Name: Creamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 0.25 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

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If you’ve ever ordered a white pizza and wondered how it achieves that rich, velvety, garlicky flavor, the secret lies in one simple element: a perfectly balanced white sauce. Unlike traditional tomato-based sauces that originated in places like Naples—the birthplace of modern pizza—this creamy alternative offers a luxurious twist that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home.

This Creamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe is smooth, flavorful, and packed with bold garlic and parmesan notes. It spreads beautifully over pizza dough, pairs well with countless toppings, and can even double as a dipping sauce or pasta base. Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes using pantry staples.

Whether you’re making a gourmet white chicken pizza, a spinach and ricotta creation, or a simple garlic cheese flatbread, this homemade white pizza sauce will elevate your entire dish.

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This White Garlic Pizza Sauce

There are countless reasons to switch things up from classic red sauce. Here’s why this creamy pizza sauce recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen:

Rich, velvety texture that spreads easily
Deep garlic flavor without being overpowering
Ready in just 15 minutes
Uses simple, accessible ingredients
Versatile for pizza, pasta, breadsticks, and more
Better flavor and freshness than store-bought sauces

Once you taste this homemade white pizza sauce, you may never go back to jarred options again.

What Is White Pizza Sauce?

White pizza sauce, sometimes called garlic parmesan sauce for pizza, is a cream-based alternative to tomato sauce. Instead of acidity from tomatoes, it delivers richness from butter, cream, and cheese.

It’s commonly used in:

White chicken pizza
Spinach and artichoke pizza
Mushroom and truffle pizza
Four-cheese pizza
Alfredo-style flatbreads

This sauce shares similarities with Alfredo but is typically lighter and specifically designed to complement pizza toppings rather than coat pasta heavily.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this easy white pizza base sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Why These Ingredients Work

Butter + Olive Oil
Using both prevents the butter from burning while maintaining rich flavor.

Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature bold taste. Avoid garlic powder here—it won’t provide the same depth.

Flour
Acts as a thickener, forming a roux that creates a silky base.

Milk + Heavy Cream
The combination keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds umami, saltiness, and structure. Freshly grated melts best.

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil until fully combined.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Sprinkle flour over the garlic mixture and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading onto pizza dough.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

1. Don’t Brown the Garlic

Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.

2. Whisk Constantly

Continuous whisking ensures a lump-free, creamy consistency.

3. Adjust Thickness

Too thick? Add a splash of milk.
Too thin? Simmer slightly longer to reduce.

4. Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Best Toppings for White Garlic Pizza Sauce

This sauce pairs beautifully with many ingredients. Try it with:

Grilled chicken
Fresh spinach
Mushrooms
Caramelized onions
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella
Prosciutto
Sun-dried tomatoes

For a gourmet touch, finish your pizza with a drizzle of truffle oil or crushed red pepper flakes.

How Much Sauce Per Pizza?

For a standard 12-inch pizza:

Use about ½ to ¾ cup of sauce.
Spread in a thin, even layer, leaving a small border for the crust.

Remember: this sauce is rich, so a thin layer goes a long way.

Variations to Try

1. Extra Cheesy Version

Add ¼ cup shredded mozzarella directly into the sauce.

2. Spicy Garlic Sauce

Stir in ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

3. Herb-Infused Sauce

Add Italian seasoning or fresh thyme.

4. Roasted Garlic Upgrade

Swap fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper flavor.

5. Lighter Version

Use all milk instead of heavy cream for fewer calories.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating:
Warm gently over low heat while whisking. Add milk if needed to restore smoothness.

Serving Ideas Beyond Pizza

This creamy garlic parmesan sauce isn’t limited to pizza. Try it as:

Pasta sauce
Dip for breadsticks
Base for white lasagna
Sauce for baked chicken
Drizzle over roasted vegetables

Its versatility makes it a kitchen staple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the roux step
Adding dairy too quickly
Using low-quality cheese
Overcooking the sauce
Over-salting before cheese melts

Nutritional Insight

This sauce is indulgent but can fit into balanced meals when used moderately. Because it’s rich in dairy, it provides calcium and protein, but portion control is key.

Why Homemade Is Better

Store-bought white sauces often contain preservatives, stabilizers, and artificial flavors. Making it at home ensures:

Fresh ingredients
Better flavor control
No additives
Customizable thickness

Plus, it tastes far superior.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Garlic Pizza Sauce recipe is the ultimate way to upgrade homemade pizza night. It’s smooth, rich, garlicky, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant-style white pizza or experimenting with your own topping combinations, this sauce provides the perfect flavorful base.

Once you master this recipe, you’ll always have a delicious alternative to traditional red sauce ready in minutes.

Now grab your dough, preheat that oven, and create something amazing.