Name: White Garlic Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups whole milk; 0.25 cup heavy cream (optional); 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning

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When most people think of pizza sauce, red tomato sauce instantly comes to mind. But there’s a quiet star in the pizza world that deserves just as much attention—White Garlic Pizza Sauce. Rich, creamy, and deeply aromatic, this sauce transforms ordinary pizza into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re making classic white pizza, chicken Alfredo pizza, veggie-loaded flatbreads, or even dipping crusts and breadsticks, this sauce delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

White garlic pizza sauce is beloved for its velvety texture and balanced garlic flavor. Unlike tomato-based sauces, it offers a milder acidity, making it ideal for people who prefer creamy, indulgent pizzas without the sharp tang of tomatoes. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with simple pantry ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best homemade white garlic pizza sauce, plus expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll never want store-bought sauce again.

What Is White Garlic Pizza Sauce?

White garlic pizza sauce is a cream-based sauce traditionally made with butter, garlic, flour, milk or cream, and cheese. It’s similar in concept to a béchamel or Alfredo sauce but lighter and specifically seasoned for pizza. The garlic is gently sautéed to release its aroma without bitterness, while dairy ingredients create a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for pizza dough.

This sauce is especially popular in white pizzas, also known as pizza bianca, which originated in Italy as a tomato-free alternative topped with cheese, olive oil, and herbs.

Why You’ll Love This White Garlic Pizza Sauce

Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes
No tomatoes: Perfect for low-acid diets
Rich but balanced: Creamy without being heavy
Versatile: Works for pizza, pasta, dips, and more
Customizable: Easy to adjust garlic, cheese, or herbs

Ingredients for White Garlic Pizza Sauce

Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
All-purpose flour
Whole milk or half-and-half
Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Olive oil (optional finish)

Each ingredient plays a role. Butter provides richness, garlic builds aroma, flour thickens the sauce, dairy creates creaminess, and Parmesan adds depth and umami.

Instructions: How to Make White Garlic Pizza Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in cream (if using), Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder
Whisk constantly to avoid lumps
Keep heat medium-low to prevent scorching
Sauce thickens more as it cools
For thinner sauce, add a splash of milk

Variations You’ll Love

Vegan White Garlic Sauce
Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Cheesy White Pizza Sauce
Add mozzarella or fontina for extra meltiness.

Roasted Garlic Version
Swap sautéed garlic for roasted garlic paste for sweeter flavor.

Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Best Pizzas to Pair With White Garlic Sauce

Chicken and spinach pizza
Mushroom and truffle oil pizza
Shrimp and garlic pizza
Four cheese white pizza
Roasted vegetable flatbread

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk. Freezing is not recommended due to dairy separation.

Cultural Notes & Fun Facts

White pizza dates back to Rome, where bakers tested dough without tomato sauce. Today, white garlic sauce has become a modern favorite in American pizzerias, especially for gourmet and artisan pies.

Final Thoughts

Once you try homemade White Garlic Pizza Sauce, there’s no turning back. It’s smooth, flavorful, endlessly adaptable, and elevates any pizza night into something special. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this sauce deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.