If you’re a fan of homemade pizza, then you know that the secret to a delicious pie is all in the sauce. While store-bought pizza sauce can be convenient, there’s something truly special about making your own from scratch. Not only does it allow you to customize the flavors to your liking, but it also ensures that your pizza will be bursting with fresh, vibrant taste. And the best part? You can easily can your own homemade pizza sauce so that you can enjoy it all year round.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to canning your own delicious homemade pizza sauce.

1. Gather Your Ingredients: To make a basic pizza sauce, you will need the following ingredients: ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and oregano. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes, to suit your personal taste.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by blanching the tomatoes to remove the skins. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Carefully drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the ice water with a slotted spoon. Once they are cool enough to handle, the skin should easily slip off.

3. Cook the Sauce: In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and any additional herbs or spices. Simmer the sauce over low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Blend the Sauce: Once the sauce is cooked, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree it until it is smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.

5. Can the Sauce: While the sauce is still hot, ladle it into clean, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a good seal, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.

6. Process the Jars: Lower the filled jars into a large pot of boiling water using a jar lifter. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water, then bring the water back to a boil. Process the jars for 35 minutes, then carefully remove them from the water and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop.

7. Store and Enjoy: Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop, the jar is sealed. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once you’re ready to use your homemade pizza sauce, simply open a jar and spread it on your pizza dough with your favorite toppings.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade pizza sauce all year round. Plus, it makes a great gift for friends and family who also appreciate the art of homemade pizza. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the flavor of your very own delicious pizza sauce. Happy canning!