Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe
Rich, luscious, and absolutely loaded with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is the pizza night upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Imagine your favorite pizza crust slathered with a velvety, garlicky parmesan sauce that’s smooth as silk—so good, people will ask for a spoon on the side! Whether you’re obsessed with white pizzas or just want to impress your friends with something delightfully different, this sauce delivers major taste with seriously little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here has a starring role in creating that signature taste and dreamy texture. From the deeply savory butter and garlic to the cheesy hit of Parmesan, these kitchen staples blend together for the most irresistible Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce you’ll ever try.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the sauce its rich, silky base and allows you to control the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic (minced): The heart and soul of this sauce, garlic brings that signature punch—don’t overcook it for the best flavor.
- All-purpose Flour: Whisked in to thicken the sauce and create that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Whole Milk: Provides the perfect balance of creaminess without being too heavy; ensures the sauce flows beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and body, making the sauce utterly decadent.
- Salt: Not just for seasoning—salt deepens all the other flavors in the sauce.
- Black Pepper: A hint of heat and earthiness that balances out the creaminess.
- Onion Powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Dried Oregano: Lends a subtle herbal lift, bringing a pizza-parlor vibe to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory, nutty depth and a perfect finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat—it should just begin to foam. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a quick 1 to 2 minutes, or until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step is essential for bringing out the sweet, mellow flavor of garlic without risking any bitterness. The aroma is your cue that something delicious is about to happen!
Step 2: Create a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the bubbly garlic butter, and stir constantly for another 1 to 2 minutes. This forms your roux, which will thicken the Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce. The mixture should look smooth and pale—resist turning up the heat, as slow and steady gives you the silkiest base.
Step 3: Whisk in Liquids
Gently pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking non-stop. This helps avoid lumps and ensures everything combines seamlessly. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken up, about 4 to 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily—this is the magic moment when the Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce truly lives up to its name!
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and dried oregano. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, so all those flavor boosters meld right into the creamy base. If you love a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute or two longer, keeping a close eye for that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish
Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and you’re left with a smooth, glossy sauce. Let it cool for just a couple of minutes before spreading it on your pizza crust. The transformation of these simple ingredients into a dreamy white sauce always seems a bit magical!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or basil, makes this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce look even more irresistible, while a tiny dusting of extra Parmesan adds a savory flourish. Want a pop of color? Try a drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
Of course, the best company for this sauce is freshly baked pizza, but don’t stop there! Serve it alongside golden breadsticks, cheesy garlic knots, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic as a dipping sauce for roasted veggies or as a creamy drizzle over baked potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce warm in a bowl, surrounded by mini naan, soft pretzels, or a veggie crudité. If you love stuffed crust pizza, brush the inside of the crust with extra sauce before baking for a luscious surprise. You can even use it as a base for white lasagna or pasta bakes—trust me, it wins fans every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any leftover Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop, so it’s extra delicious as leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to have this sauce ready for a rainy day, you can freeze it! Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Just note that the texture might change slightly, but a quick whisk during reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce, warm it gently over low heat in a saucepan, whisking often. If it seems too thick, splash in a little extra milk or cream to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, as that can make it separate—low and slow is the best way to restore its creamy glory.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?
While fresh garlic gives the brightest, most aromatic flavor, you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch. Just be aware the flavor may be milder, and you might need a little extra to achieve that wonderful garlicky kick.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or a little cornstarch. The key is to whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps and reach that signature creamy consistency.
Is Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce spicy?
Nope! This sauce is rich, savory, and mellow; the black pepper adds only a subtle warmth. For spicy lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Whether you’re planning a pizza party or just want extra for dipping, this recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to use a larger saucepan and keep whisking to ensure a smooth sauce.
What cheeses can I add to change up the flavor?
Feel free to play! Try swapping in a bit of asiago, Romano, or mozzarella for half the Parmesan, or stir in some goat cheese for tang. Each cheese adds its own twist, making this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
You’ll seriously want to put this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce on everything once you taste it—there’s just something so comforting and special about homemade, restaurant-quality white sauce. Go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or three) and share the joy with friends or family. Your pizza nights will never be the same!
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Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of this homemade Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce. Perfect as a base on pizzas or as a dip for breadsticks, this sauce is a must-try for garlic lovers!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Whisk in Flour: Stir in the flour and cook to form a smooth roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano.
- Thicken: Cook until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Cool: Let cool slightly before using on pizza crust.
Notes
- This sauce is perfect for white pizzas or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
