Dinner

White Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe

ByLily Cross December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

This white garlic pizza sauce is a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional tomato sauce, perfect for elevating your homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Rich with Parmesan and fresh garlic, it creates a luscious base that pairs beautifully with mozzarella and fresh herbs. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite.

A freshly baked white pizza is shown with five slices on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The pizza has a golden-brown crust that is thick and soft. The top layer is made of melted white cheese with light golden browned spots, sprinkled sparsely with green herbs that add fresh color. One slice is slightly pulled out from the rest, showing the fluffy underside of the crust. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves sits nearby on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 a smooth roux forms. Take care not to brown the roux.
Step 2: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles lightly.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle the Italian herb mix evenly over the surface.
Step 5: Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared garlic sauce over the dough. Top with grated mozzarella and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly with spots of browning.
Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, sauté the garlic in butter before adding flour to the roux for a more roasted garlic flavor.
Swap out whole milk for half-and-half for a richer sauce, or use a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a bit of heat on your pizza.
Try topping the pizza with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for additional flavor.

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 prevent burning. Assembled but unbaked pizza can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover baked pizza is best eaten within 2 days; reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.