Last Updated on 26th March 2024 by Pauline

Making roasted tomato sauce at home puts the power of choosing flavors in your hands. You can determine what herbs and spices go into the sauce and exactly how it tastes.

I’ll share with you a method for how to make roasted tomato sauce that turns out beautifully, and I’ll walk you through step by step all of the ingredients you use and how to incorporate them into this complex, flavorful sauce.

What Is Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Oven roasted tomato sauce is a type of tomato sauce that’s been cooked in the oven rather than made completely in a pot on the stove. This gives it a slightly different flavor, making for an interesting sauce that feels more complex than regular tomato sauce that has not been roasted.

You can find roasted tomatoes in a can and save yourself a step or two by having them already roasted when you add them to your sauce. Or, you can roast them yourself using fresh tomatoes.

You won’t be making the whole sauce on the stove and then roasting that sauce to make this dish. Instead, you’ll be roasting the tomatoes with a few seasonings and then taking your roasted tomatoes and adding them to seasonings in a pot and some stock to make your sauce.

You have a lot of options when you’re making roasted tomato sauce. One of the best ways to tailor the sauce to your needs is to use the right kind of stock. You can use plain water as your stock, or base for the sauce. You could also use vegetable stock, chicken stock, or any kind of liquid stock. This adds flavor to your sauce, but using water will help cut the acidity.

If you find that your roasted tomato sauce is too acidic, you can cut it even more using sugar or any kind of sweetener. I didn’t add sugar to the recipe below, but you can add some sugar on your own, if you find that the sauce is too acidic.

That’s the best way to cut the acidity a little bit they make the sauce more tolerable, especially for people who tend to have acid reflux.

Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

Here’s a recipe you can use for making homemade roasted tomato sauce. Keep in mind that a lot of these ingredients can be changed out, left out, or used a little differently, depending on your preferences. You can use this recipe to start with, and then make adjustments as necessary to suit your liking.

Ingredients:

4 pounds of ripe tomatoes
5 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 sprigs of rosemary
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 small handful of thyme leaves
3 sliced garlic cloves
2 chopped red onions
2 teaspoons of Italian herbs
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup of vegetable stock
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Put the tomatoes into a roasting tray and add your olive oil as well as all the seasonings and flavorings. Mix everything together.
Bake the tomatoes in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. You know the tomatoes are done cooking when they’re beginning to char and they’ve become tender.
Set the tray of tomatoes to the side and put a splash of oil into a deep pot.
Add your onion to the pot and cook until it softens, which should take a few minutes.
Next, add your garlic to the pot and let it sauté for a minute, and then you can add in the herbs, roasted tomatoes, and spices.
Reduce the heat and let the pot of sauce cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This should be long enough for the sauce to thicken a little bit.

What you have at this point is a chunky roasted tomato sauce. You can keep it this way and store it in the fridge for about a week in an airtight container. It can store in the freezer in a freezer safe bag for much longer, though. If you want your sauce to be smooth, then pour it into the blender and allow it to blend until it is smooth.

If you’re wanting to make this sauce with canned tomatoes rather than fresh ones, you don’t have to make many changes. All you have to do is use canned tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes in the recipe. You can follow the recipe exactly as it is detailed above no matter which type of tomatoes you’re using. The recipe works for any kind of tomatoes as well- Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or whatever else you want to use.

What to Do with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Roasted tomato sauce can be used in pasta dishes of all kinds. It’s not just for spaghetti and lasagna. You could also use it in pasta bakes, and it can be used as a sauce for your fish, chicken, or other meats to make something like chicken parmesan.

You can use roasted tomato sauce in any recipe that calls for tomato sauce. If you make it thick enough, you can use it in lieu of tomato paste, in recipes like sweet and sour sauce.

If you’ve not made pasta sauce before or not tried roasted tomato sauce, give the recipe a try and see how it changes up the flavor for you and makes your pasta dishes more interesting.

FAQs

What types of tomatoes are best for making roasted tomato sauce?

For the best flavor in roasted tomato sauce, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Plum tomatoes, like Roma or San Marzano, are ideal due to their lower moisture content and sweet flavor, but heirloom and cherry tomatoes also make delicious options with a richer, more varied taste.

Can I make roasted tomato sauce with canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for making roasted tomato sauce if fresh tomatoes are not available. Opt for whole, peeled canned tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Drain them and roast with olive oil and herbs for a concentrated flavor before blending.

How can I store homemade roasted tomato sauce, and how long will it last?

Homemade roasted tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. It can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Be sure to leave some space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

What are some ways to add extra flavor to my roasted tomato sauce?

Enhance your roasted tomato sauce by adding garlic, onions, or shallots before roasting. Fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary add depth, while a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine can introduce acidity and sweetness. For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Is it necessary to peel the tomatoes for roasted tomato sauce?

It is not strictly necessary to peel tomatoes when making roasted tomato sauce, as the roasting process softens the skins and they can be easily blended into the sauce for a smooth texture. However, for a smoother, more refined sauce, you may choose to peel the tomatoes after roasting and before blending.

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Homemade Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

Total Time2

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Roasted Tomato Sauce

Servings:

Ingredients

4 pounds of ripe tomatoes
5 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 sprigs of rosemary
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 small handful of thyme leaves
3 sliced garlic cloves
2 chopped red onions
2 teaspoons of Italian herbs
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 cup of vegetable stock
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Put the tomatoes into a roasting tray and add your olive oil as well as all the seasonings and flavorings. Mix everything together.
Bake the tomatoes in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. You know the tomatoes are done cooking when they’re beginning to char and they’ve become tender.
Set the tray of tomatoes to the side and put a splash of oil into a deep pot.
Add your onion to the pot and cook until it softens, which should take a few minutes.
Next, add your garlic to the pot and let it sauté for a minute, and then you can add in the herbs, roasted tomatoes, and spices.
Reduce the heat and let the pot of sauce cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This should be long enough for the sauce to thicken a little bit.

Conclusion

Making roasted tomato sauce is a versatile and rewarding process that allows for creativity and personalization. Whether using fresh or canned tomatoes, incorporating your favorite herbs and seasonings, or deciding on the texture, this homemade sauce can elevate any meal. With simple storage solutions, you can enjoy the rich, comforting taste of roasted tomato sauce any time of the year.

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Pauline

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I'm Pauline, a mother of four grown children, my passion for cooking stemmed from the joy i get cooking for my family. I love to try new dishes, especially when dining out but creating and sharing my own recipes is my favourite thing to do!