Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
May 24, 2022
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Dried oregano is the foundational Mediterranean herb, the dominant flavor in pizza sauce, Greek seasoning, Italian seasoning blends, and most Mediterranean and Mexican cooking. Unlike most herbs, dried oregano often tastes BETTER than fresh because the drying process concentrates the volatile oils and produces a more robust flavor. Reader favorites built on it include Greek Chicken Souvlaki and Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce where dried oregano is the dominant herb that defines the Greek-and-Italian profiles.
Mediterranean oregano (Greek, Italian) and Mexican oregano are not the same herb despite the shared name. Mediterranean oregano is the standard in Italian and Greek cooking, piney, slightly bitter, robust. Mexican oregano (different plant family entirely) has citrus and licorice notes that work in Mexican and Latin cooking but clash in Italian applications. For most American recipes calling for ‘oregano,’ Mediterranean is the default; substitute Mexican intentionally for specific dishes.
Dried oregano keeps better than most dried herbs, the volatile oils are stable enough that a properly stored jar retains good flavor for 1-2 years. Sealed jars in dark pantry conditions outperform clear glass jars in bright kitchens. Crumbling the dried leaves between your fingers right before adding to a dish releases extra flavor compared to using them straight from the jar.
For pizza sauce, dried oregano is the dominant herb. The standard recipe is 1 can crushed tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pinch of sugar. Simmer 15 minutes. The result is restaurant-quality pizza sauce that requires no fresh ingredients. garlic powder substituted for fresh garlic produces a slightly less complex but still excellent sauce.
For Greek seasoning, the standard blend is 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, marjoram, salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Use as a rub for chicken, fish, lamb, or to season Greek salad. feta cheese and olive oil pair particularly well with this blend. For storage, dried oregano keeps 1-2 years properly stored. The flavor difference between 6-month-old and 18-month-old jars is noticeable but both remain usable. Other reader picks that build on dried oregano include Chicken Shawarma Bowls and Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce. Browse basil, thyme, and salt for closely related cooking applications.
Oregano contains antioxidants and natural compounds that may help support immune health. It also provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Adding oregano to sauces, roasted vegetables, and savory dishes is a simple way to include flavorful herbs in everyday meals.
Dried oregano should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and aroma. For best results, use dried oregano within about six months to one year.
Good substitutes for dried oregano include dried marjoram, thyme, or italian seasoning blends. These herbs provide similar earthy and slightly peppery flavors in many recipes. Adjust the amount based on taste since each herb has a slightly different strength.
Dried oregano has a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor with subtle peppery notes. Its strong herbal taste becomes more balanced when cooked with ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. This makes it a popular seasoning in many savory dishes.
For more dried herb and Italian-blend options, see our dried basil and Italian seasoning recipes.