San Marzano Pizza Sauce

A wooden spoon with homemade pizza sauce garnishing a pizza.

This no-cook San Marzano pizza sauce is quick, easy, and packed with authentic Italian flavors. In less than 5 minutes, you'll have a fresh, vibrant sauce that's better than any store-bought version.

Course Condiments

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5

Resting Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings cups

Calories 47kcal

Author Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

28 ounce San Marzano tomatoes 796 mL, whole peeled tomatoes
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano dried
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
2-3 fresh garlic cloves finely chopped
2 tablespoons Italian flat-leaf parsley fresh, minced
pinch chili flakes optional

Instructions

In a medium bowl, empty the contents of the can of tomatoes. Hand crush the tomatoes.
Add the rest of the ingredients and combine.
Allow to sit for about 30 minutes for the flavors to combine.
Discard bay leaf when ready to use the pizza sauce.

Video

Notes

If available in your region, purchase canned tomatoes that have been certified DOP. High-quality San Marzano tomatoes are key to this recipe. If they're unavailable, go for the best-canned tomatoes you can find.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in this simple sauce. Opt for high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and Italian flat-leaf parsley to maximize flavor.
Allow the ingredients to meld together at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will improve the overall flavor of the sauce. For the best taste, let it rest for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.

What does DOP stand for? DOP is short for Denominazione di Origine Protetta. This certification guarantees that products, like canned tomatoes, are locally grown and packaged. There is a great article on Serious Eats about the DOP tomato.

Why use DOP San Marzano tomatoes? These tomatoes are sweet and the quality is consistent.

How long can I keep this pizza sauce? Unused pizza sauce can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What's the difference between Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce? Classic Marinara Sauce is cooked, whereas pizza sauce is not pre-cooked. It will cook just a little when the pizza is baked in the oven.

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrition