No-cook San Marzano Pizza Sauce

When it comes to pizza, the sauce is just as important as the crust and the toppings. A great sauce can turn a good pizza into a phenomenal one. The best part? You don’t even need to cook this sauce. By using high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes and a few other pantry staple ingredients, you can create a fresh and vibrant pizza sauce that will impress your family and friends on your next pizza night.

San Marzano tomatoes are known for their rich flavor and low acidity, making them the perfect base for pizza sauce. When combined with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and oregano, these tomatoes create a sauce that’s both simple and delicious. The no-cook method preserves the bright, fresh flavor of the tomatoes, resulting in a sauce that’s incredibly easy to make and full of natural sweetness.

You can use this no cook pizza sauce on Homemade Margherita Pizza, Puff Pastry Pizza Bites, and Eggplant Pizza Bites.

See also this guide on Best Flour for Pizza Dough.

🧾 Ingredients

Here’s the simple ingredients you’ll need to make the ultimate no-cook San Marzano pizza sauce:

• Canned San Marzano Tomato Passata: DOP San Marzano tomatoes are renowned for their sweet, rich flavor and low acidity. They’re grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, which gives them their unique taste. When buying canned San Marzano passata, make sure it has the DOP label to ensure authenticity. The passata should be smooth, with no added ingredients like sugar or preservatives. You can also use whole San Marzano tomatoes, blending them into a puree.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) adds richness and depth to your pizza sauce. Look for a cold-pressed olive oil with a fruity and slightly peppery flavor to complement the tomatoes.
• Salt: Simple but essential, salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and brings all the flavors together. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for its pure taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle heat and a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. For a more subtle yet delicious flavor, I recommend using garlic powder.
• Dried Oregano: Oregano is a classic herb used in Italian cooking, known for its slightly bitter and peppery taste. It adds an earthy note to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

While the above ingredients create a classic and authentic pizza sauce, here are a few substitutions if you need them:

• Canned Tomato Passata: If you can’t find San Marzano tomato passata, you can use regular tomato passata or canned whole tomatoes (preferably plum tomatoes). Simply blend the canned tomatoes until smooth. Just be aware that the flavor might not be as rich or sweet as San Marzano tomatoes.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil on hand, you can use regular olive oil or even a neutral oil like grapeseed oil. However, the flavor won’t be as pronounced.
• Garlic: You can use fresh garlic, garlic powder, garlic salt, or garlic paste. Or you can omit the garlic altogether!
• Oregano: Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried, but remember that fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor, so you may need to use more. You could also substitute with dried basil or Italian seasoning for a different twist. You can also omit the oregano for a simpler sauce.

🥣 Variations

This homemade pizza sauce recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. Here are some variations you can try:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to give your pizza sauce some heat. This is perfect if you like your pizza with a bit of spice.
• Herb-Infused: For a more complex flavor, add other dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. You can also use fresh herbs like chopped fresh basil leaves or parsley for a brighter flavor.
• Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, feel free to add more! You can even roast the garlic first for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra layer of umami. This adds a salty, savory note that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes.
• Sweet and Tangy: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and add a slight tang.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. In a bowl, add the tomato passata and all the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2. Spread on your pizza dough right before baking it. Drizzling more olive oil on top.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

One of the great things about this no-cook San Marzano pizza sauce is that it stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Refrigerator: If you’re planning to use the homemade sauce within a few days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover sauce. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or divide it into portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the sauce cubes to a zip-top bag. The sauce will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the sauce in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

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