Homemade pizza sauce is a delicious and versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether you prefer a classic marinara or a spicy arrabbiata, making your own pizza sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. However, making a large batch of pizza sauce means that you may not be able to use it all at once. In order to not waste any of your homemade sauce, it’s important to preserve it properly.

There are a few different methods for preserving homemade pizza sauce, including canning, freezing, and refrigerating. Here’s a closer look at each option:

Canning: Canning is a great way to preserve large batches of pizza sauce for long-term storage. To can pizza sauce, you’ll need a pressure canner or a water bath canner, as well as canning jars and new lids. After cooking the sauce, fill the jars leaving a half-inch of headspace, and then process them in the canner according to the recommended time for your altitude. Properly canned pizza sauce can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Freezing: Freezing homemade pizza sauce is a quick and simple way to preserve it for later use. After cooking the sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. Frozen pizza sauce can be stored for up to six months, and it can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Refrigerating: If you plan to use your pizza sauce within a week or two, you can simply store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to transfer it to a clean, airtight container before refrigerating. It’s important to use the sauce within a short timeframe, as it will spoil after a couple of weeks.

When preserving homemade pizza sauce, it’s important to keep food safety in mind. Be sure to use clean, sanitized containers and utensils, and always follow the recommended guidelines for canning and freezing. Additionally, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients when making pizza sauce, as this will result in the best flavor and texture when you’re ready to use it.

Preserving homemade pizza sauce allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of summer tomatoes and fresh herbs all year long. By choosing the right method for your needs and following proper food safety guidelines, you can savor the taste of your homemade pizza sauce whenever you want. Whether you’re making pizza, pasta, or any other dish that calls for tomato sauce, having a jar of homemade sauce on hand is sure to enhance the flavor of your meal.