Tomato sauce is a great way to add flavor to pasta dishes, pizza, or any other dish that you might be cooking. It’s also really easy to make from scratch, so there’s no need to buy the pre-made stuff. And if you have any leftover tomato sauce, there are plenty of things you can do with it.
The shelf life of tomato sauce depends on a few different factors, such as the ingredients that are used and how it is stored.
Generally speaking, tomato sauce will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days after it is opened. If you freeze tomato sauce, it will last for about 6-8 months.
How to Store Tomato Sauce?
One of the great things about tomato sauce is that it is really easy to store. You can put it in a covered container in the fridge, or you can freeze it in a zip-lock bag.
If you’re going to store your tomato sauce in the fridge, make sure to put it in a covered container. This will help keep the sauce from spoiling.
If you’re going to freeze your tomato sauce, put it in a zip-lock bag. This will help keep the sauce from getting freezer burn.
Can You Freeze Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze tomato sauce. In fact, freezing is one of the best ways to store tomato sauce.
Tomato sauce will last for about 6-8 months in the freezer. Just make sure to freeze it in a zip-lock bag, and make sure to thaw it before you use it.
Related: Can You Freeze Macaroni Salad?
What Can You Do with Leftover Tomato Sauce?
If you have any leftover tomato sauce, there are plenty of things you can do with it.
Here are a few ideas:
- Add it to pasta dishes
- Use it as a pizza sauce
- Add it to the soup
- Use it as a marinara sauce
- Make a barbecue sauce with it
- Use it in a casserole dish
- Add it to a scrambled egg dish
- Use it as a dip
- Add it to a smoothie
- Use it in place of tomato paste
There are plenty of things you can do with leftover tomato sauce, so don’t throw it away!
Variations on the Classic Tomato Sauce Recipe
There are all sorts of variations in the classic tomato sauce recipe.
Here are a few recipes that you might want to try:
Classic Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the crushed and diced tomatoes, chicken stock or water, basil leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve warm or cold.
- Enjoy!
Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pints of cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large roasting pan, toss together the olive oil, onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and starting to burst.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer to a blender or food processor and add the chicken stock or water.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve warm or cold.
Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
- Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and cover with boiling water.
- Let soak for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken stock, or water, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and puree until smooth.
- Serve warm or cold.
Hearty Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the carrots, celery, bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken stock or water, basil leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve warm or cold.
There are all sorts of variations in the classic tomato sauce recipe. So, if you’re feeling creative, try making your own version!
Can You Store Homemade Tomato Sauce in the Fridge?
Yes, you can store homemade tomato sauce in the fridge. Just make sure to put it in a covered container, and make sure to refrigerate it promptly after it is made.
Tips for Making and Storing Homemade Tomato Sauce
Here are a few tips for making and storing homemade tomato sauce:
- Make sure to use good quality tomatoes
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make sure to blanch them first
- Add some herbs and spices to give your sauce extra flavor
- Make a large batch of sauce and freeze the leftovers
- Store your tomato sauce in a covered container in the fridge or freezer
- Don’t add salt to your sauce until it is fully cooked
- Cook your sauce for the recommended amount of time for the best flavor
- Taste your sauce before you serve it to make sure it is to your liking
Conclusion
In this article, you learned how to make and store homemade tomato sauce. You also discovered a variety of different sauces that can be made with it including ketchup, barbecue sauce, alfredo sauce, and vodka sauce.
If all these variations seem overwhelming or intimidating, don’t worry! The tips we provided should help get you started thinking about which one might work for your needs best.
Which variation on the classic tomato recipe will you try first?