Name: Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10 medium tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work well); 1-2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon pesto (or a handful of fresh basil); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a tomato sauce with sun-kissed flavor and a silky, homemade texture, this Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce is about to become your new kitchen staple. There’s something magical about roasting tomatoes until they’re caramelized and aromatic, then blending them with olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil or pesto. The result? A sauce that bursts with flavor, vibrant red in color, and is perfect for spooning over pasta, drizzling on pizza, or even using as a dip. The oven does most of the work, and every bite is like a taste of summer.

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce is how simple the ingredient list is. Each item brings its own bold note: sweet, tangy, savory, or fresh, coming together for a sauce that’s way greater than the sum of its parts.

Tomatoes (10 medium, Roma works well): Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for a naturally sweet base and deep color.
Garlic (1–2 cloves): Roasted alongside the tomatoes or added raw for a punchy kick—garlic adds aromatic complexity.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This enriches the sauce’s body and helps everything blend smoothly with a touch of fruitiness.
Pesto or Fresh Basil (1 tablespoon or a handful): Basil (or pesto) infuses the sauce with classic herbal freshness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): This simple seasoning brings all the flavors out and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Sugar (1 teaspoon, if needed): Sometimes the tomatoes need a little help—taste and add if yours are overly tangy.

How to Make Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Tomatoes

Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly, removing any lingering grit or garden dust. Slice each one in half and don’t forget to cut out any tough brown stems—these can leave bitter notes in your sauce. Prepping your tomatoes well sets the foundation for that unforgettable Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce flavor.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

Place the tomato halves cut-side down on a cookie sheet in a single layer. This simple trick ensures even roasting and helps the skins wrinkle and separate from the flesh, intensifying the natural sweetness. Slide them into a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until their skins are wrinkled and juicy pools start to form around them.

Step 3: Blend with Aromatics

Once the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a blender. Add your garlic (raw or roasted, however you like best), olive oil, pesto or fresh basil, salt, and sugar if you need a touch of extra sweetness. This is the fun part—blending everything together fills your kitchen with that unmistakable Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce aroma.

Step 4: Blend Until Creamy

Let the blender work its magic until your sauce is creamy and smooth. If it’s a bit too thick, trickle in a tiny bit of water to achieve the perfect consistency. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed—you are in control here.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon your dreamy Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce over freshly cooked pasta, layer it on homemade pizza, or use it as a versatile base for countless dishes. Each spoonful is proof that simple ingredients, roasted with care, can create extraordinary flavor.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, some torn basil leaves, or a dash of cracked black pepper are all you need to elevate a bowl of pasta topped with this sauce. For a luxurious finish, try a swirl of extra virgin olive oil or even a few shavings of hard cheese like pecorino.

Side Dishes

This sauce is a natural partner for garlic bread, crisp garden salads, or roasted veggies. It also shines alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even as a dip for polenta fries—Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce will bring out the best in whatever’s on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform leftovers into a vibrant shakshuka, dollop onto grain bowls, or use as a bold base for soups and stews. Swirl it into creamy risotto or spread onto crostini for an undeniably delicious appetizer. Wherever you need a pop of color and flavor, this sauce steps up beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in your fridge for up to five days, ready to toss with pasta or spread on sandwiches whenever you need a quick burst of bright flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, lay them flat, and freeze. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under a gentle stream of warm water in a pinch for last-minute weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the sauce into a small pot and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick, and taste for seasoning—sometimes a quick hit of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil can reawaken all those lovely roasted notes.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes will make the sauce a bit sweeter and even more vibrant. Just keep an eye on roasting time—they may cook a little faster.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes before blending?

No peeling required! After roasting, the skins become soft and blend seamlessly. If you prefer a super smooth sauce, you can slip off the skins, but it’s completely optional.

Is it possible to make this sauce without a blender?

Yes, you can use a food processor or even an immersion blender. For a chunkier sauce, simply mash everything together with a potato masher right in the roasting pan.

How can I make Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce spicy?

Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh chopped chili, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during blending. The gentle sweetness of the sauce balances the heat beautifully!

What’s the best way to use this sauce on pizza?

Spread a thin layer of Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce directly on your unbaked pizza dough, layer with your favorite toppings, and bake—your pizza will have a deep, rich tomato base that’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Once you experience the lush, sun-drenched flavor of homemade Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce, you’ll never want to go back to jarred versions. Give it a try, let your house fill with that irresistible aroma, and watch every meal become just a little more memorable!

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce that is bursting with flavor and perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce:

10 medium tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work well)

Additional Ingredients:

1–2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon pesto (or a handful of fresh basil)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)

Instructions

Prep Tomatoes: Wash tomatoes, cut them in half, and remove any brown stems.
Roast Tomatoes: Place tomatoes cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 30 minutes until the skins wrinkle and juices release.
Blend Ingredients: Combine roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, pesto or basil, salt, and sugar in a blender.
Blend: Blend until creamy, adding a small amount of water if necessary.
Serve: Use the tomato sauce as desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Roasting, Blending
Cuisine: Italian