If you’re craving a fun twist on classic pizza night, you’re going to love this Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe. It takes the comforting flavors of homemade tomato sauce and combines them with an inventive way of baking pizza in a brownie pan, making every slice a perfect rectangle of cheesy, saucy goodness. This recipe is as charmingly simple as it is delicious, transforming pizza into a shareable, perfectly portioned meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this sauce pop and the step-by-step to bring your pizza creation to life!

Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe shines because of its humble but thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, giving the sauce its rich, aromatic character that complements the golden crust and melty cheese beautifully.

8-oz can tomato sauce: The robust base that provides luscious tomato flavor and beautiful color.
½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory aroma without overpowering the sauce.
½ tsp onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce’s profile.
½ tsp dried whole thyme: Infuses a slight earthy hint that makes every bite interesting.
¾ tsp dried oregano: Classic herb making the sauce unmistakably Italian in character.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance the flavors perfectly.
13.8-oz can refrigerated pizza dough: The convenient, soft foundation for your brownie pan pizza.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, uniting all the flavors on top.
Your favorite pizza toppings: Customize with pepperoni, veggies, or whatever you love most.

How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by pouring the tomato sauce into a medium saucepan, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, allowing those herbs and spices to blend deeply with the tomatoes. This simmering step unlocks an amazing depth of flavor that you just can’t get from jarred sauces.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

While your sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 400ºF. Lightly spray a Bakers Edge brownie pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later on. This special pan is perfect for the recipe as it creates perfectly portioned pizza “squares” that everyone will love.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough into a flat rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches. Cut the dough into four strips, each measuring about 3.5 by 10 inches—just the right size to fit into each section of the brownie pan. Press the dough strips into the pan compartments, sealing seams carefully at the corners to form little pizza “crust pockets.” This keeps everything contained and crisp as it bakes.

Step 4: Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings

Now, generously spread your homemade pizza sauce over each dough strip right in the pan. Next comes the magic touch: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled evenly on top. Finally, add your favorite pizza toppings—whether that’s classic pepperoni, colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous. Each topping adds its own burst of flavor to this clever pizza format.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the brownie pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for beautifully browned edges on the crust and that irresistible melted cheese bubbling on top. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps everything set so it’s easy to lift out those perfect pizza slices.

How to Serve Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or dried red pepper flakes on top just before serving can bring an extra pop of freshness or a subtle kick that takes this pizza to the next level. A little drizzle of quality olive oil or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add richness too, elevating your slice to pure indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pairing this pizza with a crisp green salad or a zesty coleslaw can balance the meal nicely, cutting through the richness of the cheese and sauce. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of warm soup, such as minestrone or tomato basil, are also fantastic on the side for a cozy and complete dinner experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your brownie pan pizza straight from the pan at the table for a casual, fun experience that encourages everyone to grab their favorite slice. Alternatively, arrange the slices on a platter with fresh herbs scattered over the top or even offer a dipping bowl of extra homemade pizza sauce to double down on flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter how you do it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is always a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The brownie pan format holds the pizza’s shape nicely, so reheated slices will still feel fresh and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze this pizza by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and popping them in a freezer bag. Frozen slices will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For perfectly reheated pizza, warm slices in a preheated oven at 375ºF for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again and the crust is crisp. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or even a skillet on medium heat to revive that irresistible crust crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?

Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can simmer them down and blend to create a fresh tomato sauce. Just adjust seasoning to taste since fresh tomatoes may have a different sweetness and acidity.

What if I don’t have a Bakers Edge brownie pan? Can I use something else?

Yes! Any rimmed baking dish that’s about the same size will work, but you won’t get the same perfectly portioned squares. You can also improvise by using a regular brownie pan or a small sheet pan and cutting the pizza into slices after baking.

Can I make this pizza sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pizza on baking day easy and quick.

What toppings do you recommend for kids?

For picky eaters, try classic choices like pepperoni, sliced olives, or diced bell peppers. You can also do a simple cheese-only version that’s always a hit with little ones.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

This version uses refrigerated pizza dough which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free pizza dough available at many stores or homemade versions tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Pizza Sauce (Brownie Pan Pizza) Recipe is pure joy on a plate. It’s an easy, creative way to make pizza night extra special with a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and a presentation that’s both fun and practical. I can’t wait for you to try this and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Happy pizza making!