• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Blog
  • Contact

Brooklyn Farm Girl

Cooking And Gardening in NYC

PopularStewed Tomatoes
let's be friends
join my free recipe club!
  • New? Start Here
  • recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Dessert
      • Dinner
      • Drinks
      • Snacks
    • Type
      • 30 Minute Meals
      • Breads
      • Budget
      • Canning
      • Casseroles
      • Cheesy
      • Cookies
      • Dips
      • Donuts
      • Holidays
      • Husband Favorites
      • Instant Pot
      • Keto
      • Kid Friendly
      • Muffins
      • Pasta
      • Potluck
      • Salads
      • Slow Cooker
      • Smoothies
      • Sneaky Vegetables
      • Soups
      • Sprinkles
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
    • Cuisine
      • Chinese
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • Pennsylvania Dutch
      • Vegetarian
  • Vegetable Index
  • Urban Gardening
    • Let’s Harvest
    • Tutorials
    • Garden Recipes
    • General Updates
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Seed Calendar
    • Compost in Brooklyn
  • About Me
    • About Pamela
    • Our Garden
  • Life & motherhood
    • Journal
    • Motherhood
    • Our Upstate Adventure
    • Cats, Cats, Cats
    • Crafts
  • Videos
  • PopularStewed Tomatoes
Home » recipes » Spicy Tomato Sauce

Spicy Tomato Sauce

40 minutes
garlicjalapenotomato
Posted:5/20/21
Updated:10/2/21
Jump to Recipe

This Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, and so much more. Roasted with tomatoes, jalapenos, and basil, this flavorful sauce is easy to make and better than storebought!

spicy tomato sauce in white bowl next to cherry tomatoes on table.

Sweet and spicy tomato sauce

I’m a huge fan of making my own tomato sauce instead of buying it from a store. I don’t think people understand just how easy it is, not to mention affordable! It’s also the best excuse to use up an abundance of garden fresh tomatoes and to add flavor and depth to plenty of recipes.

After I made my Oven Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce, it only felt natural for me to give the sauce some kick using fresh garden jalapenos in the mix. Thus, my Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce was born! Once the tomatoes and peppers are done roasting in this recipe, they’re blended with a handful of spices and herbs to create a fresh and spicy sauce without any weird ingredients. 

This 5-ingredient sauce is not overwhelmingly hot but has a slight kick. It’s very easy to control the level of heat and make the sauce exactly the way you like. Whether you want a little spice or a big kick of heat, the choice is yours!

Cherry tomato sauce in bowl on table.

How do you make tomato sauce spicy?

Traditional Italian tomato sauce is sweet and herbaceous. To make it spicy, simply roast chili peppers alongside the tomatoes. Using roasted jalapeno or serrano peppers in tomato sauce makes it spicy and gives the taste a Mexican-inspired flare.

Is this sauce different from arrabbiata sauce? 

Arrabbiata sauce is an Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes and red chilis. Although this recipe is similar to an arrabbiata, my spicy cherry tomato sauce uses fresh jalapenos to help it taste more vibrant.

What kind of tomatoes are best in homemade tomato sauce?

For this recipe, I used garden cherry tomatoes. I love using them for sauce because they’re packed with flavor and are naturally sweet. Feel free to make this recipe using any tomato you enjoy, such as:

  1. Beefsteak
  2. Roma
  3. Heirloom
  4. Grape tomatoes
  5. Vine ripened
cherry tomatoes on table.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that tomatoes with higher water content, such as beefsteak tomatoes, will give your sauce a thinner consistency. If you prefer your sauce on the thicker side, I recommend using smaller tomatoes instead, like grape or cherry. 

How to make roasted cherry tomato sauce

The beauty of this tomato sauce is in its simplicity! Adding the veggies to a sheet pan and roasting until everything is broken down will help release their flavors and make a beautiful sauce when blended. Here’s how it’s done:

Place the tomatoes, jalapenos and garlic in a single layer on a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil (I always buy mine in bulk), and sprinkle some onion powder on top.

cherry tomatoes with garlic and jalapenosn on baking sheet.

Bake the veggies until the tomatoes are wrinkly and have started to release some juices.

baked tomatoes that are wrinkly and popping on baking sheet.

Once they’re slightly cool, add the tomatoes and jalapenos to a food processor or blender along with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.

Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Use it immediately or store it away for later. 

bowl of spicy cherry tomato sauce in bowl next to uncooked pasta.

Ways to use spicy cherry tomato sauce

One of my favorite ways to use this sauce is with these Slow Cooker Meatballs. The spicy and creamy sauce adds a nice kick to the meatballs, making it a sauce-covered protein to add to sandwiches or spaghetti. Otherwise, the sauce is perfect on all of your favorite pasta dishes like Stuffed Shells, and Mexican Lasagna. 

Spicy cherry tomato sauce is also a great base for your favorite pizza or tomato pie. When all else fails, it’s great for adding extra spice in chili, hearty soups, and stews.

Storing and freezing

To store: If not using immediately, store the cooked and cooled sauce in glass jars or airtight containers for 3-5 days in the fridge.

To freeze: Frozen tomato sauce has a shelf life of up to a year if properly stored in airtight containers, freezer-safe bags, or in jars with tight lids. When it’s time to eat, leave the sauce to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving. 

Looking for more sauces to try?

  • Roma Tomato Sauce (watch the tomato sauce story here)
  • Italian Crushed Tomato Sauce
  • Oven Roasted Beef Tomato Sauce
  • Easy Diced Tomatoes

Pin for later:

This Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, and so much more. Roasted with tomatoes, jalapenos, and basil, this flavorful sauce is easy to make and better than storebought!
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Free Recipe Club
4.50 from 4 votes

Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce

Print
This Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, and so much more. Roasted with tomatoes, jalapenos, and basil, this flavorful sauce is easy to make and better than storebought!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes stems removed
  • 2 jalapeno peppers seeds removed, cut in half
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil
  • salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Spread tomatoes, jalapenos and garlic in a shallow baking pan or baking sheet. Add olive oil and onion powder on top, and stir to fully coat everything.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes and then pour the pan of tomatoes into the food processor (careful, it's hot!). Add fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste in the food processor.
  • Pulse until sauce is creamy.
  • Use it right away, or throw it in the fridge to use tomorrow, or freeze it for next month. Enjoy!

Notes

This  recipe makes 3 cups of sauce.
Other tomatoes you can use instead of cherry tomatoes: beefsteak, roma, heirloom and grape tomatoes.
 
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:spicy tomato sauce
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

Similar Recipes

  • Spicy Italian Crushed Tomato Sauce
  • Oven Roasted Beef Tomato Sauce
  • Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
  • Roma Tomato Sauce

Reader Interactions

join the free recipe club

Receive My Favorite Recipes Straight To Your Inbox!

Thank you for subscribing!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or recipe review here. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




  1. Ashley says

    July 31, 2014 at 3:22 pm

    We love sauce with a bit of kick! I bet this is amazing with those roasted tomatoes!

    Reply
  2. Mary Frances says

    July 31, 2014 at 8:41 am

    Those are the most gorgeous roasted tomatoes. Ever. The jalepeno sounds perfect – I love a little kick!

    Reply
  3. Kelly says

    July 31, 2014 at 12:33 am

    This looks amazing, Pamela! Love the roasted tomatoes and the little kick you added. I would probably drink this by the spoonful! So yummy – pinning 🙂

    Reply
  4. Anna Johnston says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    Your sauce looks totes amazeballs! Im addicted to anything with cherry toms in it, we always have a jar in the fridge, Ive been known to eat it straight outta the jar, its my savoury honey. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Megan says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    My cherry tomatoes are coming in like crazy now, so I need to keep this recipe in mind. Looks great!

    Reply
  6. Corina @ Glamorous Bite says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    I just love tomato soup any time of the year and with fresh tomatoes it is just divine!

    Reply
  7. Annie @Maebells says

    July 30, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    How fantastic?! I love the addition of the jalapeno! Everything is better with a spicy little kick! 🙂

    Reply
  8. [email protected] Riffs says

    July 30, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    I love roasted tomatoes! And cherry tomatoes have such great flavor — they’re perfect for this. And that little kick you’ve added to the sauce? Yes, please. 😉

    Reply
  9. Allison says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:01 am

    I adore using cherry tomatoes in sauces! I am all about the fresh tomatoes right now. There’s just no comparison to the canned this time of year. I love the little kick you added. I want to eat this with a spoon!

    Reply
  10. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:05 am

    This sauce looks amazing! I love how creamy it is…I think I would find an excuse to eat this over anything I could get my hands on! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    July 30, 2014 at 6:19 am

    You can’t beat homemade tomato sauce. Especially when it has a bit of spice in it.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog 🙂 I am new to yours, but I have bookmarked it to come back daily.

    Reply
  12. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    July 30, 2014 at 5:25 am

    That sauce looks amazingly good! Look at that colour and you can tell it’s so packed with flavour 😀

    Reply
  13. Koko says

    July 30, 2014 at 4:16 am

    This sauce looks AMAZING!! I love roasting cherry tomatoes with thyme and balsamic vinegar, a little bit of olive oil, S + P for perfect breakfast tomatoes with baked beans and hash browns! There is so much flavour packed in those little guys!

    So when is spaghetti night?? 😉

    Reply
  14. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says

    July 30, 2014 at 12:31 am

    I am crying right now!!! I love cherry tomatoes and I didn’t get a chance to plant a garden this year. Wah! And girl – you KNOW that jalapenos and me are BFFs.

    Reply
  15. Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:38 pm

    I could eat this like a soup – love the little kick!

    Reply
  16. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:37 pm

    Seriously…I can drink that bowl of tomato sauce! I love the kick :-))

    Reply
  17. Isadora @ she likes food says

    July 29, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    We are totally on the same wavelength here! I just made a cherry tomato sauce the other day and it was one of the best things I have ever eaten! As much as I love to eat raw cherry tomatoes, I never want to eat any other kind of tomato sauce now. I love that you added the jalapenos!

    Reply
  18. Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

    July 29, 2014 at 10:23 pm

    Yes, yes! As a pizza sauce!! YUM!! That sounds amazing! (Well, and it sounds super yummy as a dipping sauce and pasta sauce, too!)

    And lemme tell ya … we go through lots of cherry tomatoes at my house, and none of them look as beautiful as what you have grown! Totally fabulous!! (And I can’t catch any food thrown up in the air … ever!!)

    Reply
  19. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    July 29, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    Of course there are jalapeños in your tomato sauce! LOL! The big question here is why I have I never made a roasted tomato sauce? I heart roasted tomatoes almost as much as I heart tomato sauce…magical! Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
  20. Bri | Bites of Bri says

    July 29, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    Oh yum, Pamela! I love spicy tomato sauce and I can’t wait to get making it!

    Reply
  21. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says

    July 29, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    Yum, I just roasted some tomatoes over the weekend for the first time. I love the flavor. 😀
    This sauce is such a great way to use up all those beautiful tomatoes of yours. This would be fantastic on some pasta! Pinning

    Reply
  22. PassTheKnife says

    July 29, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    I bet this is divine! I love the color and creamy texture, so simple too!

    Reply
  23. Shashi @ runninsrilankan says

    July 29, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    YUM!!! Pamela – I so could use some of your roasted tomato/jalepeno soup right now! The texture and flavors have me swooning!

    Reply
  24. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    July 29, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    I love a little kick to my sauce! Great recipe!

    Reply
  25. Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says

    July 29, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Tomato sauce from delicious organic tomatoes is the best. Nothing from a store can replace it <3

    Reply
  26. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:32 am

    This looks so good, Pamela! Love your tomato crop and its bounty!

    Reply
  27. lisaiscooking says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:05 am

    Those perfect, little tomatoes are so pretty! I love the flavor of roasted cherry tomatoes, and the jalapenos must be fantastic in this sauce.

    Reply
  28. marcie says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:04 am

    I made a sauce similar to this a few years back and I loved it! This is the perfect way to use up those tomatoes, and looks just delicious, Pamela! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says

    July 29, 2014 at 9:54 am

    i love roasted tomatoes – great way to use them..

    Reply
  30. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

    July 29, 2014 at 9:53 am

    I love tomato soup and tomato sauce, especially the spicy versions. This looks sooooo good!

    Reply
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

Read More

join the free
recipe club!

Receive My Favorite Recipes Straight to Your Inbox!

Thank you for subscribing!

TOP POSTS

Half Sour Pickles

The Best Stewed Tomatoes Ever

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

EASY Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Recipe Index
Vegetable Index
Follow On Facebook
Follow On Instagram
Free Recipe Club

fresh this week view all

Slow Cooker Sausage Barley Soup

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Irish Potato Candy (Pennsylvania Dutch)

Spring Garden Planning for Zone 7B

As Featured On
free recipe club!
Get weekly recipes, videos, and gardening tips to your inbox!
join the club!
EST. 2013
let's be friends
  • Recipe Index
  • Veggie Index
  • Urban Gardening
  • Web Stories
Back To Top
© 2023 - All Rights Reserved
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

join the recipe club!

Receive My Favorite Recipes Straight to Your Inbox!

Thank you for subscribing!

316 shares