If you’re a fan of pizza but want to switch things up from the traditional tomato-based sauce, White Pizza with Garlic Sauce is a game-changer. This pizza is rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky goodness, making it the perfect alternative to classic red-sauce pizzas. The combination of a buttery garlic sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy golden crust creates an indulgent experience that’s both comforting and gourmet.
White pizza (or “pizza bianca”) has its roots in Italian cuisine but has evolved into a popular choice across the world. Unlike regular pizza, it swaps out tomato sauce for a luscious white garlic sauce, allowing the flavors of cheese, herbs, and seasonings to shine. Whether you prefer a simple mozzarella and ricotta blend or want to load it up with toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or chicken, this pizza is endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This White Pizza with Garlic Sauce
This White Pizza with Garlic Sauce is a must-try if you’re looking for something new and exciting. Unlike traditional pizza, it focuses on the rich, buttery flavors of garlic and cheese, giving you a more sophisticated and indulgent taste.
One of the best things about this pizza is its incredible garlic sauce. Made with fresh garlic, butter, and cream, the sauce is smooth, velvety, and packed with deep, aromatic flavor. It coats the pizza dough beautifully, ensuring that every bite is infused with garlicky goodness.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices (1 medium pizza)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Ingredients for White Pizza with Garlic Sauce
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought):
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for White Pizza with Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If using store-bought dough, skip this step. Otherwise:
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, ricotta (in small dollops), and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Slice and serve warm!
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in White Pizza with Garlic Sauce plays an essential role in delivering its rich and comforting flavor. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key components that make this pizza so special.
Garlic
Garlic is the star of the sauce, providing a deep, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire pizza. Using fresh garlic is key—minced or finely grated garlic releases its natural oils and enhances the butter-based sauce. If you want a milder garlic taste, roasting the garlic beforehand will bring out a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
Cheese Selection
A great white pizza relies on the right blend of cheeses. Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the pizza its classic stretchy texture. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, slightly sweet contrast that balances the sharpness of Parmesan. Speaking of Parmesan, its salty, umami-rich profile deepens the overall taste of the pizza. You can also experiment with provolone, fontina, or asiago for more complexity.
Pizza Dough
A good crust is the foundation of any great pizza. Using homemade dough ensures a fresh, chewy texture, but store-bought dough works well for convenience. If you prefer a crispier crust, thinly roll out the dough and pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding toppings. For a softer, chewier crust, let the dough rise longer before baking.
Technique Tips for White Pizza with Garlic Sauce
To achieve the perfect White Pizza with Garlic Sauce, here are some expert techniques to keep in mind.
1. Avoid a Soggy Crust
Since the garlic sauce is creamy, it’s important not to overload the pizza with too much sauce, as it can make the crust soggy. Use just enough to coat the dough lightly, and make sure to bake at a high temperature to create a crisp base.
2. Preheat Your Oven Properly
For the best results, preheat your oven to at least 475°F (245°C) and let it heat for at least 15 minutes before baking. A hot oven ensures a crispy, golden crust and evenly melted cheese. If you have a pizza stone, preheat it along with the oven to mimic the effect of a professional pizza oven.
3. Layer Your Cheese Strategically
To get the perfect balance of flavors, layer the cheeses correctly. Start with mozzarella, which melts smoothly, then add small dollops of ricotta for creaminess. Finally, sprinkle Parmesan on top for an extra kick of flavor and a slightly crispy finish.
4. Let the Pizza Rest Before Slicing
As tempting as it is to slice into the pizza immediately, letting it rest for 5 minutes helps the cheese set slightly, preventing it from sliding off when you cut into it.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
While the classic White Pizza with Garlic Sauce is delicious on its own, you can get creative with different ways to serve it.
1. White Pizza Flatbread
Instead of traditional pizza dough, try using naan or flatbread for a quicker, easy-to-make version. Simply spread the garlic sauce over a pre-baked flatbread, add cheese, and bake for 10 minutes. This is a great option for an effortless weeknight meal or appetizer.
2. White Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
For a more gourmet take, top your pizza with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil. The sweetness of the onions and the earthy flavor of mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
3. Grilled White Pizza
Take your pizza-making outdoors by grilling the dough instead of baking it. Pre-cook the dough on the grill for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic sauce and cheese before finishing it off on indirect heat. This method creates a crispy, smoky crust that’s perfect for summer cookouts.
Freezing and Storing White Pizza with Garlic Sauce
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, you’ll be happy to know that White Pizza with Garlic Sauce stores and reheats beautifully.
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing:
- To freeze, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
Freezing Pizza Dough:
- If making homemade dough, you can freeze it after the first rise. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Want to enjoy White Pizza with Garlic Sauce with a lighter, healthier touch? Here are some easy modifications.
1. Use a Whole Wheat or Cauliflower Crust
For a healthier alternative to regular pizza dough, try using whole wheat dough for added fiber or a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb version. Both options provide a nutritious base while maintaining great flavor.
2. Make a Lighter Garlic Sauce
Instead of using heavy cream, opt for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to cut down on calories. You can also replace the butter with olive oil for a heart-healthier option.
3. Reduce the Cheese or Use Lighter Alternatives
To lower the fat content, use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta instead of full-fat versions. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
Serving Suggestions for Events
White Pizza with Garlic Sauce is a great dish to serve for different occasions, and you can customize it depending on the setting.
1. Date Night Dinner
For a romantic evening, serve this pizza with a light arugula salad and a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
2. Game Night Appetizer
Cut the pizza into small squares and serve it as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This makes for a fun finger food that guests will love.
3. Family Pizza Night
Let everyone customize their own mini white pizzas by providing various toppings like grilled chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. This makes pizza night interactive and fun for kids and adults alike!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this pizza without yeast?
Yes! You can use a no-yeast dough recipe with baking powder for a quick version. Alternatively, use store-bought flatbread.
2. What other cheeses work well on white pizza?
Fontina, provolone, gouda, or asiago all work great for a rich, cheesy flavor.
3. Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before spreading it on the dough.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover white pizza?
Reheat in a hot oven (375°F) for 8-10 minutes for best results.
5. Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use vegan butter, coconut milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
White Pizza with Garlic Sauce is a delicious and versatile alternative to traditional pizza, offering a creamy, garlicky base that pairs perfectly with melted cheese and fresh herbs. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with toppings, this pizza is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With its crispy crust, rich sauce, and melty cheese, every bite is pure comfort. So roll out that dough, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of this irresistible white pizza!