Pizza Sauce Recipe: Tomato Topping For Your Pizza

Dr Victoria -

If you’re looking to elevate your homemade pizza with a delicious and simple sauce, this homemade pizza sauce recipe is a perfect choice.

Using canned diced tomatoes helps maintain flavor and consistency. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s bursting with fresh flavors that will complement any pizza base, whether you’re opting for a traditional crust or a healthier alternative like cauliflower.

Why I Love This Recipe

This homemade pizza sauce recipe is quick and easy to make, yet it packs a punch of flavor that can transform your pizza.

The combination of chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and garlic creates a rich, savory base, while the fresh basil adds a delightful aromatic note that ties everything together!

Using fresh herbs like basil can enhance the flavor even more, making your sauce truly stand out. If you like experimenting - try using other herbs like oregano, sage or rosemary.

Making your own tomato sauce allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and the seasoning, ensuring that the sauce is free from preservatives and added sugars often found in store-bought options. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used in other dishes, from pasta to baked vegetables, making it a staple in any kitchen.

Tomato Sauce Pizza Topping Ingredients

  • 227g/8oz can chopped tomatoes
    This forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and chunky texture. Opt for high-quality tomatoes to ensure a robust flavor. Alternatively, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for different textures and consistencies.
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
    Adds depth and a concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce, thickening it to the perfect consistency for spreading on pizza. You can also add 1 tbsp tomato paste for a more intense flavor.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    Enhances the texture and flavor of the sauce, helping to balance the taste and adjust the thickness as needed.
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
    Garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle, savory aroma that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • ½ small bunch basil, leaves picked
    Fresh basil leaves bring a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

Method

1. Blend the Ingredients

To begin, add the whole canned tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spreadable.

2. Simmer the Sauce

Transfer the blended tomato mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cooking the sauce can result in a flavor more akin to pasta sauce. Allow the sauce to cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This cooking time helps to reduce the sauce, concentrating the flavors and ensuring that it isn’t too watery for your pizza base.

3. Add Fresh Basil

Once the sauce has thickened, tear half of the basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. The residual heat from the sauce will release the basil's oils, adding a fragrant note to the tomato base.

4. Cool and Store

If you're not using the sauce immediately, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Top Tips

  • Use Quality Ingredients:
    Since this recipe relies on a few simple ingredients, using the best quality canned tomatoes and fresh basil will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. For a quick and easy sauce for pizza, you can use canned tomato sauce as a base and customize it to your taste.
  • Consistency Matters:
    If your sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or extra tomato purée. Conversely, if it’s too watery, continue simmering until it reaches the desired thickness.
  • Customize to Taste:
    Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a sweet sauce, and a dash of red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick.

Health Benefits of Homemade Pizza Sauce

Creating your own tomato sauce at home is not only rewarding in terms of flavor but also beneficial for your health. By using fresh and natural ingredients, you can avoid the added sugars and preservatives found in many commercial sauces.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant known for its potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Incorporating fresh basil also adds to the health benefits, as it's packed with essential oils and antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and improve digestion.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Assuming 4 Servings)

  • Calories: 24 kcal
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.7g
  • Sugars: 3.8g
  • Fiber: 1.7g
  • Protein: 1.1g
  • Salt: 0.3g

This nutritional breakdown highlights the low-calorie and low-fat nature of the tomato sauce, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter pizza topping. The sauce is also a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion, and contains minimal sugars and salt, contributing to a healthier overall diet.

Frequently Asked Questions - Tomato Sauce Pizza Topping Recipe

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before blending. This will give your sauce an even fresher taste, though you may need to simmer it a bit longer to achieve the right consistency.

Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?

Yes, this tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and have it ready for future pizza nights.

How Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce?

If your sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or tomato juice to thin it out. If it's too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or add a touch of chili flakes for some heat. The recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.

How Long Does This Sauce Last in the Freezer?

When properly stored in an airtight container, this tomato sauce can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it on your pizza.