Keto Pizza Sauce: Is It Possible To Enjoy This Treat?

There are many keto-friendly pizza sauce options available, but not all tomato sauces are suitable for a keto diet due to their added sugar content. Making your own sauce is a popular option, with recipes including olive oil, garlic, tomato sauce or tomato paste, herbs, and a sweetener such as erythritol.

There are also several keto pizza sauce options available to buy, including Rao's Homemade Margherita Pizza Sauce, Yo Mama's Foods No Sugar Added Marinara Sauce, and Prego Traditional No Sugar Added Spaghetti Sauce.

Keto pizza sauce ingredients

There are many keto-friendly pizza sauce recipes that use simple, wholesome ingredients. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a delicious keto pizza sauce:

• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavour. You can also use avocado oil as an alternative.
• Garlic: Use freshly minced or jarred garlic. Garlic powder can also be used as a dried spice.
• Tomato Sauce/Tomato Paste: Also known as passata, be sure to use a brand with no added sugar. Tomato paste adds a rich tomato flavour.
• Sweetener: A granulated sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Herbs: Italian mixed herbs like dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and marjoram are perfect for a traditional pizza sauce flavour. You can also use homemade Italian seasoning.
• Spices: Dried spices like onion powder, garlic powder, fennel seed, and red pepper flakes add extra flavour.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds subtle sweetness and body to the sauce. You can skip it or add a different sweetener if you prefer.
• Water: Water is used to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency.

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh Herbs: You can use fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary instead of dried herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavour.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese can be added for a cheesy twist.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious and healthy keto pizza sauce that's perfect for your low-carb pizzas!

How to make keto pizza sauce

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce/tomato paste/crushed tomatoes
• Salt
• Granulated sweetener (optional)
• Italian mixed herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, marjoram)
• Onion powder
• Balsamic vinegar
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

To make keto pizza sauce, start by heating some olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer for around 10-20 minutes to thicken.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a further 10-15 minutes.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. You can now use it immediately, or store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze it for up to six months.

Tips

Feel free to add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste. Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper will give the sauce a spicy kick. You can also add some sweetener to taste if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This keto pizza sauce is perfect for using on low-carb pizza, but it's also great with keto pasta, casseroles, and even as a dip for fries!

Storing keto pizza sauce

Refrigerating

You can store your keto pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezing

If you want to keep your keto pizza sauce for longer, you can freeze it. Portion the sauce into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen sauce cubes to a freezer-safe container or jar and store for up to three to six months. When you're ready to use your frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at low power in the microwave.

Tips for Storing

• Use an airtight container to prevent moisture build-up and to lock in flavour.
• If you're storing leftover sauce, make sure it's covered before placing it in the refrigerator.
• You can also freeze keto pizza sauce in the same jar you made it in, as long as it's freezer-friendly.
• For best results, use your frozen sauce within three months.

Keto pizza sauce vs store-bought

Keto Pizza Sauce vs. Store-Bought

The Benefits of Making Your Own Keto Pizza Sauce

Keto pizza sauce is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tomato sauce. It's perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as it typically contains fewer carbohydrates and added sugar. Making your own keto pizza sauce at home is easy and allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste.

The Downsides of Store-Bought Pizza Sauce

Many store-bought pizza sauces contain added sugar and other unwanted ingredients, which can be detrimental to a keto diet. They often lack flavor and authenticity, with some describing the taste as bland. Additionally, finding a store-bought pizza sauce that suits your specific dietary needs can be challenging and time-consuming.

The Benefits of Homemade Keto Pizza Sauce

By making your own keto pizza sauce, you can ensure that it aligns with your dietary restrictions. You can choose the specific ingredients, control the amount of added sugar, and adjust the flavor to your liking. For example, you can add herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.

A Simple Keto Pizza Sauce Recipe

Here's a basic keto pizza sauce recipe that you can easily make at home:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Garlic, freshly minced or jarred
• Tomato sauce (passata), sugar-free
• Granulated sweetener of your choice (optional)
• Italian mixed herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary)

Directions:

• Add olive oil and garlic to a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and cover.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for 20-35 minutes, depending on your desired thickness.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely.
• Use immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Customization and Storage

Feel free to add other spices or herbs to jazz up the flavor, such as red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This recipe yields a thick and slightly rich sauce with a slightly sweet taste. It pairs well with various keto-friendly pizza crusts, such as cauliflower crust or fathead dough.

Comparison to Store-Bought Options

When compared to store-bought options, homemade keto pizza sauce offers several advantages. It allows for customization, ensuring that the sauce aligns with your specific dietary needs and flavor preferences. It also eliminates the challenge of finding a suitable store-bought sauce that meets your keto requirements.

However, making your own sauce does require some time and effort, and it may not be as convenient as simply purchasing a ready-made sauce. Nonetheless, with its versatility and health benefits, homemade keto pizza sauce is a worthwhile option to consider.

Keto pizza sauce alternatives

Keto Pizza Sauce

There are many keto-friendly pizza sauce recipes online that use simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. Some recipes suggest using canned whole tomatoes, while others recommend tomato paste or tomato sauce. The key is to avoid store-bought sauces, which often contain added sugars and low-quality ingredients. Making your own sauce ensures better flavor and texture, and allows you to control the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Blue Cheese Dressing

A popular alternative to tomato-based pizza sauce is blue cheese dressing. This option offers a creamy texture and a strong flavor that pairs well with a variety of toppings.

Garlic and Olive Oil

For those who enjoy a more subtle sauce, a mixture of garlic and olive oil can serve as a simple and tasty base for your pizza. This option is especially good for those who want to highlight their toppings without a strong sauce competing for attention.

Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is another creamy alternative that pairs well with a variety of pizza toppings. It is low in carbs and can be used as a base for a variety of pizza creations, such as a chicken, bacon, and onion combination.

No-Sauce Pizza

For those who are not big fans of sauce, there is always the option to skip it altogether. Some people prefer their pizza without sauce, allowing the toppings and crust to shine. This option is especially good for those who enjoy a more dry and crispy texture.

Zucchini Boats

For a creative and low-carb option, try using zucchini boats as your "pizza crust." Simply slice a zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the soft insides, creating a boat-like shape. Fill it with your favorite pizza toppings and bake until melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions