Short Description
White Garlic Pizza Sauce is a rich, creamy alternative to traditional red sauce, bursting with savory garlic, herbs, and a velvety texture. This homemade sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of pizza toppings, offering a crave-worthy base that elevates every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Garlic Flavor: Made with fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter for an aromatic and savory base.
- Creamy and Versatile: A smooth, creamy sauce ideal for pizzas, pastas, breadsticks, or as a dip.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in under 15 minutes with no complicated steps.
- Customizable Thickness: Add mozzarella for a thicker, cheesier variation depending on your preference.
- Herby and Balanced: Dried basil and oregano provide a classic Italian flavor profile that complements any topping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until a smooth paste forms.
- Add Dairy: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Cheese and Seasonings: Add the parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Optional Addition: For a thicker, cheesier sauce, stir in shredded mozzarella and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fully melted.
- Serve or Store: Remove from heat and use immediately as a pizza base, or allow to cool slightly before storing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes enough for one 12–14 inch pizza or 4 servings as a sauce
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy garlic sauce.
- Extra Cheese: Use a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and mozzarella for depth of flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, tangy note.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan parmesan to create a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Freezing: Freeze in small containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes, this sauce is equally delicious over pasta, especially with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Is it possible to make this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I keep the sauce from getting lumpy?
Whisk continuously when adding the milk to the roux, and make sure the milk is not too cold.
Can I use low-fat milk?
You can, but the sauce may be less creamy. Whole milk and cream provide the best texture.
Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it thickens slightly as it cools, so keep that in mind when choosing the consistency.
Can I make it without parmesan?
Parmesan adds flavor and texture, but if necessary, you can substitute with Romano or Asiago.
What herbs pair best with this sauce?
Oregano and basil are classic, but thyme or Italian seasoning blends also work well.
Is mozzarella necessary?
Not at all—it’s optional. Add it only if you want a stretchier, cheesier texture.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well for a few days and reheats easily on the stovetop.
Conclusion
White Garlic Pizza Sauce is an indulgent and flavorful foundation for a wide variety of pizza creations. Its creamy texture, rich garlic essence, and herby finish make it a standout alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces. Whether you’re crafting a gourmet white pizza or looking for a new favorite pasta sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Print
White Garlic Pizza Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
Description
This white garlic pizza sauce is a creamy, herby, and rich alternative to traditional red sauce. Made with butter, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of herbs, it’s the perfect base for white pizzas, cheesy flatbreads, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and crusts.
Ingredients
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
3/4 cup whole milk
-
1/4 cup heavy cream
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
-
Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a thicker, cheesier sauce)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Garlic:
-
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
-
Make the Roux:
-
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste.
-
-
Add Dairy:
-
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
-
-
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
-
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
-
If using mozzarella for extra thickness, stir it in until fully melted.
-
-
Finish and Use:
-
Remove from heat once smooth and creamy.
-
Use immediately as a white pizza base or let cool and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Notes
-
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
-
Use low heat to avoid scorching the dairy.
-
Can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American