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This delicious, 4-ingredient, super easy pizza sauce is better than anything you can buy and takes less than 20 minutes to make!
I've been making this easy pizza sauce for as long as I can remember and just realized recently I've never shared it on the blog. It truly is super easy and will take less than 20 minutes to throw together. The sauce has that delicious authentic Italian flavor and I use it for all sorts of things in addition to pizza.
I know that seeing is believing so we made a video to SHOW you that I'm not kidding when I say this sauce is super easy. Check it out!
You probably have most everything you need to make this wonderful condiment. The recipe calls for olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning and canned, fire-roasted tomatoes. Don't keep fire-roasted tomatoes stocked in your pantry? You're missing out on a wonderful flavor secret!
What are fire-roasted tomatoes?
Fire-roasted tomatoes (as the name implies) are fresh tomatoes that are roasted over an open fire before being canned. This roasting produces a bit of char which creates a lovely deep color. It also releases the natural sugars and mellows the resident acidity of the tomatoes. The best part? A wonderful hint of smoky flavor that adds a touch of magic to sauces, soups, etc.
Cook's Illustrated describes them like this, "Fresh tomatoes charred over an open fire possess a sweet, smoky depth that plain tomatoes can't match". I also love this description from the Experience Life website: "The difference between a plain canned tomato and a roasted one is like the difference between flying coach and first class but without the price hike". Agreed!
Where do I buy fire-roasted tomatoes?
Canned, fire-roasted tomatoes can be found at most groceries stores in the same area other canned tomatoes as well as online. They don't cost any more than regular diced tomatoes. They're already diced and generally come in a few flavor varieties (garlic, green pepper and onion, green chilis, etc.) but I usually choose the plain option. I use them in soups, salsas, sauces and lots of other dishes.
Cook's Illustrated's favorite brand of fire-roasted tomatoes is Delallo however I find that Delallo is not commonly stocked in most grocery stores. I've tried lots of different brands and my first choice is the fire-roasted tomatoes from Aldi. They're priced very reasonably, have a delicious flavor and rich deep hue. They also come with a pop top lid (a bonus for slightly lazy people like me). I buy them by the case so my pantry is always well-stocked!
What can I use pizza sauce for besides pizza?
As I mentioned earlier, this easy pizza sauce has lots of other uses. Here are a few of them:
- As a quick sauce for pasta.
- To make meatball sandwiches. Just add homemade or storebought meatballs to this sauce and heat on the stovetop till warmed through. Slice open some nice crusty Italian bread and add the meatball sauce. Top with fresh mozzarella and pop under the broiler till melty.
- Chicken marinara - sauté chicken breasts in an oven proof pan, just until lightly browned. Cover with easy pizza sauce and slices of mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted then sprinkle with fresh basil.
- As a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks.
- Spaghetti sauce - brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and drain well. Add easy pizza sauce and serve over linguini or fettucini. Delish!
- Poach eggs in the sauce till cooked to desired consistency. Serve with Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread.
- Use it in an omelet with cheese, Italian sausage, bell peppers.
See why you need to whip up a batch of this easy pizza sauce. Once you try it, I think you too will be making it again and again!
Cafe Tips for making this Super Easy Pizza Sauce
- Although this sauce is easy and quick to make, I sometimes double the recipe and freeze this sauce in small portions, (½-¾ cup each). It makes it super easy to make a delicious pizza on those busy nights when every minute counts.
- This recipe will make more than you need for one pizza but it keeps well in the refrigerator or it can be frozen as mentioned above.
- Italian seasoning can be found at most grocery stores in the spice section. It's a delicious combination of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, sage and marjoram. I'm a big fan of it so you'll find it used in lots of Café recipes.
- You can make this sauce as chunky or smooth as you like. See the instructions below in the recipe.
- Fresh basil is an optional ingredient in this sauce. It does add a wonderful layer of flavor but don't worry if you don't have it. The sauce will still be delicious!
- An easy dinner? Preheat oven to 400. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into a large sauté pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add store-bought naans to the pan and cook on each side for about 30 seconds. Place naans on a sheet pan and top with this easy pizza sauce, cheese and the toppings of your choice. Bake for 8-12 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden. Serve with a simple green salad. Delizioso!
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Super Easy Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 14.5-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup finely shredded fresh basil, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium-large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring constantly for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce to a nice steady simmer and cook for 15 minutes until sauce is thick and chunky.
- If you like a less chunky sauce, use a heat-resistant rubber spatula to press the softened chunks of tomato against the side of the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
- If you like a smooth pizza sauce, use an immersion blender or pulse with a regular blender a few times after sauce is finished cooking.
