Alright, come on in, grab a seat! Let’s talk pizza. Not just any pizza, but my absolute favorite: pizza smothered in a creamy, dreamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce. The very first time I made this particular white sauce for pizza without cheese, it was a total fluke. I was trying to recreate a pizza I had at a little Italian place downtown, but I was missing key ingredients for a traditional tomato sauce. I peeked in the fridge, saw some garlic, cream, and butter… and a star was born! The aroma of garlic simmering in butter filled my kitchen, a scent that now instantly transports me back to that night. I remember thinking, “Okay, this might be a disaster,” but honestly? My family devoured it.
Now, I won’t lie, it took a few tries to get the consistency just right. My first batch was way too thin and runny – totally slid right off the pizza! But after a little tweaking, I nailed it. This White Garlic Pizza Sauce is now a staple in our house. It’s become a weekend tradition, a quick and easy way to make pizza night feel a little bit special, even on a crazy, busy weeknight. Honestly, it’s so easy, even my kids help out!
I know, making your own pizza sauce can sound intimidating, but trust me, this garlic pizza sauce recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. I’ve learned over the years that sometimes the best recipes are the ones born out of necessity or a little bit of kitchen chaos. And this White Garlic Pizza Sauce? It’s a perfect example of that. Plus, it’s so much better than anything you can buy in a jar!
So, whether you’re a seasoned pizza pro or a complete beginner, I promise you can make this. Come on, let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to love this easy White Garlic Pizza Sauce.
What You’ll Need for This White Garlic Pizza Sauce
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday things you probably already have in your kitchen. And don’t worry, I’ll share my little secrets along the way to make sure your White Garlic Pizza Sauce turns out perfect every single time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (I always use good quality butter; it makes a difference!)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is best, friends. Trust me on this one.)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (This helps thicken the sauce.)
- 2 cups milk (I use whole milk for the creamiest results. But you can substitute with 2%.)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (This is what gives it that lusciousness that sets it apart from other creamy white pizza sauce. You can try using half-and-half if you want to cut back on the calories, but it won’t be quite as rich.)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch. I love a good sharp Parmesan for my White Garlic Pizza Sauce.)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground, of course!)
- Pinch of nutmeg (This is my little secret ingredient! It adds a subtle warmth that really elevates the sauce. Don’t skip it when making your White Garlic Pizza Sauce!)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (For a little kick!)
Now, here’s a White Garlic Pizza Sauce trick I learned from my grandma: before mincing the garlic, smash each clove gently with the flat side of your knife. This releases more of the garlic’s flavor.
When making White Garlic Pizza Sauce, you can find good quality Parmesan at most grocery stores in the cheese section. Look for a block that you can grate yourself – it’s usually fresher and more flavorful. For more tips on getting that garlic flavor just right, check out this helpful article on Garlic Pizza Sauce – Away From the Box.
For cost-saving tips, buy your Parmesan in bulk and freeze it! It grates just as easily when frozen, and it will last much longer. And remember to store your leftover milk and cream properly to keep them fresh for your next batch of White Garlic Pizza Sauce.
Let’s Make This White Garlic Pizza Sauce Together
Alright, apron on? Music playing? Let’s get started! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. We’re making White Garlic Pizza Sauce, and it’s going to be delicious!
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter. This is the foundation of our delicious White Garlic Pizza Sauce. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
- Make a roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy at first – just keep whisking! This is a key step in getting that creamy white pizza sauce texture.
- Gradually add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth. I learned the hard way with White Garlic Pizza Sauce that adding the milk too quickly results in a lumpy mess!
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While the White Garlic Pizza Sauce is cooking, I usually chop up my pizza toppings or prep the dough.
- Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (and red pepper flakes, if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. In my kitchen, White Garlic Pizza Sauce usually takes about 2-3 minutes for the cheese to fully melt.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking. Your White Garlic Pizza Sauce should smell like garlic heaven!
- Use immediately: Use the White Garlic Pizza Sauce immediately on your pizza.
Don’t worry if your White Garlic Pizza Sauce seems a little thin at first – it will thicken up as it cools slightly. And if it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk to thin it out.
A little White Garlic Pizza Sauce cooking tip I picked up from one of my readers is to use a silicone whisk. It’s gentler on the saucepan and helps prevent the sauce from sticking.
And if you are looking for more ways to spice up your pizza night, then I would suggest that you also give my White Bean Soup a try too.
