Canning Homemade Pizza Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza sauce. Fresh, tangy, and bursting with flavor, homemade pizza sauce elevates any pizza to a whole new level. And now, with the convenience of canning, you can enjoy your homemade pizza sauce anytime, all year round. Canning your own pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of freshly picked tomatoes and other garden herbs.

If you’re new to canning, it might seem a little intimidating at first. However, with the right equipment and a solid understanding of the process, canning can become a straightforward and enjoyable way to preserve your favorite homemade foods. To help you get started, here’s a step-by-step guide to canning homemade pizza sauce.

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and equipment
Before you start canning your homemade pizza sauce, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:

Ingredients:
– Fresh tomatoes
– Onion
– Garlic
– Olive oil
– Fresh basil, oregano, and other herbs
– Salt and pepper
– Sugar

Equipment:
– Large stockpot
– Canning jars and lids
– Funnel
– Jar lifter
– Large spoon
– Water bath canner

Step 2: Prepare your sauce
Start by washing and cutting your tomatoes. Remove the stems and any blemishes, then chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Chop the onion and garlic, and gather your fresh herbs.

In a large stockpot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and herbs to the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.

Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, then let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 3: Sterilize your jars
While your pizza sauce is cooling, prepare your canning jars. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly. Place the jars in a large stockpot, and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then let the jars simmer for 10 minutes to sterilize them.

Step 4: Fill your jars
Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the sterilized jars from the stockpot. Place a funnel over each jar, and ladle the pizza sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sauce, then place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

Step 5: Process your jars
Once all of your jars are filled and sealed, place them in a water bath canner. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water, then bring the water to a boil. Process the jars for 35 minutes, then carefully remove them from the canner using a jar lifter.

Step 6: Let the jars cool
Place the processed jars on a clean towel or a wire rack to cool. As the jars cool, you may hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Once the jars are completely cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, the jar is sealed. If any of the lids do flex, the jar did not seal and should be refrigerated and used within a week.

With these simple steps, you can have delicious homemade pizza sauce ready to enjoy at any time. Canning your own pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy the taste of freshly made pizza all year round. Plus, it makes a great homemade gift for friends and family. So roll up your sleeves and get canning!