Garlic White Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving something that’s bursting with garlic flavor but missing the usual red sauce, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic White Pizza Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that perfect crispy crust that just pulls you in. I’ve found it’s a fantastic twist on regular pizza nights—super easy to whip up and sure to impress anyone at your table. Stick around because I’m sharing all my secret tips to make this your go-to pizza recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich, Creamy Garlic Sauce: The homemade garlic white sauce balances butter, milk, and parmesan for an indulgent base that’s both savory and smooth.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have what you need in your pantry, making it a perfect last-minute dinner idea.
- Flexible and Customizable: It’s easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses or herbs, so you can make it truly yours.
- Crispy Yet Tender Crust: Brushing olive oil and Italian seasoning on the crust before baking ensures it’s got great flavor and texture.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Garlic White Pizza Recipe plays a part in creating that luscious, garlicky, cheesy goodness that you’ll want to come back to. I recommend fresh garlic where possible, but by all means, jarred minced garlic works great for speed. When shopping, grab good quality parmesan and mozzarella—your cheese choice truly makes a difference here.
- Butter: Provides a rich base and carries the garlic flavor beautifully in the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency without lumps.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess; I wouldn’t swap this out for low-fat if you want the best texture.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Season the sauce evenly enhancing all flavors.
- Garlic (fresh or jarred): The star of the show—just finely chopped or minced to infuse that punch without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a slightly nutty and salty complexity.
- Pizza crust (homemade or store-bought): I love using store-bought for convenience but homemade crust takes this pizza to max flavor territory.
- Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey classic pizza cheese that brings everything together.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that herby kick on the crust for extra depth.
- Olive oil: Brushing crust with this keeps it from drying out and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Brightens each slice with a fresh, peppery finish.
Tweak to Your Taste
What I love most about this Garlic White Pizza Recipe is how easily it invites customization—whether you like it with more garlic punch, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of something unexpected. Make it your own, don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Extra Garlic: If you’re a hardcore garlic fan like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce—you won’t regret it.
- Cheese Variations: Switching up mozzarella for smoked mozzarella or adding ricotta dollops creates a fun twist.
- Herbs: Try oregano, thyme, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegan Adaptations: You can use plant-based butter, milk alternatives, and vegan cheeses to replicate the flavors pretty well.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic White Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Make Your Garlic Pizza Sauce
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat—don’t rush this part! Once melted, whisk in your flour and keep whisking for about 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste but be careful not to let it brown. Then, slowly whisk in the milk bit by bit to avoid lumps, and keep it swirling until the sauce thickens and gets bubbly (around 3-5 minutes). Add sea salt, pepper, and your finely chopped garlic next—fresh is great here, but jarred garlic saves time without sacrificing flavor. Whisk in the parmesan last until melted. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit before spreading it on your crust. I usually make this sauce first thing and keep it covered in the fridge if I’m prepping ahead.
Step 2: Prep Your Pizza Crust
While your oven preheats to 450ºF, roll out your dough on a pizza pan (12-14 inches works well). Brush the crust with olive oil—this little touch seals in moisture and prevents sogginess. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning to infuse herb flavor directly into the dough as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble Your Garlic White Pizza
Spread a generous layer of your cooled garlic pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. The cheeses melt together to create that irresistibly gooey and bubbly topping. Make sure the sauce is not too hot when spreading; otherwise, it might make the dough soggy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pizza into the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on the cheese—the mozzarella browns quickly if the oven is very hot. Removing just as the cheese bubbles and starts to lighten is your sweet spot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Right after baking, scatter fresh basil chiffonade over the top to add a fragrant, fresh finish. Slice it up and get ready for those happy “mmm” sounds at the table. I like letting it cool for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets slightly but still keeps its creamy softness.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic White Pizza Recipe
- Use Fresh Garlic When You Can: It makes all the difference in flavor depth; jarred is a convenient fallback though!
- Keep Sauce Cool Before Spreading: Too hot sauce can make the pizza dough soggy before baking.
- Brush Crust With Olive Oil & Herbs: This ensures your crust is flavorful and crispy, not dry or bland.
- Watch the Cheese While Baking: Mozzarella can brown fast—pull it out when bubbly for the best melt.
How to Serve Garlic White Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with fresh basil, but sometimes I’ll toss on some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or drizzle with a bit of aged balsamic glaze for a touch of sweet contrast. These garnishes really elevate the pizza to something special beyond the classic.
Side Dishes
For sides, I love pairing this pizza with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. They balance the richness and keep the meal fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve hosted pizza nights, I sometimes cut this Garlic White Pizza into long rectangular “sticks” to serve as shareable appetizers alongside dipping sauces like ranch or extra garlic sauce. You can also build mini versions using naan bread or pita for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 2-3 days and tastes just fine cold or reheated. Bringing it back to life is all about reheating properly.
Freezing
Freezing is definitely possible if you make this in larger batches. I freeze slices on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them into a freezer bag so they don’t stick together. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating the next day for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, I find the oven or toaster oven is your best friend—it keeps the crust crispy without drying out the cheesy topping. Preheat to 375ºF and warm the slices for about 7-9 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but can get soggy fast.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought garlic sauce instead of making it myself?
Absolutely, using a pre-made garlic sauce can save time—but making your own ensures the freshest flavor and creamy texture. Plus, it’s easy to control the seasoning and cheese content to perfectly suit your taste.
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What type of pizza crust works best for this recipe?
Both homemade and store-bought crusts work. I personally love a hand-tossed dough for that ideal chewy yet crispy bite, but a thin crust will also crisp nicely beneath the rich sauce and cheese.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute butter with a vegan alternative, use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes, and you’ll still get a tasty garlic white pizza with a bit of tweaking.
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How do I get the garlic flavor without it being too overpowering?
Finely chopping or mincing garlic and cooking it gently into the sauce tames its sharpness while still delivering that delicious aroma and taste. Starting with less and adding more to your preference works too!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic White Pizza Recipe is one of those comforting dishes I turn to when I want something a little different from the usual pizza fare but still crave that warm, cheesy indulgence. It’s straightforward and forgiving—perfect if you’re new to making sauces or just want a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. I’d recommend grabbing your favorite crust, getting that garlic sauce bubbling, and inviting friends or family over because once you serve this, everyone’s going to want seconds (and thirds!). Give it a try—I’d love to hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
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Garlic White Pizza 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 features a creamy, garlicky white sauce topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on a crispy crust, garnished with fresh basil for a flavorful and easy-to-make pizza perfect for any pizza lover.
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 parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Pizza Ingredients
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza crust
- 8 oz low moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup garlic pizza sauce (from above)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Pizza Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 2 minutes without browning to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk continuously until the mixture is smooth, thick, and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Add sea salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic, and whisk to combine. Stir in parmesan cheese until just melted, then remove from heat and let cool before using. You can cover and refrigerate the sauce for up to 5 days.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Roll out your pizza crust onto a 12 to 14-inch pizza pan or a rectangular baking sheet if preferred.
- Season the Crust: Brush the crust evenly with olive oil and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the surface.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the prepared garlic pizza sauce evenly around the crust. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the crust is cooked through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil chiffonade. Cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use a rectangular baking sheet as well and cut the slices into squares or long rectangles like breadsticks.
- Serve this pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to brown the roux when making the garlic sauce to maintain a smooth texture and flavor.
- Store leftover garlic pizza sauce covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