- Stir in shredded basil (if using). The sauce is now ready to use. If storing, allow to cool and then store in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
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I made this sauce and used it on the Easy Deep Dish Pizza. The taste was very different from pizza/spaghetti sauces I'm accustomed to. I tried to adjust by adding more oregano, but that didn't work for me either. I'm left with the feeling that the fire-roasted tomatoes, which I've used in other recipes, changed the taste too much. I used half the recipe for the Pizza and froze the other half to use for the next pizza. Maybe I just need to get used to a different taste.
Hi Wendy, it probably depends on the type of pizza sauce you are used to. The ingredients are pretty standard in this recipe. We enjoy the deeper flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes but everyone has their own preferences. You could try the recipe with plain diced tomatoes and see if that is better for you.
Where do you purchase Delallo products?
Pat
Hi Pat, I can find them at my local grocery store (Ingles) but they are also available on Amazon.
How long can you store this and what’s the proper way to store
Hi Preston, I have stored this up to a week in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer just pop it in the freezer.
Love this. Can you can this for shelf life, I have so many tomatoes . I have a salsa that is no cook just fill jars and process in water bath for 15 minutes just add a little tsp of canning salt,and vinegar .
Thanks, Susanne! Lucky you, with all those tomatoes! I would think that if you used the same technique you do with the salsa, it should work fine.
Just made two large pizzas yesterday for my family's Sunday lunch. Rave reviews on the sauce! Loved the tartness of it. Used regular canned plum tomatoes because there were no fire-roasted tomatoes available. Delicious!
Thanks, Michelle! Now you've got me in the mood for pizza! 😋
That pizza looks fabulous Chris! And nothing beats homemade pizza sauce. Can't wait to give your recipe a try!
I don't know if I can find fire-roasted tomatoes here but I'm going to have a look. Maybe I'll have to build a fire and roast my own?
Pizza - I'm coming your way!!
Hi Maureen! Hope you're doing well!
Even if you can't find the fire-roasted tomatoes, this sauce will be delicious!
Hi friend
I come across your recepie. Please tell me the quantity of tomato. Can I used fresh Tomatoes and roast them in pan and use.
Hi Asif, the recipe calls for 2 cans of fire-roasted tomatoes. Each can is 14.5 ounces. 2 cans would be 822g. Hope that helps. I haven't made this recipe with roasted fresh tomatoes but that would be delicious. I just can't tell you the exact amounts as I've only done it with canned tomatoes.
Just double checking, your recipe calls for diced tomatoes, but you do always use the fire roasted tomatoes, correct? Thanks. I intend to make some this weekend.
Hi Tac, yes it is fire-roasted tomatoes. I used regular diced tomatoes in this sauce for years until the fire-roasted option became readily available. Either one will work but the fire-roasted tomatoes are my favorite. I've clarified that in the recipe, thanks so much!
I’m so stoked that you recommended Aldi’s fire roasted tomatoes because that’s my new favorite place to shop!! I can’t wait to try this! We hardly ever eat pizza anymore because almost all of us are lactose intolerant. This looks super delicious and easy. Thank you!
Yes, the Aldi brand fire-roasted tomatoes are wonderful! We love Aldi too and are working on a post about our favorite Aldi buys. We'll be sharing that one in the next two weeks.
I remember making your pizza dough years ago! And now I must try your sauce. I just bought a new bottle of Italian seasoning from Penzey's so I'm set!
Pizza sauce should not be cooked first. It cooks in the oven and a little sugar should be used to help w/the acidity of the tomatoes. sorry just my opinion
Thanks for your opinion, Thomas. But you might want to try this wonderful sauce- simmering the tomatoes and seasonings gives it a fabulous depth of flavor you can't get with an uncooked sauce.
I'm sure your (uncooked) pizza sauce is also delicious but I love that, recipes - just like flowers, birds, wines, landscapes, sunsets, etc. can have an infinite variety of wonderful renditions.
Oh, and fire-roasting the tomatoes decreases the acidity so there's no need to add sugar!
Yum...your husband has done it again with his amazing photography and your creation ! I never thought of making a pizza in my iron skillet. Beautiful presentation !!
Thanks so much, Pam! Such a kind, thoughtful comment!
Love this! I much prefer to make my own pizza sauce if I have the time, so I can't wait to try yours. Looks perfect 🙂
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Cannot wait to try that! Always wanted to make my own to reduce sodium.
Btw, great to meet you on the Triple Falls trail.
Janine
-preggo one of the WI clan
Thanks, Janine!
It was wonderful meeting you too. I think we would have been friends if we lived near each other 🙂 Such a small, small world!
And you were right, the falls were so beautiful!
I always make my own pizza sauce - and will never go back! Your recipe looks wonderful Chris. Now I'm craving pizza 😉
Thanks, Tricia! It's hard not to crave pizza!