Easy Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe – Recipeis Hatch

This creamy garlic pizza sauce is a true kitchen favorite. I’ve used it in everything from pizza to pastas, and it’s even great with chicken and sausage. The garlic flavor in this sauce is delicious and flavorful, making it the perfect base for many dishes. It’s incredibly versatile—whether it’s spread over naan, flatbreads, or as a substitution for Alfredo sauce. I especially love using it on a Dill Pickle Pizza or pairing it with meatballs and even in a lasagna.

The recipe is so easy, and it only takes a few minutes to make. I sometimes adjust the thickness by adding flour, but when I want it thicker, I simply let it simmer for a bit. For the best result, I always top it with a sprinkle of parmesan and let the sauce cool before using it on my pizza crust. Whether I’m baking cheese bread or serving a gourmet pizza party for my family, this sauce never fails to impress. Pepperoni, bacon, spinach, and artichoke are some of my favorite toppings to add, making it a requested dish at home.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Garlic Pizza Sauce

For a rich and creamy garlic pizza sauce, you’ll need ingredients like olive oil or butter, garlic (fresh or roasted garlic), and oregano. To thicken the sauce, use flour and add heavy cream or milk, with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.

Olive oil or butter for a richer flavor
Garlic (fresh or roasted garlic) for depth of taste
Oregano, salt, and pepper to season the sauce
Flour (either all purpose flour or gluten-free flour) to thicken the sauce
Heavy cream, half & half, or milk (or cashew milk for dairy-free) for a creamy texture
Optional herbs like fresh herbs, basil, and parsley for added freshness
Freshly shredded parmesan cheese or grated cheese to boost flavor
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves (2 tsp) garlic, minced
2 Tbsp All Purpose flour
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups half and half
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

How to Prepare a Delicious White Sauce for Pizza

To make this creamy garlic pizza sauce, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add flour (2 tablespoons) along with oregano, pepper, and salt, and whisk it all together. Next, add half & half while whisking constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and thickened. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. For the final step, stir in parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the cheese melts. Remove the pan from the heat, and your white sauce for pizza is ready to go!

Steps to Make the Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
Add flour, oregano, pepper, and salt. Whisk well.
Pour in half & half, whisking constantly until the sauce is bubbly and thickened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in parmesan cheese and whisk for 30 seconds until the cheese melts.
Remove from heat and stir to finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Garlic Sauce

Keep an eye on the sauce while it’s simmering to prevent the heavy cream from scorching.
The sauce heats and thickens quickly, so stir often to make sure it doesn’t burn.
To test if it’s ready, check if it coats the back of a spoon—it will thicken more as it cools.
Always use freshly shredded and grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Asiago and Romano cheeses make great additions when used with parmesan cheese for extra depth.

Tasty Variations of Garlic Sauce for Pizza

You can easily customize your creamy garlic pizza sauce with a variety of flavorful twists. For a herb-infused version, add a mixture of Italian herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor. If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicy kick. For a cheesy delight, stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for an extra cheesy flavor. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil before adding the garlic to create a rich, earthy mushroom white sauce. Lastly, for a roasted garlic version, use roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor and a subtle garlic presence.

Steps for Delicious Variations:

For a herb-infused sauce, mix in basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick and heat.
Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for a cheesy delight.
Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil for a creamy mushroom twist.
Use roasted garlic instead of raw minced garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

What is the Difference Between Red and White Pizza?

The main difference between Red Pizza and White Pizza lies in their sauces. Red Pizza has a classic tomato sauce with a tangy and zesty flavor, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and often pepperoni or veggies. On the other hand, White Pizza skips the tomato sauce and uses a creamy, garlicky white sauce or ricotta cheese for a smooth and rich taste. Toppings like spinach and mushrooms enhance the creamy flavor, making it feel more indulgent. Whether you want a tomato-y flavor with a classic touch or a creamy indulgence, both options offer something unique. You can even try swapping the red sauce with this creamy white sauce on a cast iron deep dish pizza for a different twist!

Red Pizza has a classic tomato sauce with a tangy taste.
White Pizza uses a creamy, garlicky white sauce or ricotta cheese.
For Red Pizza, the toppings usually include mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and veggies.
White Pizza often includes spinach, mushrooms, and a smoother, more indulgent flavor.
Swap red sauce for the white sauce on a cast iron deep dish pizza for a unique variation.