How I Love to Serve This White Garlic Pizza Sauce
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing White Garlic Pizza Sauce… now what? Well, the possibilities are endless! My family loves this White Garlic Pizza Sauce when I make homemade pizzas with all their favorite toppings. We usually do a build-your-own pizza night, and it’s always a hit.
My go-to side dishes that pair with White Garlic Pizza Sauce are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The acidity of the salad and the sweetness of the roasted veggies balance out the richness of the sauce perfectly. This White Garlic Pizza Sauce is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend pizza party, or even a fancy appetizer for a get-together.
For presentation, I like to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizza after it comes out of the oven and sprinkle it with fresh basil. It makes it look extra fancy!
If you have extra White Garlic Pizza Sauce, don’t throw it away! You can use it as a sauce for pasta, as a dip for breadsticks, or even as a base for a creamy soup. I’ve even used it to make a delicious Alfredo sauce!
For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted butternut squash or pumpkin puree to the White Garlic Pizza Sauce in the fall. It adds a lovely sweetness and warmth. Friends always ask for this White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe whenever I serve it, and I’m always happy to share!
And be sure to check out this pizza night idea on Facebook for more pizza inspiration using white sauce!
Your White Garlic Pizza Sauce Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about making White Garlic Pizza Sauce. I’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned from them, so I’m here to help you avoid the same pitfalls!
Q: My White Garlic Pizza Sauce is too thin. What did I do wrong?
A: Ah, the dreaded thin sauce! Don’t worry, it happens. You probably didn’t cook the roux long enough. Make sure you cook the flour and butter together for at least a minute, stirring constantly, before adding the milk. This helps activate the thickening power of the flour. You can also try simmering the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it and thicken it up. I’ve definitely had this happen when I rush the process!
Q: My White Garlic Pizza Sauce is lumpy. How can I fix it?
A: Lumps are another common issue. The key is to add the milk slowly, whisking constantly. If you still end up with lumps, try using an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce. You can also strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve. You know what I do when my White Garlic Pizza Sauce is lumpy? I just embrace it! Adds character, right? (Just kidding… mostly!)
Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic for this garlic pizza sauce recipe?
A: While fresh garlic is always best, pre-minced garlic will work in a pinch. Just be aware that it won’t have quite as much flavor as fresh garlic. I always use fresh garlic, but sometimes life happens and I use the jarred stuff. Just add a little extra to compensate.
Q: Can I make this white sauce for pizza without cheese dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, the milk with almond milk or soy milk, and the heavy cream with a dairy-free heavy cream alternative (like coconut cream). You can also use nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. I’ve had a reader tell me that she uses blended cashews to make a creamy sauce for her pizza.
Q: Can I add other herbs or spices to this homemade white pizza sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the sauce to your liking. Some of my favorites include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Just add them to the sauce along with the salt and pepper.
Q: How long does this White Garlic Pizza Sauce last in the fridge?
A: The White Garlic Pizza Sauce will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using.
Q: My family doesn’t like garlic. Can I still make this?
A: Well, it wouldn’t be White Garlic Pizza Sauce without the garlic, but you could reduce the amount of garlic to your family’s liking. You could also try using roasted garlic, which has a milder flavor.
My Final Thoughts on This White Garlic Pizza Sauce
This White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so versatile and easy to make. It’s a recipe that I can always count on to please my family and friends, and it’s a great way to add a little bit of homemade love to any pizza night.
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter garlic!
- Use good quality ingredients: It really makes a difference in the flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.
- Mushroom and Spinach: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the sauce for a vegetarian delight. My daughter loves this version!
- Chicken and Bacon: Top your pizza with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and this White Garlic Pizza Sauce for a hearty and flavorful meal. My son’s favorite!
- Pesto and Artichoke: Swirl pesto into the White Garlic Pizza Sauce and top with artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
I hope you try this White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
For inspiration, check out other pizza lovers on Reddit sharing their own white pizza creations. And don’t forget, if you loved this recipe, I would also suggest that you also give my Roasted Garlic Potato Soup a try too.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear about your White Garlic Pizza Sauce adventures!
\n \n Print
White Garlic Pizza Sauce
This creamy white garlic pizza sauce is a delicious and easy alternative to traditional tomato sauce. Made with simple ingredients, it adds a rich, savory flavor to any homemade pizza.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Enough for one 12-inch pizza
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading on pizza crust.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic. You can also add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or basil after the sauce has thickened.