Pin it
This garlic white sauce transforms ordinary pizza into a restaurant-quality white pizza experience with minimal effort. The creamy, garlicky base pairs perfectly with any toppings and creates that stretchy cheese pull we all crave from great pizza.
I developed this recipe after an unforgettable meal at a small Italian bistro in Florence. The owner refused to share his secret sauce recipe, so I spent months perfecting this version until my family declared it even better than the original.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base without adding extra salt that would compete with the Parmesan
- Fresh garlic: Provides that aromatic punch look for firm heads with tight skin
- All-purpose flour: Thickens without adding flavor choose unbleached for best results
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth freshly ground makes a noticeable difference
- Salt: Balances the creaminess kosher salt dissolves more evenly
- Dried oregano: Brings classic Italian flavor choose Mediterranean oregano for authenticity
- Whole milk: Creates the perfect creamy texture lower fat milk will make a thinner sauce
- Freshly grated Parmesan: Not the pre-grated kind which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting
How To Make Garlic White Sauce
- Melt the butter:
- Place your saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely but not brown, about 1-2 minutes. The butter should bubble gently when properly melted.
- Sauté the garlic:
- Add your finely chopped garlic to the melted butter. Cook for exactly 30 seconds, stirring constantly. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown, as browning creates bitterness.
- Create the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour, pepper, salt, and oregano into the garlic butter. Whisk continuously until you achieve a smooth paste with no lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture smells slightly nutty, indicating the flour has cooked.
- Develop the sauce:
- Pour the milk in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You'll notice it transform from liquid to a velvety consistency.
- Incorporate the cheese:
- Remove from heat and immediately add all the Parmesan. Stir until completely melted and incorporated, about 30 seconds. The sauce should be smooth and silky with no graininess.
Pin it
The Parmesan cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once tried substituting with a pre-grated variety and the sauce broke completely. My daughter still teases me about the "grainy disaster" whenever I make this sauce now, but the freshly grated version has never failed me.
Storage and Reheating
This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken considerably when chilled. To reheat, place in a small saucepan over low heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of milk while stirring constantly. Avoid microwave reheating which can cause separation.
Perfect Pairings
White pizza isn’t the only destination for this versatile sauce. Try it tossed with fettuccine for a quick alfredo, spooned over roasted vegetables, or used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. My personal favorite combination is spreading it on pizza dough topped with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and fresh mozzarella.
Pin it
The Origin Story
White pizza sauces have deep roots in northern Italian cuisine, where cream-based recipes are more common than in the tomato-loving south. This particular version pays homage to the bianca pizzas of Rome, where the focus is on letting quality ingredients shine rather than hiding them under heavy spices. The sauce is intentionally mild to complement toppings rather than compete with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I store leftover garlic white sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy texture.
- → Can I use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk?
Yes, you can, but note that full-fat milk gives the sauce its creamy texture. Low-fat milk might result in a slightly thinner consistency.
- → What dishes pair well with garlic white sauce?
This sauce works wonderfully as a pizza topping, pasta sauce, or served alongside roasted vegetables, breadsticks, or grilled chicken.
- → Can I add herbs to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! While dried oregano is included in the recipe, you can also add fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- → Can I make this sauce vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based butter, milk with unsweetened almond or soy milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.