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This sugar-free pizza sauce is as delicious as it is simple to make, with bold, herby flavor and a thick, hearty consistency that clings perfectly to crusts, veggies, or even lentils. Made with pantry staples and no added sugar, it’s a wholesome option the whole family can enjoy.
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Baby and kid friendly pizza sauce
There’s a lot to love about this simple, homemade sugar free pizza sauce—especially when you’re cooking for kids or babies. Here are just a few reasons why it’s become a go-to in our kitchen:
- Versatile – Works just as well on pizza as it does in pizza quesadillas, stirred into lentils, or even savory oatmeal.
- No added sugar or salt – Naturally flavorful without relying on extra sodium or sweeteners.
- Thick and hearty – Won’t run off the crust or make things soggy, perfect for little hands.
- Made with pantry staples – No last-minute grocery runs needed.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a batch and stash extras for quick meals down the road.
- Nutrition-packed – Hemp seeds add healthy fats and a little plant-based protein boost.
- Family-friendly flavor – Bold enough for grown-ups, mild enough for toddlers and babies.
If you love this sauce, be sure to check out other homemade favorites like this low-sodium teriyaki sauce, hidden veggie pasta sauce, the best stir fry sauce, or even these easy vegetarian pasta sauces.
For another simple, kid-friendly option, try this tahini sauce. It’s creamy, nutritious, and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
- Tomato paste – Adds rich, concentrated flavor and helps thicken the sauce, so don’t skip it. Add it early with the aromatics so it caramelizes and sweetens, boosting depth. Another awesome thing about tomato paste is that it’s actually a great source of iron! Pro tip – Once opened, freeze leftover tomato paste in 1-tablespoon portions for easy use next time.
- Crushed tomatoes – Use a really good canned tomato like San Marzano. It is the main ingredient so don’t skimp on it! You’ll definitely taste the difference. These give the sauce body and texture without being too chunky.
- Onion – Adds a natural sweetness and savory base without the need for added sugar. 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 seeds – 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.
Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to make a quick swap, here are some easy substitutions to keep your sauce delicious and flexible:
- Want extra veggies? Add grated carrot or finely chopped bell pepper when sautéing the onion.
- No hemp seeds? Try ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or even a spoonful of this homemade sunflower seed butter for similar creaminess and nutrition.
- No fresh basil? Use 1 teaspoon dried basil or substitute fresh parsley or a spoonful of pesto. Try one of these for a flavor twist: sun-dried tomato pesto, easy ricotta pesto, or easy zucchini pesto with almonds.
- Low on tomato paste? Sub ¼ cup of tomato purée or cook the sauce a bit longer to thicken it naturally.
- Avoiding onion? Try finely chopped shallots or a pinch of onion powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Saute onion with oregano and tomato paste.
Step 2: Cook for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste. Add garlic.
Step 3: Stir in tomatoes and hemp seeds and simmer (the longer you simmer, the more concentrated the flavors will become).
Step 4: Stir in fresh basil.
Recipe Tips
- Simmer for flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes for the best depth of flavor.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while simmering. For a thicker consistency, let it cook a little longer.
- Make ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
- Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the sauce.
- Customize the herbs: Feel free to play with the herbs! A mix of oregano, thyme, and even a bit of rosemary can give the sauce a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestion
This thick, flavorful sugar free pizza sauce goes well beyond traditional pizza night. Try it with:
- Pizza Quesadilla – Spread inside a tortilla with cheese and your favorite fillings.
- Homemade pizza pockets – Great for lunchboxes or a make-ahead freezer stash.
- Vegetable baby French toast – A fun savory twist that pairs well with this sauce on the side.
- English Muffin Baby Pizza – Quick, customizable, and toddler-friendly.
- Baked chickpea veggie cakes – A tasty dip or drizzle to serve with finger foods.
- Lentils – Stir into cooked lentils for an Italian-inspired bowl.
- Vegetable oatmeal – Perfect for savory oatmeal lovers—think risotto vibes!
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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!
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.
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.
Yes! This sauce contains no added sugar or salt, and it’s full of nourishing ingredients. For younger babies, you can blend it smooth if needed.
Yes, and I often do. It’s a great one to batch cook and freeze for easy meals later.
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!
Sugar Free PIzza Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup (70g) finely chopped or grated yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 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
- 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.
Love this so much!! I would love if you would make your own pizza dough recipe too to go with this one! 🙂
Oh I do!! search for “protein pizza” SO easy!
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.
I’m so glad this was a hit!
could this be used as a pasta sauce as well?
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!
What can I use as an alternative to hemp seeds? Thanks.
You can leave it out completely! It’s added for a boost of nutrition
What good brand crushed tomatoes you recommend? Thanks
Hi I recommend any one that includes the San Marzanos variety!