we prefer freezing it.
9. Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes! We’ve tossed it with spaghetti, and it was surprisingly delicious. It’s richer than typical pasta sauce, but it works.
10. Is this recipe exactly like Round Table’s?
Not 100% their exact recipe is a secret. But after blind taste tests, even we had trouble telling the difference. It’s very close!
This Round Table Pizza Sauce recipe may not be the exact restaurant formula, but it’s a spot-on homemade hack that brings those beloved flavors right into your kitchen. With its balance of tang, sweetness, and spice, it’s the perfect foundation for any pizza night.
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.