Easy Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe to Wow Your Tastebuds

Crafting an authentic neapolitan pizza sauce demands passion and simplicity.

San marzano tomatoes bring vibrant flavors to this classic Italian preparation.

Chefs in naples have perfected this culinary art over generations.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to infuse every bright, fresh ingredient.

Raw ingredients speak volumes about traditional cooking techniques.

Salt and basil provide minimal yet powerful seasoning notes.

You’ll find unexpected depth in these humble components.

Unleash your inner italian cook and experience true pizza magic.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce With Pure Tomato Taste

Savor Simplicity: This sauce comes together in mere minutes with just a few pantry staples.

Preserve Freshness: Refrigerate for up to a week, making meal prep a breeze for busy home cooks.

Versatile Flavor Booster: Perfect for traditional Neapolitan pizzas or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and appetizers.

No-Cook Convenience: Zero cooking required – just mix and enjoy an authentic Italian-style sauce that tastes like it’s straight from Naples.

Components Of Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Crushed Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes crushed to create a smooth sauce base. San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for authentic flavor and low acidity.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes and balances overall flavor.

• Dried Oregano Leaves, Basil Leaves: Classic Italian herbs that provide traditional Neapolitan pizza sauce depth and aromatic profile. Fresh herbs can be substituted if available.

• Garlic Minced: Adds a robust, pungent taste that complements the tomato base. Can be omitted for a lighter sauce or for those who prefer milder flavors.

Neapolitan Pizza Sauce How To Make

Step 1: Open and Crush Tomatoes

Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice through your whole peeled tomatoes.

Use your hands to squish and break them down into a rustic, chunky texture.

This hands-on approach helps release the natural tomato flavors and creates an authentic Neapolitan style sauce.

Step 2: Season with Herb Blend

• Oregano
• Fresh basil leaves
• Sea salt

Gently fold these ingredients into the crushed tomatoes, allowing the herbs to distribute evenly and infuse their aromatic qualities into the sauce.

Step 3: Enhance with Garlic Punch

Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and incorporate them into the tomato mixture.

The raw garlic will provide a sharp, vibrant flavor that complements the sweet tomato base.

Stir thoroughly to ensure every spoonful has a hint of garlic goodness.

Step 4: Let Flavors Marry

Allow the sauce to rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

This resting period lets the herbs and garlic meld together, creating a more complex and rich flavor profile.

The sauce will become more harmonious and intensely delicious.

Step 5: Store or Serve Immediately

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container.

It can be used right away on your pizza or stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

The flavors will continue to develop and deepen during storage.

Neapolitan Pizza Sauce – Key Tips

• Select high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Gently combine ingredients to preserve the fresh texture and prevent breaking down the tomato's natural structure.
• Use salt and herbs with a light hand to let the tomato's natural sweetness shine through in traditional Neapolitan style.
• Prepare sauce just before using for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant taste.
• Store unused sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor degradation.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Can Be Stored Like This

• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 7 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful in the fridge.
• Transfer sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Move frozen sauce to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost gradually and maintain its original texture.
• Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and preserve the fresh herb flavors.

Complements to Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Enhance Tomato Freshness: Pair this classic Neapolitan pizza sauce with a crisp, unoaked Pinot Grigio that complements the bright, herbal notes of the tomato base.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Serve alongside a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with extra virgin olive oil to cut through the sauce's richness and add a fresh contrast.
• Elevate Pizza Experience: Match with a chilled Peroni beer, whose subtle maltiness and clean finish perfectly harmonize with the sauce's tangy tomato and herb profile.
• Highlight Regional Tradition: Accompany with buffalo mozzarella from Campania, bringing an authentic Italian touch that echoes the sauce's Neapolitan origins and enhances its rustic simplicity.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Spins

• Roasted Garlic Infusion: Swap raw minced garlic with slow-roasted whole garlic cloves for a deeper, mellower flavor profile.
• Spicy Marinara Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to transform the sauce into a zesty, heat-packed version.
• Herb Garden Blend: Replace dried herbs with fresh basil and oregano from your garden for a vibrant, aromatic sauce with bright, fresh notes.
• Vegan Adaptability: Ensure all ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, maintaining the authentic taste while catering to plant-based dietary needs.

FAQs

• What type of tomatoes work best for this sauce?

San Marzano tomatoes are ideal due to their sweet flavor and low acidity, which creates an authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce. If unavailable, use high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes and crush them manually.

• Can I adjust the herbs if I don't have fresh ones?

Absolutely! You can use dried herbs in the same quantities. If using fresh herbs, slightly increase the amount as dried herbs have more concentrated flavor. Fresh basil and oregano from your garden work wonderfully.

• How smooth should the sauce consistency be?

Traditional Neapolitan pizza sauce is rustic and slightly chunky. Crush tomatoes by hand or use a potato masher to maintain texture. Avoid over-blending, which can make the sauce too liquid and less authentic.

• Is it necessary to cook the sauce before using?

No, this is a raw sauce typical of Neapolitan style. The fresh, uncooked tomatoes and herbs will cook perfectly when placed on a hot pizza, preserving the bright, fresh tomato flavor.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe

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

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Description

Savory Neapolitan pizza sauce whispers classic Italian culinary traditions with simple, fresh ingredients. Passionate home chefs can craft this silky, robust sauce that elevates homemade pizzas from ordinary to extraordinary Mediterranean delights you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Sauce Base:

• 1 can (1 pound/400 grams) crushed tomatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon basil leaves

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather crushed tomatoes in a spacious mixing vessel, preparing for a classic Neapolitan sauce preparation.
2. Sprinkle salt across the tomato surface, allowing the seasoning to integrate naturally with the bright red base.
3. Gently incorporate dried oregano, ensuring even distribution throughout the tomato mixture for balanced herbaceous notes.
4. Delicately fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce, releasing their aromatic essence and enhancing the traditional Italian flavor profile.
5. If desired, introduce finely chopped garlic, dispersing the pungent ingredient evenly to create depth and complexity.
6. Thoroughly blend all components using a gentle stirring motion, creating a harmonious and smooth sauce consistency.
7. For optimal flavor development, allow the sauce to rest momentarily, enabling the herbs and seasonings to meld together.
8. Utilize the sauce immediately for maximum freshness, or transfer to an airtight container for refrigerated storage up to one week, preserving its vibrant character.

Notes

• Choose San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic and richest flavor, as they are traditionally used in Neapolitan pizza sauce.
• Skip adding garlic if you want a more classic, pure tomato-based sauce that lets the natural tomato sweetness shine through.
• Let the sauce sit for 15-30 minutes before using to allow the herbs to infuse and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• For a smoother consistency, gently crush the tomatoes with a fork or immersion blender, avoiding over-mixing to maintain a rustic texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 40
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg