Get ready to make the best homemade San Marzano pizza sauce you've ever tasted! This mouthwatering no sugar pizza sauce captures the essence of the famous Italian tomato. It's simple to prepare and has a rich flavor that will make your homemade pizza night unforgettable. It can also be used as a flavorful pasta sauce.
I absolutely love making homemade pizza – there's something so satisfying about crafting a pizza from scratch. But let's be real, the sauce is the secret weapon. It can totally make or break the pizza experience and most store-bought pizza sauce has tons of added sugar and falls short on flavor.
That's why I always make my own homemade San Marzano pizza sauce and it's easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients and a little simmering, you've got yourself a sugar-free pizza sauce that's bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you've tasted homemade sauce on your pizza, you'll never go back to the store-bought sauce.
Do yourself a favor and give homemade no sugar pizza sauce a shot. You won't believe the difference it makes, and you'll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
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What are San Marzano tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomatoes, known for their sweet, mild flavor, and low acidity. They are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for their use in making sauces, particularly tomato sauces for pasta and pizza. These tomatoes are typically grown in the volcanic soil of the San Marzano region near Naples, Italy, which is believed to contribute to their unique flavor.
You can find canned San Marzano tomatoes in many grocery stores. The authentic tomatoes are often a little higher priced than other tomatoes but are so worth it. Authentic tomatoes (and cans) will bear the "DOP" (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label, indicating they are grown in the designated San Marzano region in Italy. I really think San Marzano tomatoes are the best tomatoes for pizza!
Ingredients
- San Marzano Tomatoes – These canned tomatoes are the star of the show, known for their sweet, rich flavor so you won't even miss the sugar in this no sugar pizze sauce. If you can't find canned San Marzano tomatoes, you can substitute with regular canned plum tomatoes, but the flavor won't be quite the same.
- Olive Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral cooking oil.
- Garlic – Garlic provides a savory depth of flavor. If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
- Dried Basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped) – Basil gives the sauce a wonderful herbal aroma. You can also use dried Italian seasoning.
- Salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of the sauce. Adjust the amount to taste. You can use kosher salt or sea salt if you prefer.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal, but pre-ground pepper will work too.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Open a can of whole peeled Marzano tomatoes. Add them to a medium-sized saucepan. Smash the tomatoes with a potato masher or break them into small pieces using your hands.
2. Add olive oil, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium and cook sauce for 20 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Hint: Adjust the chunkiness of the sauce by adjusting how much you mash the tomatoes. For a super smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or toss the finished sauce into a food processor.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Spicy Marinara – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick. This is great if you enjoy a bit of heat in your pizza.
- Herb-Infused – Experiment with different herbs like fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary to give your sauce a unique flavor. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs can be used as well.
- Roasted Garlic – Instead of minced garlic, try roasting whole garlic cloves until they're soft and sweet, then mash them into the sauce. Roasted garlic adds a milder, slightly caramelized flavor.
- Onion and Bell Pepper – Sauté finely chopped onions and bell peppers in the olive oil before adding the tomatoes. This will add sweetness and depth to the sauce. Or you could add a teaspoon of onion powder to the sauce.
- Parmesan or Pecorino Cheese – Grate some Parmesan or Pecorino cheese into the sauce for a cheesy twist. This adds a creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze into the sauce for a sweet and tangy note. It pairs well with the San Marzano tomatoes' sweetness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Chop up some sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the sauce for an intensified tomato flavor and a touch of umami.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce –Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy tomato sauce that's rich and luxurious.
Storage
Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or a glass mason jar with a lid. Store the leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To reheat a portion of this low carb pizza sauce, simply pour it into a saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.
You can also reheat the sauce in a microwave-safe container. Use short 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it's heated to your liking.
Prepare a large batch of sauce and freeze the leftovers. Divide into usable small portions and transfer to airtight containers. Or you could even freeze in ice cube trays. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3-6 months.
When you're ready to use it, transfer the frozen sauce to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also thaw it more quickly in the microwave using the defrost setting or by placing it in a bowl of cold water. Reheat as mentioned above.
Top Tips
- Use Authentic San Marzano Tomatoes – If possible, use genuine San Marzano tomatoes with the DOP label for the most authentic flavor. These tomatoes have a unique taste that sets them apart from regular canned tomatoes.
- Crush the Tomatoes Well – When adding the canned San Marzano tomatoes to the sauce, use your hands or a potato masher to crush them. This will help break down the tomatoes and release their juices, creating a smoother sauce. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Adjust Consistency – If your sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken it.
- Fresh Herbs – While dried basil works well, using fresh basil (or other herbs) can take the flavor to another level. Add it towards the end of the cooking time to retain its freshness.
- Taste and Adjust – Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Low and Slow Simmer – Let the sauce simmer over low to medium-low heat for an extended period. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Use a Lid – Cover the saucepan with a lid while simmering to prevent splattering and to keep the sauce from reducing too quickly.
- Make Extra – Consider making a larger batch of sauce and freezing it in portions for future use. It's a time-saver for busy nights when you want a quick homemade pizza.
FAQ
You can can homemade San Marzano pizza sauce for long-term storage if you follow proper canning procedures. Place the filled and lidded jars in a canning pot or large stockpot with a rack. Ensure the jars are covered with at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for the recommended time (typically around 15-20 minutes, but consult your canning guide for exact times based on your location and altitude). Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Properly canned pizza sauce can last for up to 1-1.5 years.
You can use regular canned plum tomatoes if you can't find San Marzano tomatoes. While the flavor won't be identical, you can still make a tasty sauce. You can also use fresh tomatoes but they will need to cook longer than canned tomatoes will.
This sauce is versatile and can be used for various Italian dishes, including pasta, lasagna, calzones, and as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.
You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or finely diced chili peppers to make the sauce spicier if you like.
Recipes using Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce is incredibly versatile, perfect for not only crafting mouthwatering pizzas with your favorite pizza dough recipe but also enhancing pasta dishes or serving as a dipping sauce for appetizers. Or even use pizza sauce as a flavorful condiment for sandwiches and wraps.
- Healthy Artichoke Pizza
- Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Pepperoni
- Pepperoni Bread - Made with Pizza or Bread Dough
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips - Easy Viral Recipe!
If you like this No Sugar Pizza Sauce recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
San Marzano Pizza Sauce
Equipment
- stainess steel pot
Ingredients
- 28 ounces canned Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoons dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Open a can of whole peeled Marzano tomatoes. Add them to a medium sized sauce pan. Smash the tomatoes with a potato masher or break into small pieces using your hands.
- Add olive oil, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
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Gloria Duggan
Homemade sauces are the best. This pizza sauce sounds delicious and easy to make. It would be perfect with pasta too.
Elaine
This sauce is so good! I made it for pizza, but now I'm going to make it for spaghetti night! Thanks for the recipe.
Marta
I used your San Marzano pizza sauce to make my calzones and it was so much better than the pizza sauce I usually use. Thank you for a successful, easy-to-follow recipe!
Bernice
You know... I spend a lot of time making a gorgeous sourdough pizza dough and barely zero time on the sauce. I need to make this sauce in bulk and freeze it to have on hand for pizza nights.
Sean
The best kinds of sauces use the best tomatoes and San Marzanos are my go to for all sauces. Such a well balanced recipe.
Kathryn
These tomatoes are our favorite! Can't wait to use this sauce for our pizza party next week. Thanks so much for another great recipe 🙂
Tammy
Nothing tops homemade sauce! What a fabulous red that's perfect for so many dishes. I love san marzano for sauces..I never use any other. Great simple recipe!
Dennis
I use San Marzano tomatoes for everything and they made a great pizza sauce using your recipe!
Veronika
This was the best pizza sauce I've had! I tend to buy it when we wanna make pizza at home but I'm glad I gave this homemade one a shot! It was so tasty!
Enriqueta E Lemoine
This is, by far, one of the best pizza sauces I've ever made. You nailed it, girl. Thanks for this so easy-to-make and flavorful recipe. You have a new fan.
CAZ
SO good! Homemade is always the way to go and the quality of the tomatoes used really does make a difference! Thanks for the recipe!
Gwynn Galvin
I'm loving this recipe. It's so easy to make and there's nothing quite like homemade sauce! Yum!
Shelby
This sauce had incredible flavor! I love to have this on hand for making pizza on pizza night or through the week to make english muffin pizzas. I have even topped an omlette with it. So delicious.
Eileen Ann Kelly
This San Marzano Pizza Sauce is so tasty and better than any jarred sauce. It is so easy to make and adds so much flavor to pizza.
Kristin
I can't wait to try this sugar-free pizza sauce recipe! With just a few simple ingredients it promises a flavorful and wholesome sauce for homemade pizza. The absence of added sugar is a plus, making it a healthier choice. I can already picture it enhancing the taste of my homemade pizza, and I can't wait to give it a go!