When I first made this creamy white garlic pizza sauce, I was simply experimenting with alternatives to tomato-based sauces. I wanted something rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful to enhance my homemade pizzas. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil instantly set the tone for what became one of my favorite kitchen discoveries. The result was a sauce so smooth and indulgent that it easily turned a simple pizza into something special. It clings beautifully to the crust, creating a creamy base that complements everything from grilled chicken to sautéed mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce is for anyone who loves a creamy, garlicky flavor that elevates every bite of pizza. Unlike tomato sauce, it’s mild yet rich, offering a buttery texture and savory notes that don’t overpower other toppings. It’s ideal for white pizzas, cheesy bread, or even as a dip for breadsticks.
Versatile
This white garlic sauce works beyond pizza. It’s perfect for pasta, casseroles, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Its creamy consistency and light garlic flavor adapt effortlessly to any dish. You can easily adjust the seasoning, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
Budget-Friendly
Every ingredient in this recipe is pantry-friendly and affordable. You only need a few staples—cream, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan—to create a gourmet-level sauce at home. No expensive ingredients or complicated steps are required, just a few minutes and simple tools.
Ingredients for Recipe
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1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
Every element contributes to the sauce’s creamy perfection. The olive oil infuses the garlic, while the flour builds a smooth base. The herbs add balance and depth, and the Parmesan finishes it with a touch of richness. Together, they create a sauce that’s simple yet indulgent—ready to transform any pizza night into something memorable.
How to Make This Recipe
Making this white garlic pizza sauce is simple, and once you try it, you’ll never want store-bought sauce again. I always start by preparing my ingredients first because this recipe moves quickly. The garlic cooks fast, and timing is key to developing the best flavor without burning it.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
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Heat the Olive Oil: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Let it warm up for about 30 seconds.
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Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is to let it release its aroma without turning brown, as browned garlic can taste bitter.
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Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the garlic. Stir constantly for another minute to form a roux, which thickens the sauce later.
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Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. This step is important—adding it gradually prevents lumps and keeps the sauce silky.
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Season: Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Continue whisking as the flavors blend beautifully.
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Simmer and Thicken: Keep the saucepan over medium heat, whisking often. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the sauce will start to thicken into a rich, creamy texture.
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Add Parmesan: Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, giving the sauce a smooth and glossy finish.
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Cool Slightly: Let the sauce sit for a few minutes before spreading it over your pizza dough. The slight cooling makes it easier to spread evenly.
Quick and Easy
This recipe doesn’t require any special techniques. You can make it in just 20 minutes using one saucepan and a whisk. It’s great for busy nights when you want something homemade without too much effort. The short cook time makes it perfect for spontaneous pizza cravings.
Customizable
You can adapt this sauce to your liking. If you prefer extra garlic, add another clove. Want it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk. You can even add mozzarella for extra cheesiness or fresh herbs for brightness.
Crowd-Pleasing
Every time I serve a pizza topped with this sauce, it’s a hit. Friends and family love its creamy, garlicky taste and how it pairs beautifully with any topping. From grilled chicken and spinach to caramelized onions, it enhances everything. This versatile sauce guarantees an impressive, restaurant-style pizza right from your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare it up to three days in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it on low heat, whisking occasionally to restore its smooth texture.
Can I freeze white garlic pizza sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well. Allow it to cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store it for up to two months. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it slowly on the stove while whisking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace half the cream with milk or use a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of butter for richness. You can also use a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this sauce thicker or thinner?
Yes, you can easily adjust the consistency. For a thicker sauce, cook it a few minutes longer until it reaches your desired texture. To make it thinner, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it loosens up.
Does this sauce go well with toppings other than pizza?
Definitely. It pairs beautifully with pasta, baked chicken, or even as a dip for garlic bread. I’ve used it on flatbreads and casseroles, and it adds a creamy touch to every dish.
Why did my sauce turn lumpy?
Lumps can form if the cream is added too quickly. To avoid that, always pour it in slowly while whisking constantly. If lumps appear, keep whisking over low heat—they usually dissolve as the sauce cooks.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and vibrant flavor. If using fresh oregano or basil, double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add them at the end of cooking for the best flavor.
White Garlic Pizza Sauce
This white garlic pizza sauce is creamy, smooth, and full of flavor. It’s a perfect alternative to tomato-based sauces and works beautifully with all kinds of pizza toppings. The combination of garlic, olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan creates a rich texture and taste that enhances every bite. It’s quick to make, customizable, and versatile enough for pasta, sandwiches, or casseroles.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
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1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
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Sprinkle flour over garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in heavy cream to prevent lumps.
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Add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
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Cook for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Allow the sauce to cool slightly before spreading it over pizza or storing.
Notes
You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less cream. For extra flavor, add a bit more garlic or herbs. The sauce thickens as it cools, so if it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes