Top Rated Wood-Fired Oven Recipe: Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
Our classic pizza sauce recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It's incredibly easy to make and serves as the perfect base for any type of pizza. It takes literally one minute to prepare and has just seven ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.
What Are the Best Tomatoes for Pizza Sauce?
When it comes to finding the best tomatoes for pizza sauce, there are a few options to consider. First of all, we’ve got the famous San Marzano tomatoes. These are perhaps the most famous plum tomatoes in the world. When it comes to which tomatoes are best for Neapolitan pizza, these are the gold standard. All plum tomatoes, however, are good options for artisanal pizza sauce.
Plum tomatoes are ideal for making the best homemade pizzas sauce recipes thanks to their meaty texture and sweet flavour. Not only are plum tomatoes delicious, but they have also got less water and fewer seeds. That means that they are perfect for creating a robust and thick pasta sauce.
Types of Plum Tomatoes
There are three types of common varieties of plum tomatoes, grape, San Marzano, and Roma.
San Marzano tomatoes are exclusively tomatoes that were grown in San Marzano sul Sarno, Italy. When it comes to creating that authentic Italian flavour, these are the gold standard. That said, they are not the only option out there (and even the fussiest gourmet foodie probably won’t notice the difference once you’ve added the toppings!)
Where Can I Buy San Marzano Tomatoes In Ireland?
Here in Ireland, you are most likely to find San Marzano tomatoes in a can. If you would rather use fresh tomatoes, plum tomatoes like grape tomatoes and Roma are a great choice. These tomatoes have been specifically bred for sauce and packing purposes.
Is It Better to Use Canned or Fresh Tomatoes in Pizza Sauce?
You may be surprised to hear it, but professional chefs typically prefer canned tomatoes. They are picked at the peak of annual freshness, perfectly peeled, and then preserved in a light salt marinade. They are absolutely prime for pizza sauce.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned Tomato Sauce for Pizza Sauce?
Of course. You can use either fresh or canned tomatoes for pizza sauce. If you want to make a Neapolitan pizza sauce, canned San Marzano tomatoes are a great pick. If you want that sweet taste of traditional Neapolitan pizza, the canned may be the best pick for you but you can also sweeten it up with sugar as we did in our homemade pizza sauce recipe.
Some people also prefer the light and fresh taste of a plum or grape tomato fresh from the vine. It ultimately comes down to a matter of preference. In our many homemade pizza recipes, we have different variations of pizza sauce. In our gourmet sourdough pizza recipe , we often opt for fresh tomatoes and basil along with a light sprinkling of cheese. In our decadent homemade pizzas that are loaded with savoury toppings, we use canned tomato pizza sauce. As you learn to make premium pizza at home, you will discover all of your unique preferences.
What Are the Best Preserved Tomatoes in Ireland?
When it comes to the best tinned tomatoes in Ireland, you’ll have a wide range of options. For pizza, you’ll find good options like Marks & Spencer Antica Enotria Cherry Tomatoes, Bunalun Passata, Tesco Italian Chopped Tomatoes, Mutti Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes, and De Cecco Filetti di Pomodoro. We haven’t found there is one single best can of tomatoes for pizza sauces, but I would say that it is always a good idea to look out for the Italian chopped tomatoes in a can as they are usually more flavourful.
Are Canned Tomatoes Healthy?
Canned tomatoes get a bad rep. We tend to assume that anything frozen or canned is less healthy than the fresh version. That is not actually true though. Tomatoes are canned at their peak of freshness and, like frozen fruit, can actually be healthier than fruit that has started to go off and lose its nutritional value.
Assuming that you have a can of tomatoes and perfectly fresh tomatoes in front of you, they will have equal amounts of nutrients. Of course, you need to make sure there is no sugar or other ingredients added, save for a reasonable sum of salt.
Insider Tip: Did you know cooking tomatoes actually brings out the lycopene in tomatoes? This powerful antioxidant exists in raw tomatoes but cooking them (as is always done before canning) brings out more lycopene.
Wood-Fired Oven Recipes: Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ready to make that perfect homemade pizza sauce recipe for your wood-fired oven? You are going to love this quick, easy, healthy pizza sauce recipe.
About This Gourmet Pizza Sauce Recipe
Preparation time
1 minute
Total Time Needed
20 minutes
Difficulty level
Level 1 – very easy
Ingredients
● 2 tbsp olive oil
● 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped
● 4 cups (800g) canned whole or chopped plum tomatoes
● 2 tsp sugar, heaped
● 1 tsp salt
● A handful of roughly chopped basil leaves
● Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Pizza Sauce for a Wood-Fired Oven
1. Heat up the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the garlic and cook until softened without browning it.
2. Put the plum tomatoes into the pan and crush them down with a masher or fork.
3. Include all the other ingredients and let the mixture simmer on low heat for around 15 minutes, or until the flavours have blended well and the sauce has slightly thickened.
4. You can use this sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Helpful Tip: Avoid using white or light-coloured spatulas because they’ll turn orange. Instead, opt for a red spatula or a stainless steel spoon to make cleanup easier.
How to Store Pizza Sauce
When it comes to storing homemade pizza sauce, it’s important to plan ahead so all your hard work doesn’t spoil in the fridge. Here are your options.
Refrigerate: Store your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce will thicken in the fridge though, so be sure to let it come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave before using.
Freeze: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months for an easy pizza sauce anytime.
What Else Can You Use a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven For?
What can you cook in a wood-fired pizza oven? Whether you are looking for gourmet garden party recipes or easy weekday family meals, this worthwhile kitchen upgrade is far more adaptable than you might think.
Looking for more wood-fired recipes? Look to our Instagram for inspiration to elevate your outdoor living experience.
Meet Luhnasa.
We are passionate about helping you create unforgettable memories with your friends and family with the art of outdoor cooking and living. That’s why we design and build high-quality, durable pizza ovens and outdoor living spaces that inspire people to gather, connect, and savour life's simple pleasures.
Irish-owned and operated, here are Luhnasa we offer exceptional customer service, expert craftsmanship, and innovative design solutions that will exceed your expectations at every turn.