Are you looking at how to make pizza sauce? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Making pizza sauce is easy to do at home.
You can make it the old-fashioned way or take a shortcut and have a delicious sauce in no time. There are many ways to make homemade pizza sauce, but what they all have in common is to start with tomato sauce and end up with something delicious!
The key to making homemade pizza sauce is knowing which ingredients work best together, when to add them, and how long to simmer for the best flavor.
Today I’m sharing my favorite homemade pizza sauce recipe so you can make pizzeria-friendly pasta at home too! Are you seeking for How to make pizza sauce? if yes you are at the right place.
How to make pizza sauce?
What is pizza sauce, and why do you need it?
Pizza sauce is a seasoned, cooked pureed tomato sauce that is used to top pizza before it is cooked. In many recipes, it’s simply referred to as “sauce” or “marinara sauce.” Some pizza sauces contain garlic and spices, while others are plain.
When you make your own pizza sauce, you have complete control over the flavors and ingredients, allowing you to tailor them to your preferences—whether they’re more traditional or more unique! Whatever you like, once you try making it at home, I’m pretty sure you’ll never go back to the store!
What ingredients do I need for homemade pizza sauce?
Tomato paste is naturally high in umami and adds depth of flavor to pizza sauce. Tomato paste is available in tubes or cans.
– Garlic: Adds depth to homemade pizza sauce as well as a garlic flavor punch. Perfect for garlic enthusiasts! Before adding the cloves to the pan, I usually chop them into small pieces.
– Spices: Traditional marinara sauce spices include basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Others, on the other hand, prefer an Italian seasoning blend. Either way, it works perfectly!
– Onion and/or shallots: These are optional ingredients that enhance the flavor and body of the sauce.
– Oil: Aids in the sautéing of the onion, garlic, and shallots.
– Season your pizza sauce with salt, pepper, and sugar! To balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, I like to add a little sugar.
How to make homemade pizza sauce?
It’s easier than you think to make your own pizza sauce! We’ll start with step one and then go over some optional steps that add more depth of flavor if you have time. Do you prefer a simple marinara sauce? See my Spaghetti Squash Marinara Sauce recipe. Let’s get started…
Tip 1: Saute the Ingredients – Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, onions, and shallots (along with any other optional ingredients) until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, after adding tomato paste.
Tip 2: Simmer Ingredients – Deglaze the pan with water or stock to release the bits on the bottom of the pan into the sauce. This also helps to keep your pizza sauce from burning. – Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors develop for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If time allows, add additional ingredients such as Italian seasoning spices or red wine for more flavor depth. Depending on how long you leave it to simmer, you may need to add a tbsp or two of oil or water to loosen it up into a sauce consistency. – Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Tip 3: Check for Seasoning – Depending on your preferences, the pizza sauce may require more salt, sugar, and/or spices. Remember that pizza is typically salty (due to the cheese), so you may not require as much as you believe!
Tip 4: Include fresh basil (optional). There is nothing more authentic than using fresh basil leaves to make your own marinara or pizza sauce! When I add fresh basil, I leave it on top of the simmering sauce for just long enough for the leaves to wilt before removing it from the heat.
Tip 5: Save and reheat pizza sauce The homemade pizza sauce will be saved.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, add a splash of water or oil (if desired) and microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute (or until the desired temperature is reached).
What can I make with homemade pizza sauce?
That is entirely your choice! Here are a few examples:
– Serve with garlic bread as a dipping sauce.
– Serve on top of spaghetti squash noodles, baked potatoes, polenta cakes, and other dishes.
– Season to taste and serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash “zoodles.”
– Use instead of marinara sauce stuffed shells, lasagna, and other dishes.
– Use your favorite vegetable pizza as a pizza sauce!
HOW TO PIZZA SAUCE FROM SCRATCH
Serves: 2 cups Ingredients
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onions – 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil* (approx. one medium)
- three minced garlic cloves (approx. two tablespoons)
- 6 oz tomato paste (regular, not “low sodium” or “no salt added”) – 1 cup water or stock
- two tablespoons white wine, dry – Season with salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Sauteing the Ingredients Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the garlic, onion, and shallots (along with any other optional ingredients) and cook until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer the Ingredients Deglaze the pan with water or stock to release the bits on the bottom of the pan into the sauce. This also helps to keep your pizza sauce from burning. Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors develop for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If time allows, add additional ingredients such as Italian seasoning spices or red wine for more flavor depth. Depending on how long you leave it to simmer, you may need to add a tbsp or two of oil or water to loosen it up into a sauce consistency.
How to make pizza sauce with fresh tomatoes?
Using fresh tomatoes, this method creates a fresh and tasty pizza sauce. The finished consistency is not as thick as the canned tomato method, but it tastes much better.
INGREDIENTS:
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped
– 6 minced garlic cloves
– 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Season with salt and pepper to taste
METHOD:
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and shallots (along with any other optional ingredients) until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with water or stock to release the bits on the bottom of the pan into the sauce.
This also helps to keep your pizza sauce from burning. Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors develop for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If time allows, add additional ingredients such as Italian seasoning spices or red wine for more flavor depth.
Depending on how long you leave it to simmer, you may need to add a tbsp or two of oil or water to loosen it up into a sauce consistency.
Examine the Seasoning Depending on your preferences, the pizza sauce may require more salt, sugar, and/or spices. Remember that pizza is typically salty (due to the cheese), so you may not require as much as you believe! Stir in fresh basil leaves until wilted.
