Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce

Yield: ~1 ¼ cups (enough for 2 medium pizzas)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce / Pizza Base
Flavor Profile: Creamy, savory, garlicky
Dietary Info: Vegetarian

Recipe Description

Elevate your homemade pizza game with this rich, creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce—a luscious white sauce brimming with robust garlic flavor, smooth Parmesan, and a hint of herbs. It’s the perfect base for white pizzas, cheesy flatbreads, and even as a dipping sauce for crusts, breadsticks, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love bold garlic flavor)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature or warmed

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for a subtle herbal note)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Tip: Avoid browning the garlic—it should be softened but not toasted, or it will taste bitter.

2. Make a Roux

Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste (this is your roux).
Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to cook off the raw flour flavor.

3. Add the Milk

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to combine.
Continue whisking as the sauce thickens—this should take 2 to 3 minutes.

Note: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready for the next step.

4. Add Cheese and Seasoning

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using).
Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve or Store

Use the sauce immediately on your pizza dough as a base layer before adding toppings.
Or allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat Tip: Gently rewarm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with:

• White pizzas (mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, mushrooms)

• Chicken or bacon-topped pizzas

• Flatbreads or naan pizzas

• As a dipping sauce for crust, breadsticks, garlic knots, or roasted potatoes

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

• Extra Cheesy: Stir in an additional tablespoon of cream cheese or shredded mozzarella for a richer texture.

• Herb Boost: Add fresh basil, thyme, or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk (like oat or almond), and a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic pizza sauce is a total game-changer for pizza night. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to use across a range of dishes. Once you try it, you’ll be tempted to skip the red sauce forever!