The Best Pizza Sauce Recipe | The Secret to Homemade Pizza

Pizza – a word that invokes both joy and nostalgia. But what if I told you, the secret to that perfect slice isn’t just in the toppings, the cheese, or the crust? It’s in the SAUCE! Introducing the Cadillac of all pizza sauces – Roller Coaster Pizza Sauce! Imagine this: the vibrant acidity of tomatoes, the aromatic sweetness of onions, the bold kick of jalapeños, and the age-old robustness of garlic – all fermented to perfection over 4-5 days. The result? A flavor-packed sauce that’s nothing short of absolute deliciousness!

But why go through the process of fermentation? Let’s break it down!

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Pizza Sauce Science: Flavor’s Fermented Journey

At its core, fermentation is a metabolic process where microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, convert carbs like starches and sugars into alcohol or acids. These acids act as a natural preservative, enhancing the food’s shelf life. But there’s more!

1. Flavor Boost: As the microbes munch away on the carbs, they release various compounds. This concoction of compounds forms a symphony of flavors that are deeper, more complex, and often tangier than the original ingredients. It adds a whole new dimension to the flavor!
2. Texture Transformation: The fermentation process can also transform the texture, making some ingredients softer and more palatable.
3. Health Benefits: Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are great for gut health. Plus, they aid in breaking down nutrients, making them more digestible and bio-available.

(source: Katz, Sandor Ellix. 2012. The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from Around the World. Chelsea Green Publishing.)

Now, there are other fermented pizza sauce recipes, most notably the fermented sauce from Joshua Wiessman’s 350 hour pizza. However, while I did enjoy his recipe, I found that it was lacking some spices, and that tomato-y punch I was looking for. So, using his recipe as inspiration we created our own version! However, if you are in need of a sourdough pizza crust, Joshua Wiessman’s recipe is perfect (see above link for 350 hour pizza)!

Now that we’ve got the discussion of fermentation behind us, we need to discuss our tomatoes!

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Tomato Talk: Picking the Right Partner for Your Pizza Sauce Recipe

Not all tomatoes are created equal! Understanding the differences can elevate your sauce from good to gourmet. That being said, you can also use whatever you happen to have on hand. If you are interested in some Tomato Talk though, we’ve got you covered!

Beefsteak Tomatoes:

These are the big, juicy tomatoes you often see sliced on burgers or salads. They have a lot of water content and fewer seeds. While flavorful, the excess moisture can lead to a watery pizza sauce that requires prolonged cooking to reduce properly.

Heirloom Tomatoes:

These are old-age varieties, coming in various colors, shapes, and sizes. On one hand, they’re celebrated for their intense flavor, perfect for fresh salads. However, their diverse water content and softer texture can make achieving a consistent sauce challenging. Additionally, during fermentation they will soak up more of the salt solution, which can lead to a salty sauce.

Roma (or Plum) Tomatoes:

Recognizable by their elongated shape, Roma tomatoes have thick flesh with fewer seeds, which means less moisture. For this reason they are an ideal candidate for sauces, giving you a rich texture without the need for hours of reducing.

San Marzano Tomatoes:

Hailing from the volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius in Italy, these are the crème de la crème of sauce tomatoes. Similar to Roma tomatoes but with a unique sweet flavor and low acidity, they’re the gold standard for many Italian dishes, especially pizza sauces.

Why Choose Sauce Tomatoes?

For our Fermented Garlic Pizza Sauce, we prioritize consistency, depth of flavor, and a texture that will complement our pizza. Sauce tomatoes, like Romas or San Marzanos, are meaty and less watery. This means quicker cooking times, a naturally thick consistency, and a deep, rich flavor profile. Their structured flesh holds up well to fermentation, ensuring a robust and flavorsome outcome.

That being said, I have made this pizza sauce with both homegrown San Manzanos, and with homegrown heirloom tomatoes, and the sauce was good both times! One thing to note however, is that the heirloom, or more watery tomatoes, will absorb more of your salt solution during fermentation, and will therefore need less salt added in the final sauce.

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Tools you’ll need:

Slice of advice: some links here might toss a little extra dough my way when you purchase, but without costing you any extra! And don’t worry, we only dish out recommendations for products we’ve thoroughly tested.

To embark on this fabulous fermentation journey, ensure you have the right tools:

1. Glass Fermentation Jars: Essential for the fermentation process. Check out North Mountain Supply 1 Gallon Fermentation Jars from Amazon. These jars have great reviews and come with built in air-locks.
2. Weights: To keep your ingredients submerged. The Luna Glass Crock Weight 4.5 Inch also available on Amazon ensures everything stays in place.

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Let’s Get Saucy! : Pizza Sauce Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut your tomatoes in half or into quarters, and repeat with your onion. Remove the stems from the jalapenos, and peel your garlic.
2. Salt Water Solution: Inside your chosen fermentation jar, stir the salt and water together. Continue to stir the mixture until the salt dissolves.
3. Jar Them: Next, add your veggies to the jar, and ensure all ingredients are submerged. If needed, place a fermentation weight on top.
4. Seal and Wait: Fix the airlock lid to the jar. Store in a cool place for 4-5 days (on the counter is fine).
5. Blend: After fermentation is finished, drain your fermented vegetables and blend them in a large blender with the sauce base & seasonings. Add food coloring if desired. 
6. Enjoy: Slather on your pizza base, add toppings, bake, and enjoy the most tantalizing pizza you’ve ever had!

In every slice of pizza made with this sauce, you’ll taste history, science, and experience a flavor roller coaster that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making Louie’s pizza or some spooky pizza skulls, this sauce will take your pizza to the next level! Until next time, happy fermenting and even happier pizza making! I hope you enjoyed this pizza sauce recipe. If you are looking for more fermentation fun, check out the easiest sourdough starter recipe here!

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