Grimaldi’s Pizza Sauce Recipe: Authentic Flavor in Every Jar

grimaldi's pizza sauce recipe

Grimaldi’s Pizza Sauce Recipe: Authentic Flavor in Every Jar

I’ve perfected Grimaldi’s famous pizza sauce recipe, capturing the authentic Brooklyn pizzeria flavor in every jar. This recipe uses simple ingredients and traditional techniques to create a rich, tangy sauce that’s perfect for pizza nights.

The secret lies in using high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a touch of olive oil. By simmering the sauce gently, we develop deep flavor without losing that bright, fresh tomato taste.

This sauce recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for several pizza nights. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week or freezes well for months, maintaining its authentic flavor.

Ingredients for grimaldi’s pizza sauce

These premium ingredients combine to create Grimaldi’s signature pizza sauce with authentic Brooklyn flavor.


Ingredient Amount Notes
Canned Crushed Tomatoes 🍅 2 cups San Marzano or similar quality
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp High quality for best flavor
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Peeled and minced
Dried Oregano 🌿 1 tsp Mediterranean variety preferred
Salt 🧂 ½ tsp Kosher or sea salt
Black Pepper 🌶️ ¼ tsp Freshly ground preferred
Sugar 🍮 ¼ tsp Optional, for balancing acidity

[recipe_ingredient_scaler]

For the best flavor, source high-quality San Marzano tomatoes from specialty stores or online retailers. Use extra-virgin olive oil from reputable brands like Colavita or Fratelli. Fresh garlic is essential—pre-minced won't provide the same depth. Look for Mediterranean oregano at Italian or Greek markets for authentic taste.

If you can't find San Marzano, substitute with other high-quality crushed tomatoes. For a smoother sauce, blend briefly in a blender or food processor before simmering. Adjust garlic amount to taste—some prefer stronger garlic flavor while others prefer it subtle. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during simmering.

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Freeze in glass jars or freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months—leave about 1 inch headspace for expansion. Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grimaldi’s Pizza Sauce

Follow these precise steps to create an authentic Grimaldi’s-style pizza sauce that captures the essence of their classic Neapolitan recipe.

🔥 Step 1: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat the 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the 4 cloves minced Garlic Cloves and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as this will impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.

The garlic should be soft and aromatic, filling your kitchen with a savory scent. This slow cooking process mellows the garlic’s flavor, creating a rich foundation for the sauce.

🍳 Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the 2 cups Canned Crushed Tomatoes, 1 tsp Dried Oregano, 0.5 tsp Salt, 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, and 0.25 tsp Sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

The crushed tomatoes should be of high quality, such as San Marzano, to provide the best flavor. The oregano adds a characteristic Mediterranean herb flavor, while the salt enhances the overall taste. The black pepper provides a subtle kick, and the sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

⏰ Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and reduce somewhat, intensifying the flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has a rich, thick consistency and a deep red color.

During the simmering process, the flavors will meld together, and the sauce will develop a complex, slightly sweet flavor profile characteristic of Grimaldi’s pizza sauce. Be patient and allow the sauce to cook slowly to achieve the best results.

🥘 Step 4: Finish and Store

Once the sauce has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container, such as a glass jar, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 6 months. The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so it’s essential to let it cool completely before using or storing it.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, give it a good stir and spread a thin layer onto your pizza dough. The sauce is now ready to be topped with your favorite ingredients and baked to perfection, just like Grimaldi’s classic Neapolitan pizzas.

Grimaldi’s pizza sauce recipe has been a topic of discussion among pizza enthusiasts for years. The classic New York-style pizzeria has been serving up some of the city’s best pies since 1990, and their signature sauce is a big part of the magic. So, what’s the secret to their iconic flavor? Let’s dive in and explore the ingredients and techniques that make Grimaldi’s pizza sauce so beloved.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups of crushed San Marzano tomatoes (don’t even think about using anything else! 😋)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
  • Salt, to taste

Let’s Get Started! 🔥

To make Grimaldi’s pizza sauce, you’ll need to combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil in a large bowl. Mix everything together until it’s just combined – don’t overdo it, or the sauce will become too smooth.

Simmering to Perfection ⏰

Once your sauce is mixed, it’s time to let it simmer. Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and let it cook over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken up.

💡 Pro tip: To get the most authentic Grimaldi’s flavor, make sure to use high-quality ingredients and don’t rush the simmering process. The longer you let it cook, the better it’ll be!

Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to get cooking! With Grimaldi’s pizza sauce, you’ll be well on your way to creating some truly delicious pies. And don’t be afraid to experiment – try using it on different types of crusts or as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks. The possibilities are endless! 🍕

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grimaldi’s Pizza Sauce

These expert tips will help you achieve authentic Grimaldi’s-style pizza sauce with professional results every time.

Garlic Preparation: For the best flavor, mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they cook evenly and blend into the sauce. The 4-5 minute cooking time in Step 1 is crucial for achieving that perfect mellow garlic flavor.

Tomato Quality: Using high-quality canned crushed tomatoes, such as San Marzano, makes a significant difference in the final flavor. Their lower acidity and sweeter taste create a more authentic Neapolitan-style sauce.

Simmering Technique: During the 30-40 minute simmer, stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor development. The sauce should thicken to a rich, spreadable consistency by the end of this time.

Storage Tips: After cooling, store the sauce in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months. The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so let it come to room temperature before using on pizza dough.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories
70kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g3%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 240mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 8g
Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.0
(12 reviews)

[recipe_ingredient_scaler]

Chef Melanie

More recipe sites