Garlic White Sauce Topping

Featured in Kitchen Flavor Boosters.

This creamy garlic white sauce blends melted butter, finely chopped garlic, and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate indulgent topping. Create a velvety base by whisking butter, garlic, and spices into a smooth roux with flour and milk. Finish off by melting grated Parmesan into the mix for a rich, savory flavor. Ideal as a pizza topping or a sophisticated dip, it’s easy to whip up in minutes and incredibly versatile for Italian-inspired dishes!

Fatiha
Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 10:09:08 GMT
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A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. | zestplate.com

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.
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A metal bowl filled with soup. | zestplate.com

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.

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. Pin it
A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. | zestplate.com

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.

Garlic White Sauce Topping

A velvety garlic sauce with butter and Parmesan, perfect for elevating pizzas and Italian dishes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 1 1/2 cups of sauce)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Sauce Ingredients

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
03 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
05 1/4 tsp salt
06 1/4 tsp dried oregano
07 1 cup full-fat milk
08 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Place a small saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter completely.

Step 02

Add finely chopped garlic to the melted butter. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 03

Sprinkle the flour, ground black pepper, salt, and dried oregano into the pan. Continuously whisk until a smooth paste forms. Cook the roux for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 04

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and achieves a smooth consistency.

Step 05

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Use immediately or cool and store in a sealed container.

Notes

  1. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, Parmesan)
  • Contains gluten (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g