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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Dips/Sauces ยป Sugar Free Pizza Sauce

    Sugar Free Pizza Sauce

    By Min On November 17, 2021, Updated December 1, 2021

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    baby-friendly pizza sauce in a white bowl with a spoon and above it a toast spread with sauce and fresh basil on the side

    Made with simple, pantry staple ingredients, this sugar free pizza sauce is THICK and BOLD flavored! You can absolutely enjoy this homemade sauce with your baby, toddler, or older child!

    baby-friendly pizza sauce in a white bowl with a spoon and above it a toast spread with sauce and fresh basil on the side

    Baby and kid friendly pizza sauce

    This tomato sauce is bursting with flavor without all the sugar, salt, and additives that are normally found in store-bought versions. It's also rich and THICK as any good pizza sauce should be. It won't run off the crust or make it soggy.

    Having said this, we all need a break from cooking sometimes, and it's so nice to have store-bought sauce on hand for days when we just...can't. When choosing one to enjoy with your baby, the most ideal option is one with minimal ingredients, sodium and sugar.

    Related post: When can babies have sugar?

    Ingredients

    all the ingredients laid out on a wooden board

    Tomato paste: This is a very important ingredient so don't skip it. It adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and really thickens up the sauce. When adding to this sauce as well as others, be sure to incorporate it at the beginning of the cooking process alongside other aromatics. As it caramelizes, it will taste less bitter and become sweeter, adding great depth and structure.

    Another awesome thing about tomato paste is that it's actually a great source of iron!

    Crushed tomatoes: Use a really good canned tomato like San Marzano. It is the main ingredient so donโ€™t skimp on it! You'll definitely taste the difference.

    Onion: be sure to finely grate or mince. I like to use my mini food chopper for small tasks like this (linked in the recipe card below).

    Hemp hearts: They may be tiny but are packed with essential nutrients, including omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, fiber, and protein (like quinoa, contain all the essential amino acids making them a complete protein source). Such an easy way to boost nutrition!

    Fresh basil: Really brightens up the sauce! You can use dried if you wish. Just add it along with oregano.

    Related post: Nuts and seeds for baby

    How to make homemade pizza sauce

    a four image collage showing the cooking steps
    1. Saute onion with oregano and tomato paste.
    2. Cook for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste. Add garlic.
    3. Stir in tomatoes and hemp seeds and simmer (the longer you simmer, the more concentrated the flavors will become).
    4. Stir in fresh basil

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

    You can but when I did a side by side taste test, crushed tomatoes tasted better! It also provides just the right texture - not too watery or chunky.

    If you use whole tomatoes in a can, add to food processor/blender and blend to a crushed texture

    Can I use pizza sauce for pasta?

    I don't recommend it. It is way too thick and concentrated. You can thin it out with water or broth, if you really want to toss it with pasta. If you're looking for a delicious spaghetti sauce, give this veggie-loaded baby pasta sauce a try!

    How to reduce acidity?


    Tomatoes are one of the most acidic fruits, and the acid content of canned tomatoes varies. That's why I recommend using high-quality tomatoes. Paying the extra couple of dollars will be well worth it!

    In addition, caramelizing onion & tomato paste and simmering, as you see in this recipe, will help the flavors to become more concentrated and balance the acidity.

    If necessary, you can add a pinch of baking soda.
    Keep in mind, this sauce will be spread onto pizza dough, tortilla, bread, etc. and enjoyed with all kinds of toppings, which will also help mellow out the slight bitterness.

    Can I freeze this sauce?

    Yes! Cool completely in the fridge and portion into freezer-safe containers. Will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Are tomatoes an allergen? My baby gets a rash around the mouth after consumption

    Tomatoes are not a common allergen. But they can cause a skin rash upon contact, which is oftentimes harmless. Same goes for other acidic foods. This happened to my firstborn with tomatoes and eggplant.

    So how can you tell if your baby is experiencing an allergic or contact reaction? If the redness spreads to other parts of the body where the food didn't touch, doesn't start to fade away after wiping down the skin, and baby is in distress, then please do call your doctor.

    Enjoy this pizza sauce with

    • Pizza Quesadilla
    • Vegetable baby French toast
    • English Muffin Baby Pizza
    • Baked chickpea veggie cakes
    • Lentils
    • Vegetable oatmeal

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    baby-friendly pizza sauce in a white bowl with a spoon and above it a toast spread with sauce and fresh basil on the side

    Sugar Free PIzza Sauce

    Made with simple, pantry staple ingredients, this sugar free pizza sauce is THICK and BOLD flavored! You can absolutely enjoy this homemade sauce with your baby, toddler, or older child!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 28 Makes 1 ยพ cups
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Mini Food Chopper
    • Freezer Tray

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • โ…“ cup (70g) finely chopped or grated yellow onion
    • 1 tablespoon oregano
    • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 ยฝ teaspoon minced garlic
    • 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
    • 3 tablespoons (or more) finely chopped fresh basil

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, oregano, and tomato paste and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to a minute.
    • Add the tomatoes and hemp seeds, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze the tomato paste. Once sauce reaches a simmer, lower the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Stir in basil. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Use a really good canned tomato like San Marzano. It is the main ingredient so donโ€™t skimp on it! You'll definitely taste the difference.
    Storage suggestions:
    • Allow to come to room temperature then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
    • To freeze - cool completely in the fridge and portion into freezer-safe containers. I love using the tray above. Will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 28mg | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 1mg
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    English Muffin Baby Pizza (with vegetables) »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ele says

      July 12, 2022 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! My son ate it off the spoon to taste and he loved it, wouldn't give me back the spoon. Really easy to make aswell and so good you can freeze left overs.

      Reply
      • Min says

        July 13, 2022 at 9:11 pm

        I'm so glad this was a hit!

        Reply
    2. Char says

      February 11, 2022 at 3:34 pm

      could this be used as a pasta sauce as well?

      Reply
      • Min says

        February 13, 2022 at 7:21 pm

        No, it's way too thick to be enjoyed as pasta sauce but def try my iron-rich baby pasta recipe or sweet potato sauce!

        Reply
    3. Patty says

      January 04, 2022 at 9:15 am

      What can I use as an alternative to hemp seeds? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 04, 2022 at 3:33 pm

        You can leave it out completely! It's added for a boost of nutrition

        Reply
    4. Anna says

      December 03, 2021 at 11:17 am

      What good brand crushed tomatoes you recommend? Thanks

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 03, 2021 at 11:24 am

        Hi I recommend any one that includes the San Marzanos variety!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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