White Garlic Pizza Sauce

When it comes to pizza, the sauce is often the unsung hero that sets the tone for the entire dish. While the traditional tomato-based sauce has its charm, sometimes you crave something richer, creamier, and more indulgent. Enter the White Garlic Pizza Sauce—a velvety, flavorful base that transforms any pizza into a gourmet creation.

This sauce is buttery, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with Parmesan cheese and aromatic oregano. It’s the ideal complement to white pizzas topped with chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or a medley of cheeses. Beyond pizza, it also doubles as a versatile dipping sauce for breadsticks, drizzle for roasted vegetables, or base for creamy pasta.

Whether you’re making pizza for a cozy night in or hosting a weekend pizza party, this sauce will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy – A silky texture that spreads evenly over dough without making it soggy.

• Bold garlic flavor – Minced garlic is gently sautéed in butter for a fragrant, flavorful base.

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple pantry staples.

• Versatile – Perfect for pizza, flatbreads, pasta, or even as a dipping sauce.

• Make-ahead friendly – Stores well in the fridge for several days, so you can prep in advance.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon oregano

• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)

Preparation

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s fully liquefied and starting to foam slightly. The butter serves as the flavor base for this sauce, so using good-quality unsalted butter is ideal.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn the sauce bitter. This gentle cooking step releases the garlic’s natural sweetness.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Continue whisking and cooking for 1–2 minutes. The roux thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture. Cooking it briefly helps remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whole milk is best for a richer texture, but 2% milk will also work. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, which usually takes 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Stir in the salt, black pepper, and oregano. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the sauce, with oregano adding a subtle herbal note that complements pizza toppings beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce. This step ensures the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t become grainy.

Step 7: Cool and Use

Allow the sauce to cool slightly before spreading it onto your pizza dough. This helps maintain the dough’s structure and prevents sogginess.

Variation Ideas

Spicy White Garlic Sauce

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that pairs well with toppings like spicy sausage or roasted red peppers.

Extra-Cheesy Sauce

Mix in an additional ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone along with the Parmesan for a gooey, stretchy texture.

Herb-Infused Sauce

Swap the oregano for a blend of Italian herbs or add fresh basil and thyme for a more complex flavor.

Vegan White Garlic Sauce

Replace the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.

Lemon-Garlic White Sauce

Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest at the end of cooking for a bright, citrusy finish that works beautifully with seafood pizzas.

Cooking Note

• The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk before using.

• Always remove from heat before adding cheese to avoid separation.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture—pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Serving Suggestions

While the most common use for White Garlic Pizza Sauce is as a pizza base, it’s far from a one-trick pony. Try it:

• On a white pizza with grilled chicken, spinach, and mushrooms.

• As a dipping sauce for garlic knots, breadsticks, or pretzels.

• Over pasta for a quick Alfredo-style dish.

• As a creamy base for flatbreads topped with roasted vegetables.

• As a drizzle over baked potatoes or steamed broccoli for a rich side dish.

Tips for Success

• Use low to medium heat when cooking the garlic and roux—high heat can burn the garlic and ruin the flavor.

• Whisk continuously after adding the milk to prevent lumps.

• Taste before spreading—adjust the seasoning to match your toppings.

• If storing in the fridge, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the sauce’s surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

10 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 2 Tablespoons)

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before using.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Freezing is not recommended, as dairy-based sauces can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, whisk vigorously when reheating to help bring it back together.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Asiago, Romano, or even a mild cheddar can be substituted or combined with Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

Can I use this sauce for pasta?

Yes. It makes an excellent pasta sauce, similar to Alfredo, and pairs wonderfully with fettuccine or penne.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Thin it with a splash of milk, whisking until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

The White Garlic Pizza Sauce is a game-changer for anyone who wants to step outside the realm of traditional red pizza sauces. Rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky goodness, it provides a luxurious base that elevates any pizza recipe. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, while oregano ties it to classic Italian flavors.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it for far more than just pizza—it’s an all-purpose sauce that enhances everything from breadsticks to pasta. Quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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