White Garlic Pizza Sauce – Creamy & Perfect for Homemade Pizza Recipe
This creamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce is the perfect homemade alternative to traditional tomato sauces. Made with roasted or sautéed garlic, butter or olive oil, and a luscious blend of cream and Parmesan cheese, it offers a rich and flavorful base for your pizzas. Its smooth texture and aromatic herbs make it versatile for use not only on pizza but also drizzled over pasta or roasted vegetables. Easily customizable with vegan substitutes and various cheese additions, this sauce elevates any dish with its comforting, garlicky taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Enough sauce for one 12-inch pizza (about 1 cup)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
Dairy Component
- ¾ cup heavy cream, milk, or plant-based milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)
Seasonings
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano – optional)
Optional Variations
- Vegan: Use almond, oat, or cashew milk; omit cheese or use vegan Parmesan
- Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella, fontina, or more Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare garlic and aromatics: Roast the garlic cloves until soft and caramelized for a sweet, mild flavor or sauté minced garlic in butter or oil until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes, taking care not to brown it. Optionally, sauté chopped onions or shallots along with garlic for added depth.
- Melt butter or heat oil: In a saucepan, warm the butter or olive oil over medium-low heat, ensuring it is hot but not smoking to gently cook the garlic without burning.
- Add garlic: Once the butter or oil is heated, add the roasted or sautéed garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the aroma develops fully, stirring to combine, but avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
- Add cream or milk: Slowly pour in your choice of heavy cream, milk, or plant-based alternative while whisking constantly to incorporate and create a smooth sauce base.
- Incorporate cheese (optional): Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, stirring continuously to melt it evenly, enrich the flavor, and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and your preferred fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning gradually to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Blend (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the saucepan until creamy and uniform.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by whisking in a little more milk or broth to reach a pourable consistency perfect for spreading or drizzling. Alternatively, simmer gently to thicken the sauce for use as a pizza base.
- Use immediately or store: Spread the sauce evenly on pizza dough leaving a border to allow crust crispness or drizzle on pasta and vegetables. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–5 days or freeze up to 2 months for future use.
Notes
- Store the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat while stirring to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Roasting garlic imparts a sweeter, milder garlic flavor; sautéing yields a sharper and more pungent taste.
- When spreading sauce on pizza dough, leave a border around the edges to help the crust crisp properly.
- Customize the sauce by adding chili flakes for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or fresh herbs for herbal aroma boosts.
Keywords: creamy garlic sauce, dairy-free garlic sauce, homemade pizza sauce, pizza base sauce, white garlic pizza sauce
