Name: White Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1¼ cups whole milk; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 pre-made or homemade pizza dough; ½ cup prepared garlic sauce; 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, freshly grated; ¼ cup Parmesan, freshly shredded; ½ teaspoon Italian herb mix; 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing); 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1¼ cups whole milk

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

¼ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1 pre-made or homemade pizza dough

½ cup prepared garlic sauce

8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, freshly grated

¼ cup Parmesan, freshly shredded

½ teaspoon Italian herb mix

1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux, being careful not to brown it.

Step 2: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble lightly.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. Let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle the Italian herb mix over the surface.

Step 5: Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared garlic sauce over the dough. Top with freshly grated mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly with some browned spots.

Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with thin ribbons of fresh basil. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing to add a sweeter, milder taste to the sauce.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, use slightly less flour when making the roux or add a splash more milk to adjust the consistency.

Try topping the pizza with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to complement the creamy garlic sauce.

Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but ensure to pat it dry to avoid a soggy crust.

Storage

Store any leftover garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness. The assembled pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic sauce up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and reheat gently before using it on your pizza.

Is this sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals?

This recipe contains milk, butter, and cheese, so it is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant unless you substitute with lactose-free dairy alternatives.