Name: San Marzano Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 28 ounce San Marzano tomatoes (796 mL, whole peeled tomatoes); ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 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 of chili flakes (optional)

Introduction

This San Marzano pizza sauce is simple, fresh, and bursting with authentic Italian flavors. Made with whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes and fragrant herbs, it’s the perfect base for your homemade pizza. Its rich taste and easy preparation make it a kitchen staple.

A close-up view of a pizza dough with a rough, light beige surface spread with a bright red tomato sauce that has visible small tomato chunks and green herb pieces, spread unevenly on the dough covering most of the flat circle, while a wooden spoon pours more sauce over the center, all placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, empty the contents of the can of San Marzano tomatoes. Use your hands to gently crush the tomatoes for a rustic texture.
Step 2: Add salt, dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, bay leaf, finely chopped garlic, minced parsley, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Let the sauce sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Remove the bay leaf before spreading the sauce on your pizza dough.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before adding the other ingredients.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them entirely for a milder sauce.
Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using on pizza or other dishes.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with thick, chunky red tomato sauce that has visible small bits of herbs and spices mixed throughout, topped with a single green bay leaf in the center. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the sauce on the right side of the bowl, resting on the edge. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture surface, giving a clean light background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano?

Yes, but San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their sweeter, less acidic flavor which enhances the sauce’s authenticity and taste.

Do I need to cook this sauce before using it on pizza?

No, this sauce is designed to be used raw as it cooks quickly on the pizza during baking, preserving its fresh flavors.

San Marzano Pizza Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

This San Marzano Pizza Sauce is a simple, authentic Italian sauce made from whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, oregano, parsley, and a touch of chili flakes for optional heat. Perfect for enhancing homemade pizzas, this sauce uses fresh ingredients and requires no cooking, allowing the bright flavors of the tomatoes and herbs to shine through.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of sauce, enough for 2–3 medium pizzas 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

28 ounce San Marzano tomatoes (796 mL, whole peeled tomatoes)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
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 of chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Crush Tomatoes: In a medium bowl, empty the contents of the can of San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes and hand crush them to break them down into a chunky sauce base.
Mix Ingredients: Add salt, dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, bay leaf, finely chopped garlic cloves, minced Italian flat-leaf parsley, and chili flakes if using. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
Let Flavors Meld: Allow the sauce to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the herbs, garlic, and spices infuse into the tomato base, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Remove Bay Leaf and Serve: Before using the sauce on your pizza, discard the bay leaf. The sauce is now ready to be spread on pizza dough or used as a dipping sauce.

Notes

Using San Marzano tomatoes ensures a sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to regular canned tomatoes.
For a smoother sauce, blend the mixture with an immersion blender after crushing the tomatoes.
The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a cooked sauce, gently simmer it for 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Adjust chili flakes according to heat preference or omit for a milder sauce.

Keywords: San Marzano, Pizza Sauce, Italian Sauce, No-Cook Pizza Sauce, Garlic Sauce, Homemade Pizza Sauce, Italian Herbs