Best-Ever White Garlic Pizza Sauce (Ready in 13 Minutes!)

There’s something magical about white garlic pizza sauce. It’s the unsung hero of many a pizza night, sitting quietly under gooey mozzarella, whispering its garlicky, cheesy secrets into every bite. If red sauce has been the diva in your kitchen, it’s time to make room for this pale beauty—it’s creamy, comforting, and just a little luxurious (without any actual luxury required).

I first made this on a night when tomato sauce just felt too… expected. The kids were skeptical, my husband gave me the “what are you doing to pizza” look, and then—bam. One bite and everyone was converted. Garlic has that kind of persuasive power, especially when paired with butter and Parmesan.

This sauce comes together in less time than it takes to scroll Netflix looking for a movie you won’t watch. It’s velvety, loaded with flavor, and totally adaptable. You’ll wonder how your pizza nights ever survived without it.


Why You’ll Love This White Garlic Pizza Sauce

  • Ready in 13 minutes—faster than your delivery driver.
  • Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky—a flavor trifecta.
  • Versatile—perfect for pizza, breadsticks, pasta, or dipping.
  • Kid-approved—no surprise red blobs, just smooth white deliciousness.
  • Make-ahead friendly—it reheats like a dream.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (add a 5th if you love it loud!)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk = best texture)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute—just until it smells amazing. Don’t let it brown!

2. Make a Roux

Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. It’ll look like a paste. That’s good.

3. Season

Stir in salt, pepper, and oregano. Let the flavors get cozy for 30 seconds.

4. Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Keep going until it thickens—about 3–5 minutes.

5. Stir in the Cheese

Turn off the heat and add the Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

6. Serve or Store

Use right away or store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring it back to creamy perfection.


Melania’s Tips for Perfect White Garlic Pizza Sauce

  • Use fresh garlic—jarred just doesn’t have the same punch.
  • Whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid clumps.
  • Grate your own cheese—pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • Taste and tweak—add a pinch more salt or oregano if your Parmesan is on the mellow side.

Bake It With the Littles

Let the kids:

  • Stir the flour into the butter (they love making “paste”).
  • Add the oregano—let them smell it first for a little sensory fun.
  • Dip crusts into the finished sauce like it’s fondue night.

No knives, no mess, and a whole lot of “I made this!” grins.


Meal-Prep Magic

This white garlic pizza sauce keeps beautifully:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 5 days.
  • Freezer: Yep, it freezes! Just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
  • Reheating tip: Add a splash of milk and whisk over low heat.

Make a double batch and thank yourself on a busy Thursday night.


Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to lighten it up a bit?

  • Use 2% milk instead of whole.
  • Try olive oil instead of butter (though you’ll lose a bit of richness).
  • Cut the cheese—drop to 1/4 cup Parmesan and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for flavor.
  • Go gluten-free with a 1:1 flour blend (just watch the thickening time).

Still creamy. Still dreamy. Just a little less indulgent.


Leftover Remix

Got a bit left? Don’t toss it—transform it:

  • Pasta sauce—stir into cooked penne with spinach and grilled chicken.
  • Dip—warm and serve with garlic knots or veggie sticks.
  • Flatbread drizzle—reheat and spoon over roasted veggie flatbreads.
  • Lasagna layer—mix with ricotta for a white sauce twist.

Gift It Like a Pro

Yes, you can gift sauce. And your friends will thank you.

  • Pour into a mason jar.
  • Add a cute handwritten label (“Not Your Average Pizza Sauce”).
  • Tie with twine, pair with a bag of homemade pizza dough, and boom—instant hostess gift.

Perfect for housewarmings, new parents, or just-because gifts.


FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make up to 5 days in advance and store in the fridge.

Can I use almond or oat milk?
You can, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy. Choose unsweetened, unflavored versions.

Is this sauce spicy?
Not at all. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. It scales up beautifully.


Final Thought

There’s a quiet joy in finding a recipe that becomes a staple—the kind you make without even glancing at the instructions. White garlic pizza sauce is that kind of recipe. It’s comforting, versatile, and just fancy enough to feel special without requiring a culinary degree (or even a ton of effort). So next time pizza night rolls around, ditch the jar of marinara. Your crust deserves this

Try this with 30-Minute Skillet Garlic Flatbreads or pair with Kid-Friendly Pesto Pasta Bake for a garlic-lover’s dream dinner

Get more ideas for garlic-based sauces at Allrecipes and Bon Appétit.

Print
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White Garlic Pizza Sauce

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup (enough for 1 large pizza) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—this sauce should stay creamy and pale.
  2. Make the Roux: Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. The mixture will form a paste-like consistency.
  3. Season: Add the salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine and let the herbs bloom for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. You’re looking for a creamy, smooth texture that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add the Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve or Store: Use immediately on pizza crust, flatbread, or as a creamy dip. Let it cool slightly if storing—refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Notes

  • Tip: Want it extra garlicky? Add another clove or use roasted garlic for a sweeter depth.
  • Author: Sabrine Jay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 90 kcal

Keywords: pizza sauce, garlic sauce, white sauce, alfredo sauce

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