
White pizza with rich garlic sauce is my go-to when I crave serious comfort food but want something with more depth than your basic cheese pizza This recipe is for anyone who loves a creamy cheesy pizza without tomato sauce and dreams of that subtle garlic kick you can only get from scratch sauce
I whipped this up for a family Friday night and now even my tomato-only pizza folks ask for it again and again The garlic sauce really won them over
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Gives body and flavor to the garlic sauce Always use fresh butter for the best taste
- All purpose flour: Thickens the sauce Use unbleached for a clean flavor
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce extra creamy Avoid low fat milk for optimal texture
- Sea salt: Enhances all the other ingredients Look for fine sea salt
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat Use freshly ground for more punch
- Fresh garlic: Essential for bold flavor Use fresh cloves and mince fine for best results though quality jarred works in a pinch
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness Freshly grated will melt better and taste brighter
- Pizza dough: Choose either homemade or a good quality store bought dough You want one that bakes up crispy
- Low moisture mozzarella cheese: Melts well and gives the classic cheese pull Shred your own for better melt and flavor
- Italian seasoning: Brings herbal savoriness Make your own blend if possible for freshness
- Olive oil: Helps the crust crisp and adds subtle fruitiness Use extra virgin if you can
- Fresh basil: Chiffonade for a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish Add after baking to keep it vibrant
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Roux:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat Let it bubble gently before stirring in the flour
- Whisk in Flour:
- Whisk the flour into the butter for about two minutes Keep whisking steadily Do not let it brown as you want a pale roux as the base for your white sauce
- Add Milk:
- Pour the milk in very slowly while whisking constantly This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth creamy texture Continue whisking as it thickens until the sauce is silky about three to five minutes
- Season and Add Garlic:
- When thick and smooth stir in the salt black pepper and finely minced garlic Whisk to allow the flavors to meld and bloom
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Add freshly grated parmesan and whisk until just melted then remove from heat Let it cool slightly before spreading on pizza This sauce can be made ahead and chilled for up to five days
- Preheat and Prepare the Dough:
- Heat your oven to four hundred fifty degrees Roll out your dough to fit your pizza pan or baking sheet oil your hands and work from the center out for a thin even base
- Oil and Season the Crust:
- Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil then sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning This sets flavor right into the crusts outer layer
- Spread Sauce and Add Cheese:
- Ladle about half a cup of cooled garlic sauce on the crust and spread evenly almost to the edge Scatter mozzarella and additional parmesan over the sauce for maximum cheesiness
- Bake:
- Slide the pizza into your hot oven Bake for ten to twelve minutes Watch for a golden edge on the crust and bubbling cheese Remove when it reaches your perfect level of crisp
- Garnish:
- Once out of the oven shower basil chiffonade over the top for a fresh herbal aroma and a pretty finish

Parmesan is my secret weapon here Its salty nutty flavor really brings the sauce together and reminds me of family pizza nights when everyone would sneak extra cheese onto their slices Nothing quite brings people to the kitchen like the smell of this garlic cheese pizza coming out of the oven
Storage Tips
Leftover pizza keeps best tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days Place parchment between slices to prevent sticking Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven for melty cheese and crisp crust Skip the microwave which turns the beautiful base soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
Try pecorino for some or all of the parmesan if you want a sharper bite For those avoiding cow’s milk experiment with your favorite unsweetened milk substitute with a bit of added vegan butter for body Even gluten free flour works fine for thickening the sauce if you need a wheat free option
Serving Suggestions
Pair this white pizza with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for a balanced meal It is also great as an appetizer when sliced small Add a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if your guests like a spicy kick

Cultural and Historical Insights
White pizza traces its roots to Southern Italy where it was first made without tomatoes and called pizza bianca The focus has always been rich cheese and olive oil Modern garlic sauce adds a little American spin but keeps that old world elegance
Recipe FAQs
- → What is white pizza?
White pizza skips tomato sauce and instead uses a creamy base, often featuring cheeses and garlic for flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough for convenience without compromising taste.
- → How do I get a crispy crust?
Bake the pizza at a high temperature (450ºF) and use a pizza pan or baking sheet for an even, crispy base.
- → Can I prepare the garlic sauce ahead?
Absolutely—the garlic sauce can be refrigerated for up to five days, making weeknight prep quicker and easier.
- → What toppings pair well with this pizza?
Fresh basil, extra parmesan, or even roasted vegetables make great garnishes to complement the rich flavors.