Homemade pizza sauce is a delicious addition to any pizza, pasta, or other Italian dishes. It’s also a great way to use up an abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market. However, if you find yourself with more homemade pizza sauce than you can use in one sitting, you may want to consider preserving it through canning. Canning is a great way to make your homemade pizza sauce last for months, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.

There are a few important things to keep in mind when canning homemade pizza sauce. First and foremost, it’s important to use a tested canning recipe to ensure the safety and quality of your preserved sauce. This means using a recipe that has been approved by a reliable source, such as the National Center for Home Food Preservation, the USDA, or a reputable cookbook or website.

When it comes to choosing the right ingredients for your homemade pizza sauce, it’s best to stick with fresh, high-quality tomatoes. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes with a deep red color and a firm texture. You can also add other ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices to enhance the flavor of your sauce.

Once you have prepared your pizza sauce according to a trusted recipe, it’s time to start the canning process. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings by boiling them in hot water for a few minutes. This will help prevent any bacteria from contaminating your sauce.

2. Fill your hot, sterilized jars with the pizza sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.

3. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue that could prevent a proper seal.

4. Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on until they are just fingertip tight.

5. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the recommended amount of time, according to your specific recipe.

6. Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel to cool. As the jars cool, you should hear a satisfying “ping” sound, indicating that the lids are sealing properly.

7. Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid does not move or make a popping sound, it is sealed and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

It’s important to note that canning requires careful attention to detail and adherence to proper methods in order to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. Always follow a trusted canning recipe and make sure to properly sterilize your jars, lids, and rings to ensure the safety of your preserved pizza sauce.

By taking the time to properly can your homemade pizza sauce, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of summer all year long. Whether you’re making pizza for a weeknight dinner, hosting a party, or just craving a taste of homemade goodness, having a few jars of preserved pizza sauce on hand can be a real game-changer. So grab some fresh tomatoes, roll up your sleeves, and get canning – your future self will thank you for it!