Craving authentic Italian pizza but short on time? This no-cook pizza sauce will bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen with minimal effort!

Isn’t it funny that it’ll probably only take about a handful of people to ask what their favourite food is before someone, somewhere, will gladly respond PIZZA! Kids, adults, you name it. Heck, maybe even your favourite food is pizza.

I mean, I really don’t blame ya. All you need is the perfect pizza dough paired with the perfect pizza sauce and all of your favourite toppings. And well friends, I gotta tell ya that I have you covered on alllllll fronts. Ok, maybe not the topping part. But the good news is that this no cook pizza sauce pairs perfectly with them all!

pizza sauce in a jar with a spoon next to fresh basil and a bowl with more sauce

This easy homemade pizza sauce is fresh, vibrant, and oh, so flavourful. It’ll take all of your homemade pizzas to a whole other level. It freezes beautifully so you know what that means… PIZZA NIGHT AT HOME ON DEMAND!!! And the best part is that you only need a few simple and wholesome ingredients to get started.

If there’s only one time in your life where you want to use fresh and high quality ingredients, let this be it! Since this homemade sauce for pizza is no cook, you’ll really taste all of the flavours shining through. Splurge on those san marzano tomatoes and that good quality extra virgin olive oil.It’ll really make a difference!

Besides, your homemade pizzas are already thanking you! 😉

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE

ingredients for no-cook pizza sauce - dried oregano, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, canned whole peeled tomatoes — *Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.*

It’s all about simple and fresh flavours when it comes to this no-cook pizza sauce. This homemade sauce is easy to make, freezes well, and is the perfect base for all of your favourite pizza toppings. Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:

Canned Whole Peeled Tomatoes: The heart and soul of our no-cook pizza sauce, and when it comes to flavour, San Marzano is the crème de la crème. Grown in the rich volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, these tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than the rest, giving your sauce that authentic Italian taste. Trust me, once you try San Marzano, you’ll really taste the difference and never want to settle for anything less!

Garlic: Cause anything considered even remotely Italian must have at least a little bit of garlic… Am I right?! It adds a sharp, aromatic kick that takes the flavour up a notch. Just a couple of cloves, but boy, do they make a difference! Therefore, fresh is best in this recipe. However, if all you have on hand is garlic powder, use 1/2 a teaspoon instead of the 2 fresh cloves.

Olive Oil: Good olive oil is like liquid gold. It adds a luscious, fruity richness to the sauce, tying all the flavours together. Make sure to use extra-virgin for that pure, robust taste. A drizzle of this, and you’re on your way to pizza perfection.

Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the natural flavours of the tomatoes and balances the overall taste. A little bit goes a long way in this recipe. Plus, it’s less processed than table salt, which is always a win.

Dried Oregano: Brings that classic Italian herb flavour. It’s slightly bitter, slightly peppery, and adds an earthy depth to the sauce. You can use fresh instead, if you prefer.

Sugar: Sometimes, tomatoes can be a bit too tangy, and that’s where sugar comes in. Just a pinch to balance the acidity, not enough to make the sauce sweet. It’s optional but IMHO it’s the little secret that makes a big difference!

Fresh Basil Leaves: Add a pop of colour and a burst of fresh, herbal flavour. There’s nothing quite like the smell (or taste!) of fresh basil so I really wouldn’t recommend the dried version here!

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A few twists of the pepper grinder, and you’re adding a subtle heat and complexity to the sauce. It’s the finishing touch that rounds out the flavour profile beautifully.

hand with a rubber spatula stirring dried oregano into tomato sauce in a bowl

HOW TO MAKE NO-COOK PIZZA SAUCE (KEY TIPS)

hand holding a jar of pizza sauce with minced garlic, spoon in the sauce

You can find full instructions for how to make this easy homemade pizza sauce in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

Choose high-quality Italian tomatoes. Using San Marzano tomatoes is key for an authentic flavour. They are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. Look for the DOP label to ensure authenticity. Whole and peeled work best in this recipe. EXTRA TIP: Use clean hands or a potato masher to break the potatoes down into your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier sauce, while others like it smoother. If you like it reeeeally smooth, consider using a food processor.

Use fresh garlic. It provides a more robust flavour than pre-minced or powdered garlic. And IMHO is totally worth the extra effort!

Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. It has a rich, fruity flavour which really makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the sauce.

Stir the ingredients until extremely well combined. You want all of the flavours to be evenly distributed throughout the pizza sauce.

Let it rest. Allow the sauce to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavours meld together beautifully.

Taste the sauce before using it and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil can make all the difference. EXTRA TIP: If your tomatoes are too tangy, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. It’s a subtle trick that enhances the overall flavour.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking. Love garlic? Add an extra clove. Prefer a bit more heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Make it your own!

Remember, this is a no-cook sauce! Resist the urge to simmer it on the stove. The fresh, raw ingredients are what make it special.

pizza sauce in a glass mason jar with a spoon, fresh basil in the front

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES PIZZA SAUCE NEED TO BE COOKED?

No, pizza sauce does not need to be cooked (or heated). Traditional Italian pizza sauce is often made fresh with high-quality canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, oregano, and basil. This no-cook method preserves the fresh, vibrant flavours, making it perfect for homemade pizza. Technically, the heat from the oven cooks the sauce.

DOES PIZZA SAUCE GO BEFORE CHEESE ON PIZZA?

Yes, pizza sauce typically goes before the cheese. Spread the sauce evenly on the dough, then add the cheese and other toppings. This order ensures the sauce flavours blend well with the cheese and toppings during baking, creating a delicious, cohesive pizza.

SHOULD PIZZA SAUCE BE THIN OR THICK?

Pizza sauce should be moderately thick, not too thin or too thick. A balanced consistency ensures it spreads easily on the dough without making it soggy and stays in place during baking, allowing the flavours to meld perfectly with the cheese and toppings. You can adjust the consistency based on your personal preferences by breaking the tomatoes up either chunky or smooth.

HOW DO YOU STORE HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE?

Store homemade pizza sauce in an airtight container or jar with a tight fitting lid and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. If storing for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

pizza sauce in a jar next to a bowl of it and a raw pizza with shredded cheese and tomato sauce on a parchment lined baking sheet

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NO-COOK PIZZA SAUCE

Yield: ~3 Cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Rest Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Craving authentic Italian pizza but short on time? This no-cook pizza sauce will bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen with minimal effort!

Ingredients

1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano Tomatoes, whole and peeled
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
A few Fresh Basil Leaves, torn into small pieces
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Pour the canned tomatoes into a large bowl. Using clean hands or a potato masher, crush the tomatoes to your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier sauce, while others like it smoother.
Add the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, dried oregano, and sugar (if using) to the tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the torn basil leaves and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce. Stir to incorporate. Let the sauce sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic taste. Before using the sauce, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or olive oil as desired.

Notes

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

Try this delicious no cook pizza sauce on my favourite homemade pizza dough!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 96Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 778mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.