Description
This White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe offers a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauces. Made with a smooth garlic-infused béchamel sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese, it creates a luscious base for homemade or pre-made pizza dough. Topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and fresh basil, this pizza delivers a rich and aromatic experience perfect for garlic lovers and anyone seeking a delicious twist on classic pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Sauce
- 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
For the Pizza Assembly
- 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
- Make the Roux: In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until it forms a smooth, pale roux without browning, which will create the base for the sauce.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and bubble lightly, forming a creamy béchamel base.
- Incorporate Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the finely minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the finely shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness and size. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with the Italian herb mix to add aroma and flavor.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared garlic sauce over the dough. Top evenly with the grated low-moisture mozzarella and extra shredded Parmesan to ensure a beautifully cheesy pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly with some browned spots indicating caramelization.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter the fresh basil ribbons over the top. Slice and serve the pizza hot to enjoy the full flavor of the garlic sauce and melted cheese.
Notes
- The garlic sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before assembling the pizza.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute whole milk with 2% milk, though this may affect creaminess.
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor; adjust quantity to taste if a milder garlic flavor is desired.
- If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pizza dough with a certified gluten-free crust and ensure flour used in roux is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: white garlic pizza sauce, garlic sauce pizza, white sauce pizza, homemade pizza sauce, creamy garlic sauce, Parmesan garlic sauce
