Name: San Marzano Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 28 ounce (796 mL) can whole peeled San Marzano 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 and minced; Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

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Introduction

This San Marzano pizza sauce is a simple and authentic way to bring rich, vibrant flavors to your homemade pizza. Made with high-quality San Marzano tomatoes and a few fresh herbs, it’s easy to prepare and enhances any pizza crust beautifully.

A thick, rich red tomato sauce with visible small pieces of onion is spread evenly in a dark pan, showing layers of textured sauce with a glossy finish. A wooden spatula coated with the sauce rests on the right side of the pan, its natural wood color contrasting with the deep red sauce. The pan sits on a blue cloth, which contrasts with the white marbled background 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 Italian flat-leaf parsley, fresh and minced
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, empty the contents of the can of San Marzano tomatoes. Hand crush the tomatoes until they reach a slightly chunky, spreadable consistency.
Step 2: Add salt, dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, bay leaf, finely chopped garlic, fresh minced parsley, and optional chili flakes to the crushed tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
Step 3: Allow the sauce to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period helps the flavors meld and develop a richer taste.
Step 4: Before using the sauce on your pizza or dish, remove and discard the bay leaf. The sauce is now ready to spread or use as desired.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes with an immersion blender before adding the seasonings.
If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, sauté the garlic lightly in olive oil before mixing it into the sauce.
Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for a subtle tangy depth.
Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter herb taste.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before reheating gently on the stove.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with thick, chunky bright red tomato sauce, showing small pieces of tomato and herbs mixed throughout. On top of the sauce lies a single bay leaf, and finely chopped green herbs are lightly sprinkled over the surface. A wooden spoon is resting in the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled 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?

While regular canned tomatoes can be used, San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweetness and low acidity, which makes the sauce taste more authentic and balanced.

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

No, this sauce is designed to be used fresh without cooking, preserving the bright tomato flavor. It cooks on the pizza while baking in the oven.