Description
Recreate the iconic Celebrity Cruise Lines Pizza Sauce Sweet Tomatoes at home with this authentic, slow-simmered recipe. This rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and naturally sweet flavors, making your homemade pizza taste like it’s straight from a luxury cruise ship! 🚢
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for richness)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (adds depth of flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (brings out aroma)
- 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed (Learn more on Wikipedia)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (for extra richness)
- 1 small carrot, finely grated (natural sweetness)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (balances acidity)
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar (deepens the flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil – In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add Tomatoes & Sweeteners – Pour in crushed San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, grated carrot, and honey. Stir well.
- Simmer Slowly – Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season to Perfection – Add balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and let it cook for another 10 minutes.
- Blend (Optional) – If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender for a silky texture.
- Final Taste Test – Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
- Let It Rest – Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using it on pizza or storing.
🔥 Pro Tip: For an even deeper flavor, let the sauce rest overnight in the fridge before using!
Notes
- This sauce pairs perfectly with any pizza dough (homemade or store-bought).
- No refined sugar needed – the carrot and honey naturally enhance the sweetness.
- Make it in advance! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Want a chunkier sauce? Skip blending and leave it rustic!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving – ¼ Cup Sauce
- Calories: 40 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg