This Creamy Garlic Sauce for Pizza is a rich, velvety alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauces. It’s packed with bold garlic flavor, a silky-smooth texture, and just enough seasoning to elevate your next homemade pizza. Whether used as a base for white pizza or as a drizzled finishing touch, this sauce adds a layer of indulgence that transforms any slice into gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Garlic Flavor – A bold and aromatic punch in every bite.
- Velvety Smooth – A creamy, luscious consistency that spreads like a dream.
- Quick to Make – Ready in under 15 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Versatile – Use on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Directions
Sauté the Garlic
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt fully.
- Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Make a Roux
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. The mixture will form a smooth paste-like consistency.
Add Milk
- Slowly pour in 1½ cups of whole milk while whisking continuously.
- Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Add Cheese and Seasonings
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Cool Slightly and Use
- Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before using.
- Use as a pizza base sauce, or drizzle over a freshly baked pizza for added garlic flavor.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Garlic: For optimal flavor, always go with fresh garlic over powdered.
- Creamier Option: Swap half or all of the milk for heavy cream.
- Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer a bit longer if you’d like a denser consistency.
- Make it Herby: Mix in fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Use as a base sauce for white pizza with mozzarella, spinach, and chicken.
- Drizzle over grilled flatbreads or naan pizzas.
- Serve as a dip for breadsticks, crusts, or roasted veggies.
- Mix into pasta for a quick creamy garlic noodle dish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 1½ cups of sauce, enough for 2–3 medium pizzas depending on how much you use.
- If you’re short on time, prepare the garlic and cheese ahead of cooking to streamline the process.
- Do not let the sauce boil once the cheese is added—it can cause separation.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently before using.
What kind of Parmesan works best?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor—not the shelf-stable powdered kind.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch (use half the amount).
Can I add more garlic?
Absolutely! If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to increase to 5 or 6 cloves.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
Whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Sauce for Pizza is your new secret weapon for incredible homemade pizza. Whether you’re layering it beneath melted mozzarella or using it as a finishing drizzle, its bold, garlicky richness brings any pizza to life. Quick to make and ultra-versatile, it’s a must-have in your kitchen arsenal.