Cincinnati-Style Sweet Tomato Pizza Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Cincinnati with this exceptional Sweet Tomato Pizza Sauce! Inspired by the unforgettable taste of LaRosa's and Buddy L's, this sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and herbs, making it the ultimate complement for both vegetable and meat toppings. Having grown up in the heart of Cincinnati, this recipe captures the essence of the beloved local pizza culture. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you'll find yourself never wanting to order out again! Ideal for families or gatherings, this sauce is bound to become a favorite in your home. Pair it with caetb's pizza dough for the best results and savor the nostalgic flavors of Cincinnati every time you bake a pizza.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Heat over medium heat)
Tomato puree
1 (28-ounce) can (Add directly to the pot)
Dried onion, minced or chopped
1 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Add directly to the pot)
Fresh minced garlic
3 cloves (Add directly to the pot)
Minced carrot
1/2 tablespoon (Microwave briefly, then mince)
Honey
1 1/2 tablespoons (Add directly to the pot)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (Add directly to the pot)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (Add at the end)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cincinnati-style pizza sauce?
It is a distinctively sweet tomato-based sauce inspired by local Cincinnati favorites like LaRosa's and Buddy L's, featuring a rich blend of herbs and sugars.
What makes this sauce taste sweet?
The sweetness is achieved through a combination of honey, brown sugar, and minced carrots.
Which restaurants inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the iconic flavors of Cincinnati's LaRosa's and Buddy L's pizza parlors.
What is the primary base of the sauce?
The base consists of one 28-ounce can of tomato puree.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it requires 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic for the best flavor profile.
Why are carrots included in a pizza sauce recipe?
Minced carrots are a secret ingredient in Cincinnati-style sauce that adds natural sweetness and a unique texture.
How should I prepare the carrot before adding it?
You should microwave the carrot briefly to soften it and then mince it finely before adding it to the pot.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, which is heated over medium heat at the start.
What dried herbs are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to achieve the signature sweetness.
Is honey used in this pizza sauce?
Yes, 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey are added to the sauce.
Is this sauce better for meat or vegetable toppings?
This sauce is versatile and serves as the ultimate complement for both vegetable and meat toppings.
What pizza dough should I pair this with?
For the best results, it is recommended to pair this sauce with caetb's pizza dough.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried onions?
It uses 1 teaspoon of dried onion, which can be either minced or chopped.
How much salt is required?
The recipe calls for a small amount of 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
When is the black pepper added?
Fresh ground pepper is added to taste at the very end of the preparation process.
What is the heat setting for cooking the sauce?
The olive oil should be heated over medium heat before the other ingredients are added.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this Cincinnati-style pizza sauce.
Is this a traditional Italian sauce?
While it uses Italian herbs, it is specifically a Cincinnati-style sauce known for being much sweeter than traditional Italian marinara.
Is this recipe good for families?
Yes, its mild, sweet flavor profile makes it a favorite for children and families.
How much dried basil should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much dried oregano is in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much dried parsley is added?
You should add 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley to the mixture.
Can I use this for deep dish pizza?
Yes, its thick consistency from the tomato puree and minced carrots makes it suitable for various pizza styles including deep dish.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, this is a sweet and savory sauce; any heat would only come from the amount of fresh pepper you choose to add at the end.
Is this sauce vegan?
As written, it is not vegan because it contains honey, though you could substitute more sugar to make it vegan.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, making it in advance allows the dried herbs and sweetness to meld together for an even better flavor.
How much minced carrot do I need?
You only need 1/2 tablespoon of minced carrot for the entire recipe.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is thick and slightly textured due to the tomato puree and the addition of finely minced carrots.