Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving something utterly delicious that feels fancy but is actually super easy, you’re going to love this Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe. Trust me, the creamy garlic sauce slathered over a perfectly baked crust and topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan is what comfort pizza dreams are made of. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this pizza just right at home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Homemade Garlic Sauce: Using a creamy, scratch-made garlic sauce makes this pizza stand out with fresh flavor and silky texture.
- Balanced Cheeses: The combination of low-moisture mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan melts perfectly and adds depth of flavor.
- Simple Yet Flavorful: Italian seasoning and fresh basil elevate the taste without complicating the process.
- Quick to Make: You can have this pizza from start to finish in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe has a purpose, creating a perfect harmony of creamy, garlicky goodness with a crispy crust. Buying fresh parmesan and finely chopping garlic really elevates the flavor, so I recommend a quick stop at a good deli or supermarket for those.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the sauce and lets you control the saltiness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without any lumps, giving it that perfect creamy texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness; I don’t recommend skim for this.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Season the sauce gently so it complements the cheese and garlic.
- Garlic (fresh or jarred minced): The star of the recipe — fresh gives the best flavor but jarred works when you’re short on time.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better and adds a salty, nutty depth.
- Pizza crust (homemade or store-bought): I usually grab a thin crust from the store — it’s the perfect base for this sauce-heavy pizza.
- Low moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly without making the pizza soggy.
- Italian seasoning: A little sprinkle brightens the crust with herbs without overpowering the sauce.
- Olive oil: Brushing the crust keeps it crisp and adds a lovely fruitiness.
- Fresh basil chiffonade (for garnish): Adds freshness and a gorgeous color contrast.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Feel free to make this your own — you can add veggies, swap cheeses, or even spice it up if you want more kick.
- Variation: I like adding thinly sliced mushrooms or baby spinach on top before baking — it adds texture and makes it feel greener and heartier.
- Dietary Mod: For a gluten-free version, try a store-bought gluten-free crust — just adjust baking time as needed.
- Cheese Swaps: Mixing part fontina or provolone with mozzarella can give it a sweeter, creamier twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, sprinkle in your flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes — don’t let it brown! This step cooks the flour and prevents any “raw” taste. Then slowly pour in the milk bit by bit, whisking constantly so the sauce stays silky smooth. After about 3-5 minutes, you’ll notice it’s thick and bubbling. Stir in salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic, then fold in parmesan cheese until melted. Set it aside to cool while you work on the crust (or refrigerate for up to 5 days).
Step 2: Prep Your Pizza Base Like a Pro
Heat your oven to 450ºF — you want it nice and hot for a crispy crust. Roll or stretch your crust out on a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan. Brush the surface evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over it. This little herb boost brings out a lovely aroma as the crust bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Sauce and Cheeses
Spread your luscious garlic sauce all over the crust in a thin, even layer. The sauce makes this pizza uniquely creamy and garlicky. Next, sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly across the sauce, then scatter the parmesan on top. These cheeses melt into a bubbling golden blanket, so generous is key here.
Step 4: Bake & Garnish
Bake your pizza for 10-12 minutes until the crust is cooked through and the cheeses are melted and bubbling with golden spots. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes to avoid burning. When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil chiffonade on top for that bright, fresh finish. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy the magic!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip Whisking: Constant whisking when making the sauce ensures it stays smooth and lumps-free — a small step that makes a big difference!
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: It melts better and keeps your pizza from getting soggy — I learned this the hard way with fresh mozzarella!
- Preheat the Oven Thoroughly: A hot oven crisps the edges just right, giving that satisfying crunch I adore.
- Cool Sauce Before Using: Spreading warm sauce on dough can make it soggy; letting it cool helps keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for fresh basil chiffonade right after baking—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the richness of the cheese and garlic sauce. Sometimes, I toss on a few flakes of crushed red pepper if I’m feeling spicy!
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance out that creaminess. I love serving up some garlicky green beans alongside for an all-around garlic fest.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes make this pizza on a rectangular baking sheet and cut it into smaller squares, almost like finger food. It’s a hit when paired with a few dipping sauces like honey mustard or a spicy arrabbiata. Also, sprinkling edible flowers or extra basil right before serving makes it look gourmet and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the pizza cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it best eaten within 2 days because the crust can get a little chewy, but it still tastes fantastic.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pizza (or just the sauce), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. I’ve had good luck freezing the garlic sauce separately for up to a month — just thaw it overnight in the fridge and whisk it up again before using.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pizza, I pop it in the oven at 375ºF for about 8-10 minutes or use a skillet on medium heat for a crisp bottom. Microwave tends to make it soggy, so I avoid that when possible.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making the garlic sauce?
You could, but you’ll miss out on that luscious creamy texture and fresh garlic flavor that makes this recipe special. The homemade garlic sauce is quick to whip up and definitely worth the extra effort!
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Can I prepare the garlic sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The garlic sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly, and reheat gently before assembling your pizza.
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What type of pizza crust works best for this recipe?
A thin crust or medium crust works best here to balance the creamy sauce and cheese without getting soggy. I usually grab a quality store-bought crust, but homemade is great if you have the time!
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Can I add toppings like vegetables or meat?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions, or cooked chicken all complement the pizza well. Just consider that extra toppings might add moisture, so be mindful not to overload the pizza.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients and big flavor that feels like a cozy hug after a long day. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or impressing friends, I promise it won’t disappoint. So grab your skillet, roll out that dough, and have fun making this garlicky, cheesy masterpiece your new go-to pizza night.
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Garlic White Pizza with Homemade Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce combines a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on a perfectly baked crust, garnished with fresh basil for a delicious and easy homemade pizza experience.
Ingredients
Garlic Pizza Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped (or 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pizza Ingredients:
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza crust (12-14 inch)
- 8 oz low moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup garlic pizza sauce (from recipe above)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Make the Garlic Pizza Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 2 minutes, making sure not to brown it. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and keep whisking until the mixture is smooth, thick, and bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in sea salt, black pepper, and the finely chopped garlic. Add the parmesan cheese and whisk until just melted. Remove from heat and let cool before using, or refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450ºF and allow it to fully preheat to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Crust: Roll out the pizza crust on a 12-14 inch pizza pan or rectangular baking sheet. Brush the surface evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the crust for added flavor.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the cooled garlic pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly on top to create a cheesy layer.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil chiffonade. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use a rectangular baking sheet if you prefer, and cut the pizza into squares or long rectangles resembling breadsticks.
- Serve this white pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
