Quick & Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe for Home Chefs

Crafting an authentic neapolitan pizza sauce requires passion and a deep understanding of italian culinary traditions.

Generations of naples natives have perfected this simple yet remarkable condiment.

Rich tomatoes form the heart of every delicious preparation.

San marzano tomatoes bring extraordinary depth and genuine flavor to your creation.

Skilled home cooks know the secret lies in minimal ingredients and careful technique.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to infuse each spoonful with remarkable character.

You can recreate this classic sauce with just a few strategic steps.

One taste will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of naples.

Why Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Is Special

• Unlock Authentic Flavors: Experience the true essence of Naples with this simple, no-cook sauce that captures the pure, vibrant taste of fresh ingredients.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Whip up this sauce in just minutes with basic pantry staples, making it perfect for spontaneous pizza nights or last-minute meals.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adjust the flavor profile by adding garlic or experimenting with different herbs, allowing you to create a personalized sauce that suits your taste buds.
• Quick and Family-Friendly: Involve kids in mixing ingredients, making it a fun cooking activity that brings everyone together while creating a delicious homemade pizza sauce.

Ingredients for Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Crushed Tomatoes: A smooth and rich foundation that provides the classic tangy base for authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce.

• Oregano, Basil: These traditional Italian herbs add depth and authentic Mediterranean flavor to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the pizza sauce.

Step-by-Step Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Instructions

Step 1: Crush Those Tomatoes

Grab a mixing bowl and pour in your crushed tomatoes.

These juicy red beauties will be the heart of your pizza sauce.

Step 2: Sprinkle in Herbaceous Magic

Add a pinch of salt, a dash of oregano, and some fresh basil to bring your sauce to life.

The herbs will dance together, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Optional Garlic Boost

Want to kick things up a notch?

Mince some fresh garlic and toss it into the mix.

This little addition will give your sauce a robust, aromatic punch that screams authentic Italian goodness.

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

Grab a whisk or spoon and blend all the ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Make sure every ingredient gets to know its sauce-making buddies.

Step 5: Let Flavors Develop

You’ve got two awesome options here.

You can use the sauce right away for an immediate pizza experience, or let it sit for about 30 minutes.

Letting it rest allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Sauce

• Let the sauce rest for 30 minutes to allow herbs and salt to meld together, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Select San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic, rich, and sweet Neapolitan sauce base.
• Crush dried oregano and basil between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor.
• Add salt gradually and taste, ensuring the sauce doesn't become too salty while bringing out the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
• Avoid over-mixing or blending to maintain the rustic, chunky texture traditional to Neapolitan pizza sauce.

Variations to Try on Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Smoky Chipotle Sauce: Replace basil with chipotle peppers in adobo for a spicy, smoky flavor profile that adds depth to the pizza sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap oregano with za'atar and add dried thyme and rosemary for a Middle Eastern-inspired sauce that brings vibrant herbal notes.
• Roasted Garlic Infusion: Roast whole garlic heads and mash them into the sauce, creating a rich, mellow garlic undertone that enhances the tomato base.
• Vegan Nutritional Boost: Mix in nutritional yeast and a splash of balsamic vinegar to create a dairy-free sauce with umami complexity and tangy brightness.

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Sauce

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano leaves on top of your finished pizza for a vibrant burst of color and aromatic flavor that enhances the sauce's natural taste.
• Cheese Companion: Add a light dusting of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or fresh mozzarella over the sauce to create a creamy, rich layer that complements the tangy tomato base.
• Spice Kick Option: Drizzle a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a subtle, warming heat that elevates the sauce's traditional profile.
• Rustic Serving Style: Present the pizza on a wooden board or stone slate to highlight its authentic Neapolitan roots and create a visually appealing dining experience that celebrates the sauce's simplicity.

Best Storage for Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Store sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Move frozen sauce to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water if sauce seems too thick.

FAQs

• What makes Neapolitan pizza sauce different from other pizza sauces?

Neapolitan pizza sauce uses simple, fresh ingredients with minimal processing, focusing on the natural flavor of ripe tomatoes without cooking the sauce beforehand.

• Can I use canned tomatoes for this sauce?

Yes, use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic flavor, which are known for their sweet taste and low acidity.

• Is it necessary to drain the tomatoes before making the sauce?

No, keep the natural juices of the tomatoes to maintain the sauce’s authentic texture and flavor profile.

• How important is the quality of ingredients in this recipe?

Extremely important – using fresh, high-quality tomatoes and herbs makes a significant difference in the final taste of the pizza sauce.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pizza lovers rejoice as Neapolitan Pizza Sauce brings genuine Italian flavors directly to home kitchens. Fresh San Marzano tomatoes and classic Mediterranean herbs create a simple, robust sauce that whispers true Italian culinary traditions when you spread it across perfect pizza dough.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (1 lb or 400 g) Crushed Tomatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano Leaves
• 1 tablespoon Basil Leaves

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Minced (Optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pour crushed tomatoes into a mixing vessel, creating a vibrant base for the classic Neapolitan sauce.
2. Sprinkle dried oregano and fresh basil leaves over the tomato foundation, allowing the herbs to distribute evenly.
3. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the natural tomato sweetness and balance the herb profile.
4. Optionally, introduce finely minced garlic for an aromatic depth that elevates the traditional sauce flavor.
5. Gently fold and blend all ingredients with a whisk or spoon, ensuring a harmonious integration of herbs and tomatoes.
6. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste.
7. For optimal flavor development, avoid refrigerating and use the sauce within the hour, preferably as a fresh, vibrant topping for authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Notes

• Let sauce sit at room temperature to enhance the blending of herbs and tomato flavors, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Crush fresh herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils into the sauce.
• For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender, which helps incorporate ingredients more evenly.
• Skip garlic if preparing for people with sensitive stomachs or who prefer a more traditional Neapolitan-style sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 30 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg