10 Minute Creamy Garlic White Pizza Sauce Recipe

This garlic white pizza sauce is full of creamy, garlic flavor and is impossibly easy to make! Perfect white sauce for pizza night. Top it with spinach and artichoke (or your fave toppings!). Better than Papa Murphy’s creamy white garlic pizza sauce recipe, if I don’t say so myself!

If you are looking for traditional pizza sauce, try this BEST pizza sauce recipe.

Mmmmm, nothing but creamy, garlic goodness on top of a perfect pizza crust!

The most important part of making a good gourmet pizza is finding the right sauce.  And this is the right sauce! (full recipe for the sauce at the end of the post).

What are the ingredients for white pizza sauce?

Nothing but simple ingredients easy to find in your pantry or fridge.

• Olive oil. You can use butter, if you like, for a richer flavor.
• Garlic. I’ve taken the time to make roasted garlic for this and it is delicious but not necessary. 
• oregano
• salt & pepper
• Flour. Use all purpose flour or gluten-free flour. Both work great.
• Heavy cream, half & half, or milk ( I have successfully used cashew milk)
• optional, herbs. I like to use fresh herbs in this as often as I can but dried spices work great and the recipe is written with that in mind. Basil and oregano work the best, I think.

White Pizza Variations to try:

1. Herb-Infused: Add a mixture of Italian herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant, herbaceous twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicy edge, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
3. Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese at the end of cooking for an extra cheesy flavor.
4. Creamy Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the olive oil before adding the garlic, creating a rich and earthy mushroom white sauce.
5. Roasted Garlic Version: Instead of using raw minced garlic, use roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor. This variation is great for a more subtle garlic presence.

How to make White Pizza Sauce:

1. In a skillet on medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and heat for about 3 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the flour (start with 2 tablespoons), oregano, pepper, and salt. Whisk well.
4. Add the half & half all at once, whisking constantly. Cook and stir until the mixture is bubbly and thickened, which usually takes about 3 minutes

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce. Freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning, or in a freezer-safe container.

Shelf Life:

• Refrigerator: The sauce should last for about 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: In the freezer, it can last for up to 2-3 months.

Always check for signs of spoilage like off-smells or mold before using, especially if the sauce has been stored for a while. Remember to thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator before using it.

What is the difference between red and white pizza?

• Red Pizza: Think of your classic pizza – it’s got a bright, tangy tomato sauce on top, then covered with gooey mozzarella cheese and maybe some pepperoni or veggies. The tomato sauce is what gives it the red look and a zesty flavor.
• White Pizza: Now, this one’s a bit different. It skips the tomato sauce and goes for something creamy instead, like a garlicky white sauce or ricotta cheese. It’s topped off with cheese and sometimes other toppings like spinach or mushrooms. White pizza is all about that smooth, rich taste.

In short, red pizza is your go-to for a classic, tomato-y flavor, and white pizza is for when you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent!

Don’t miss my cast iron deep dish pizza….SOO great. Try swapping the red sauce for this white sauce!

To use this recipe for a white sauce pizza:

After you finish mixing the sauce, you simply added it to a pizza crust and then put on your normal pizza toppings.  The type of pizza crust doesn’t matter.

Cook your pizza according to the directions on your crust. If you prefer a super crispy crust try baking the crust for 4-5 minutes before adding your topping.

It is a rare evening that I’ll find enough time to make a pizza dough from scratch. I love them but usually pull out a Trader Joe’s dough or even a roll-out version. Honestly, they are all good.

Can I make this white pizza sauce dairy-free?

1. Use Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives: Instead of regular milk, opt for plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. Each has a unique flavor and consistency, so choose one that suits your taste preferences. Unsweetened and unflavored versions work best.
2. Dairy-Free Cheese Substitutes: Many dairy-free cheese alternatives are available in the market. Look for dairy-free mozzarella or cream cheese alternatives that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also be used to add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
3. Cashew Cream: Soak cashews and blend them with water to create a creamy, rich base for your sauce. This nut-based cream adds a smooth texture and a subtle, nutty flavor to the sauce.
4. Thickening the Sauce: Since dairy-free milk tends to be less creamy, you might need a thickening agent. Use flour as you would in a regular roux, or consider arrowroot powder or cornstarch as gluten-free alternatives.
5. Flavor Enhancements: To compensate for the flavor change due to the absence of dairy, consider enhancing your sauce with additional spices and herbs. Garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of mustard powder can add depth to the flavor.
6. Tofu as a Base: Silken tofu can be blended to create a creamy, smooth base for your sauce. It’s a neutral-tasting ingredient that absorbs the flavors of garlic and other seasonings well.
7. Experiment with Cream Alternatives: There are various dairy-free cream alternatives made from soy, almonds, or oats. These can be used to add creaminess to the sauce.
8. Avoid Strong Plant Flavors: Some plant-based milk like hemp or quinoa milk can have strong, distinct flavors that might overpower the garlic flavor. Choose milder alternatives.
9. Adjust Consistency: Dairy-free sauces might require adjustments in consistency. Be prepared to add a bit more flour or liquid to achieve the desired thickness.
10. Taste and Adjust: Dairy-free alternatives can vary significantly in flavor from their dairy counterparts. Taste your sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

What is it called white pizza?

White pizza gets its name because it skips the usual red tomato sauce you find on most pizzas. Instead, it uses sauces that are white or creamy, like a garlic sauce or ricotta cheese. That, along with plenty of cheese on top, makes the pizza look white.

It’s a fun change from the usual pizza and gives you a whole different taste to enjoy!

Hello, glorious pizza!  No need to go anywhere or get something delivered.  Not when you can make something that looks this good with so little effort.

Some other ideas for white pizza toppings:

• roasted potato and rosemary
• prosciutto and arugula
• spinach and mushroom
• sausage, caramelized onions and arugula
• bacon, artichokes and balsamic

Note: amp up this sauce by adding a cup of Parmesan cheese at the very end.

Garlic White Pizza Sauce

| 8 slices

Prep Time | 2 minutes mins

Cook Time | 10 minutes mins

Total Time | 12 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

a versatile garlic white sauce that works great on pizza, pasta, and other tasty recipes!

Cost: $4

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups half & half milk works fine, too

Check out our Kitchen Reference Guide for help with unfamiliar terms.

Instructions

• In a skillet on medium-high heat, heat oil.
• Add the garlic and heat for about 3 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the flour (start with 2 tablespoons), oregano, pepper, and salt. Whisk well.
• Add the half & half all at once, whisking constantly. Cook and stir until bubbly and until thickened (usually about 3 minutes)

Video

Notes

If you want the sauce a bit thicker, mix your remaining 1 tablespoon of flour with a bit of milk until you have a mashed potato consistency. Pour that mixture into the bubbling sauce and whisk constantly. Cook about 1 minute more. It should thicken the sauce. Repeat until you have it the thickness you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 65mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Recipe Tester Melanie says…

Delicious! We made it a pizza night and did “traditional” red sauce, white sauce, and pesto and both of the new additions were a hit! We used it to make flatbread pizzas and my son chose bacon, grilled chicken, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan and it all worked together perfectly.

Learn more about our recipe testing.

If you are looking for more pizza ideas…

easy BBQ Chicken Pizza

Crescent Roll Breakfast Pizza

Pizza Crust recipes x 5 (gluten-free, cauliflower, yeast, no-yeast, and whole-wheat)