This Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce is so flavorful my kids eat it by the spoonful.
If you want to elevate your homemade pizza, skip the jarred sauce and make this roasted tomato version. It’s packed with bright, concentrated tomato flavor and made from simple pantry staples.
Many people assume pizza sauce is difficult to make, but this recipe proves otherwise. In about 30 minutes you can roast fresh tomatoes and blend them into a rich, smooth sauce that’s far superior to most store-bought options.
Make it ahead and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze portions for up to three months. Whether for a pizza party, a casual weeknight pizza, calzones, or pizza rolls, this sauce adds real depth and freshness. Once you try it, you’ll likely stop buying premade pizza sauce.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Ingredients Needed
- How To Make Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce
- Substitutions and Variations
- Expert Tips For Pizza Sauce
- Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Homemade Recipes
- Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce Recipe
Why You’ll Love Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Simple: With just six ingredients you can make an exceptional pizza sauce. Most seasonings and olive oil are likely already in your pantry; fresh tomatoes are the only thing you’ll want to buy or harvest.
- Healthy: This sauce uses whole, fresh ingredients—no preservatives or unnecessary additives found in many jarred sauces.
- Authentic: A homemade sauce brings real pizzeria flavor. Roasting concentrates the tomato taste and gives a texture and depth that jarred sauces rarely match.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list is short—see the recipe card below for exact amounts. Key choices include:
- Roma tomatoes: Low water content makes them ideal; they roast well and produce a concentrated sauce that’s not watery.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use a mix of dried herbs if you don’t have a pre-made blend.
- Olive oil: Adds richness during roasting and creates flavorful juices to blend into the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Provides savory balance to the tomatoes; whole garlic cloves can be used if preferred, but garlic powder is quick and consistent.
How To Make Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce
- Preheat the oven. Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rinse, dry, and quarter the tomatoes.
- Arrange tomatoes on the baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast the tomatoes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
- Blend the roasted tomatoes with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until smooth.
- Use the sauce immediately or store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
Substitutions and Variations
- Parmesan: Stir in grated parmesan after blending for a creamy, savory touch. It will change the texture slightly but adds great flavor for cheese lovers.
- Spices: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika at the blending stage for heat or smokiness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Use these if you prefer a sweeter sauce; they roast faster, so reduce roasting time and watch closely.
- Fresh herbs: Substitute fresh basil and oregano for dried Italian seasoning—use a larger quantity since fresh herbs are milder. Chop them finely before blending and adjust to taste.
- Red bell peppers: Roast diced red peppers with the tomatoes for a sweeter, slightly smoky variation.
Want to learn to make pizza dough? Try an easy homemade pizza dough recipe to pair with this sauce.
Expert Tips For Pizza Sauce
- If you plan to can this sauce, follow safe canning guidelines: tomato acidity matters. Canning recipes often require added lemon juice or citric acid to ensure safe acidity levels for shelf-stable jars.
- For a chunkier sauce, blend for a shorter time so some tomato texture remains.
- This sauce freezes well. Make a double batch and portion into airtight containers or freezer bags for quick future use.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Tomato sauce is often simmered on the stovetop, allowing ingredients to meld over time. Pizza sauce can be quicker: roast and blend tomatoes with seasonings and let the pizza’s oven heat finish the cooking when you bake the pie.
Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are excellent choices because of their texture and balanced flavor. Cherry tomatoes also work and give a sweeter result—choose based on your taste preference.
If you use ripe, flavorful tomatoes you likely won’t need sugar. A small pinch can help tame acidity if your tomatoes are very tart, but it’s not necessary with the right fruit.
More Easy Homemade Recipes
Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (VIDEO)
Easy Sandwich Bread Recipe
How To Make Shortbread Cookies
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Roasted Tomato Pizza Sauce
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds roma tomatoes medium-sized
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Rinse tomatoes, pat dry, and quarter them. Place on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for about 30 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
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Add roasted tomatoes to a blender with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.
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Use immediately on pizza, or store in a jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.