Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe

This Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce recipe is a testament to the ‘less-is-more’ philosophy and a focus on high-quality ingredients. This is a no-cook, simple, yet original recipe that you will find in all good wood-fire pizza joints, or if you were lucky enough to travel, in Naples.

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There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own traditional Italian pizza sauce from scratch, especially when it’s this easy. No cooking, no simmering, no fuss. Just quality ingredients blended with love, the way it’s done in Naples.

This is the real deal. The kind of sauce that clings lightly to your dough, lets the cheese shine, and brings out that unmistakable fresh tomato and basil flavor that makes every bite sing. Whether it’s Friday pizza night or your sourdough starter is finally ready for the spotlight, this simple, no-cook Neapolitan pizza sauce is the one to bookmark.

Reasons to love this homemade Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

• Authentic: Based on the simple, raw sauce Italians have made for generations
• 5-Minute Wonder: No stovetop, no waiting, just mix and spread
• Big on Flavor: Thanks to San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil
• Keto-Friendly: Naturally low-carb, sugar-free, and wholesome
• Perfect Base: Elevates any homemade pizza dough
• No preservatives, no additives

What you need to make Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

San Marzano Tomatoes for Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes – The hero of this sauce. Sweet, tangy, and low in seeds.

Fresh Garlic – Use one clove for a mild flavor or two for a punchy kick.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and body.

Fine Sea Salt – Brings everything to life.

Fresh Basil – Adds a fragrant, fresh finish. Tear it, don’t chop for the best flavor.

Optional Oregano – For those who want a stronger, earthy herb note.

First, we focus on obtaining the key ingredient as close to its natural form as possible: the luscious San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the Valle del Sarno region of southern Italy. They are longer in shape than regular tomatoes, but the flesh is thicker, sweeter, and not as tart (acidic). If you are lucky enough to get your hands on these, I would suggest using them. If not, canned tomatoes to the rescue!

Canned San Marzano tomatoes are widely available in most supermarkets.

How to make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce (Pictures)

Steps to make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

1. Tomatoes: If you find fresh San Marzano tomatoes, rough chop and then crush them with a masher or fork. Same for whole canned tomatoes. Add the juices from the can as well. Roma tomatoes can be a close second to San Marzano. If you cannot obtain the San Marzano variety, try the following.

2. Add Oregano and salt: Dried or fresh oregano is both fine.

3. Garlic: Although not used in all pizza recipes, I like to use garlic generously. Crush and then mince the peeled garlic for maximum flavor. Adjust salt to taste.

4. Drizzle Olive Oil: I have used extra virgin olive oil

5. Stir well, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Your pizza sauce is ready to use. For Neapolitan Pizza, all you need is some fresh mozzarella and pizza dough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

How long will pizza sauce last in the fridge?

Store in the fridge in a sealed glass jar for up to 5 days.

Note on food safety: Commercial refrigerators have a temperature of 35°F to 38°F (or 1.7 to 3.3°C). Unfortunately, most home refrigerators tend to have temperatures around 46°F (8°C). So it’s wise to use your pizza sauce within 3-5 days. If the sauce has visible mold, smells excessively acidic, appears fizzy, or tastes off, discard it.

Can Neapolitan pizza sauce be frozen?

Yes! The best way to store this sauce is in a freezer-friendly plastic bag. Just seal tightly after removing as much air as possible from the bag. Alternatively, pour your sauce into ice trays and store in bags after freezing. Label your bags with the date of storage.

This way, your sauce can last for up to 3 months.

Can I cook this sauce before using?

No, it’s meant to be raw. It cooks perfectly on the pizza in a hot oven.

Is this sauce keto?

Yes! It’s naturally low-carb and sugar-free—check your canned tomato label for added sugars. Use it with your favorite keto pizza base or wrap.

Regular-Carb Substitutes

Add a teaspoon of sugar if you’re not keto and want a more traditional pizzeria-style sweetness.

Use store-bought pizza bases if needed—just top with this fresh sauce.

Dairy-Free and Vegan

This sauce is 100% dairy-free and vegan by default.

Pair with dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast if you’re making a vegan pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Spread over thin crust pizza dough, keto wrap, or a fathead keto base

Use as a dip for mozzarella sticks

Spoon onto zucchini or eggplant rounds for keto / low-carb mini pizza bites

Drizzle over roasted chicken or grilled vegetables

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DISCLAIMER: Please consult your doctor to determine if keto or another way of eating is suitable for you.

Nutritional Panel: Our nutritional values are calculated by the Spoonacular API. While we try our best to ensure these values are correct, please confirm these independently.