Option #1: Blend and Season To make a smooth, velvety sauce, place the tomato mixture in a blender and blend until it reaches the desired consistency. If you’re going to use it for pizza, keep it thicker so it doesn’t run off your pizza slices.
The blended sauce will not keep well in the freezer. Option #2: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, process or mash the cooked tomatoes with a potato masher (or fork). This is also excellent if you intend to freeze your homemade pizza sauce!
Examine the Seasoning Depending on your preferences, the pizza sauce may require more salt, sugar, and/or spices. Remember that pizza is typically salty (due to the cheese), so you may not require as much as you believe!
How long will pizza sauce keep in the fridge?
Pizza sauce can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 weeks in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, try freezing some (see “how to freeze leftover tomato paste”). The best way to thaw frozen sauce is to leave it out on the counter or in the fridge overnight.
If you need it faster, defrosting it in the microwave is acceptable but may result in slightly watery pizza sauce. Transfer the frozen block of tomato paste to a bowl and allow it to come to room temperature before using.
How to make pizza sauce without tomato paste?
If you want to make pizza sauce without using tomato paste as a base, the procedure is slightly different. Cook down the aromatics and some of the liquid for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s reduced to about half its original volume.
After that, add all of your seasonings and fresh tomatoes. Remember that fresh tomatoes will release more liquid into your sauce, so it may not reduce as much.
Pizza sauce recipe Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano, rosemary, and thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
– A handful of roughly torn basil leaves, and stalks discarded or saved for stock.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the tomatoes and all of the other ingredients. Cook for about 20 minutes on low heat to bring out the tomato flavor. Remove it from the heat gradually once it begins to bubble. After 5 minutes, stir in the majority of the basil.
It’s now ready to use or cool down before freezing Sp Bolognese Sauce, a perfect base for any dish that requires a rich, beefy flavor.
How long will pizza sauce last?
When stored properly in the pantry, pizza sauce in a jar or plastic tub can last up to 2-3 years, assuming no meat products are used.
How long do canned tomatoes keep?
Canned whole tomatoes and tomato paste typically have expiration dates ranging from 18 months to 4 years from the time they were canned. This date can be found on the bottom or top of the can. Keep an eye out for “best by” or “expiration” dates!
You can also check the manufacturing code, which is typically made up of numbers and letters that represent the year and day. There’s no need to be concerned about spoilage if you use canned tomatoes within 1-2 days of opening. It should keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days and can be used as part of a meal.
How long does spaghetti sauce/marinara keep?
Sauces for spaghetti and marinara typically last 7-10 days in the fridge and up to 5 years in the pantry. This assumes they are properly canned and free of contamination (including mold).
Throw away anything that shows signs of decay or contamination right away! For best results, avoid using meat products in your spaghetti sauce (such as ground beef, sausage slices, and so on) – this type of sauce can go wrong within one day if it contains meat products.
How long can marinara sauce last in the fridge?
Spaghetti sauces and marinara sauces typically keep in the fridge for 7-10 days. This assumes they are properly canned and free of contamination (including mold). Throw away anything that shows signs of decay or contamination right away!
For best results, avoid using meat products in your spaghetti sauce (such as ground beef, sausage slices, and so on) – this type of sauce can go bad in 1-2 days if it contains meat products.
How much pizza sauce do I need?
That depends entirely on how much pizza you intend to make! A good rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons per slice or 1/4 cup per pizza. You can also use less if you prefer your pizza sauce and more if you want to dip your crust in it!
How long can I freeze homemade sauce?
In the freezer, an airtight container should last 3-6 months. Before freezing, label everything with the date so you know when it expires!
Allow it to thaw at room temperature for several hours. If necessary, run the container under warm (not hot!) running water until it has reached room temperature.
Keep in mind that any meat products used will spoil much faster than other sauces and should not be frozen for more than two months.
FAQs about How to make pizza sauce?
What is the difference between Pizza Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce?
In most cases, there is no distinction between pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce. Pizza sauce (or marinara) is typically used as a base for pizzas, whereas spaghetti sauce are typically eaten with pasta. However, you can find recipes for both on the internet!
Should homemade pizza sauce be cooked?
Usually, yes! Spaghetti sauces and pizza sauces contain a variety of ingredients such as tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, and spices. The heat from the cooking process will help to combine all of the flavors and dissolve any salt that needs to be dissolved).
Can I use ketchup as pizza sauce?
You certainly can, but you should not! Ketchup is typically high in sugar and has a distinct flavor profile from other types of pizza sauce.
How long does pizza sauce last in the fridge? Expires!
In the fridge, an airtight container should last 3-5 days.
Can I use tomato sauce?
Yes! Tomato sauce is made from crushed tomatoes, spices, and seasonings. Use tomato sauce instead of canned tomatoes or spaghetti/pizza sauces if you have it!
Can You Use Pasta Sauce for Pizza?
Without a doubt! Just make sure to drain your sauce before using it because it will be very watery.
How do you make homemade marinara sauce?
There are numerous recipes for making spaghetti or pizza sauces on the internet, but they all involve combining canned tomatoes with spices and seasonings. The recipe links are at the bottom of this article!
Final thoughts on How to make pizza sauce?
With these general guidelines, you should be able to determine how long marinara sauce lasts in the refrigerator! Of course, you should check the expiration date on your specific marinara/pasta sauce.
If you have any questions about a specific product, please leave them in the comments section or on social media! We hope you found this article useful; thank you for reading it!
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