Top Toppings to Complement Your White Sauce Pizza

To elevate your creamy garlic pizza sauce, try adding a variety of delicious toppings. Roasted potato and rosemary bring a savory, herby twist, while prosciutto and arugula offer a delightful balance of saltiness and freshness. For an earthy touch, top your pizza with spinach and mushrooms. If you’re craving more depth, add sausage and caramelized onions for a flavorful bite. Bacon, artichokes, and a drizzle of balsamic can provide a perfect finishing touch, making each slice a satisfying experience.

Add roasted potato and rosemary for a savory, herby twist.
Top with prosciutto and arugula for a balance of saltiness and freshness.
Use spinach and mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Sausage and caramelized onions provide extra depth and flavor.
Finish with bacon, artichokes, and a drizzle of balsamic for the perfect touch.

Can You Make a Vegan Garlic Pizza Sauce?

Yes, you can easily make a vegan garlic pizza sauce by using dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These options provide the necessary consistency and flavor without the dairy. Make sure to use unsweetened and unflavored versions for the best results. You can also opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives like mozzarella or cream cheese that melt well, or add nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

For a creamy texture, try adding cashew cream made from soaked cashews blended with water for a smooth, nutty flavor. If needed, you can thicken the sauce using flour, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch as gluten-free alternatives. Adjust the seasonings with garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, and other herbs and spices for a balanced flavor. Silken tofu also works great as a neutral-tasting base to create a creamy texture without the dairy.

What Defines White Pizza?

White pizza is different from your usual pizza because it skips the typical red tomato sauce. Instead, it uses a creamy sauce like garlic sauce or ricotta cheese, giving it a rich, smooth taste. With plenty of cheese on top, it looks white and offers a fun change for those craving a different taste. It’s a glorious pizza that you can easily make without much effort, so why settle for delivered when you can enjoy this homemade treat?

Storage

For longer storage, store your creamy garlic pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you prefer to freeze it, you can use ice cube trays for easy portioning, or place it in a freezer-safe container. This method helps keep your sauce fresh and ready to use whenever needed.

Shelf Life

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the sauce will last for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can store it in the freezer, where it can last for 2-3 months. This ensures your creamy garlic pizza sauce stays fresh for future use.

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, place the olive oil and minced garlic.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly so the garlic doesn’t brown.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir well.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk quickly until it forms a thick paste.
Let it cook and bubble for another 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the half and half 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir, then turn the heat to low and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-7 days or serve warm.

Notes

To make your creamy garlic pizza sauce thicker or thinner, adjust the consistency by adding 1 Tbsp flour for a gravy-like thickness, or reduce it for a thinner sauce. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute half and half with 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 heavy cream, available in US grocery stores. For extra flavor, use a mix of shredded Parmesan cheese, grated Asiago, and Romano cheeses. Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. This recipe yields 1 1/2 cups, enough for 4 medium pizzas or 1 large pizza. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it changes the flavor. If it gets too thick, whisk in a bit more milk or cream to adjust the texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal

Carbohydrates: 4g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 17mg

Sodium: 92mg

Potassium: 65mg

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 1g

Vitamin A: 161IU

Vitamin C: 1mg

Calcium: 50mg

Iron: 1mg

FAQs – About Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce

1. How do I make the sauce creamy and not lumpy?

To avoid lumps, use a whisk to combine the flour and butter (roux) thoroughly. Gradually add milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a bit more milk to reach the desired creamy consistency.

2. How much sauce should I use on pizza?

Apply a thin, even layer of creamy garlic pizza sauce on the pizza dough. Using too much can make the crust soggy, so be mindful of the quantity.

3. Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh?

While fresh garlic is always the best choice for flavor, jarred garlic can be used if necessary. However, it might result in a slightly different taste in your creamy garlic pizza sauce.

4. How long does creamy garlic sauce last in the fridge?

Homemade creamy garlic pizza sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Always ensure it’s cooled down before storing.

5. Can I freeze creamy garlic pizza sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. A convenient method is storing it in ice cube trays for easy, portioned servings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to your pizza recipes, offering a rich, creamy base that perfectly complements various toppings. By using fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of dairy-free alternatives, you can easily create a sauce that fits your dietary needs without compromising on taste. Whether you prefer a garlicky white sauce with a smooth texture or want to experiment with thicker versions.

This sauce is the perfect foundation for your pizza creations. Proper storage and reheating tips, such as refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days or freezing in ice cube trays, make it convenient to have this sauce ready whenever you crave pizza. With careful attention to whisking, cooking time, and adjusting consistency, you’ll be able to make the perfect creamy sauce every time, ensuring a satisfying, indulgent experience. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to prepare a batch of creamy garlic pizza sauce—it’s a simple yet flavorful way to enhance your pizza and take your meal to the next level.