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Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 95 reviews

This creamy white garlic pizza sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfect for elevating homemade pizzas. Made with aromatic garlic, butter or olive oil, creamy dairy or plant-based milk, and optional cheeses and herbs, it offers a smooth, luscious texture that complements a variety of toppings. Easily customizable for vegan or extra cheesy preferences, this sauce can also be used for drizzling over pasta or as a versatile dip.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic and Aromatics

  • 45 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
  • Optional: onions or shallots, finely chopped

Base

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • ¾ cup heavy cream, milk, or plant-based milk (almond, oat, or cashew milk for vegan)

Cheeses (Optional)

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (omit or use vegan Parmesan for vegan)
  • Optional for extra cheesy: mozzarella, fontina, or more Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare garlic and aromatics: Roast or sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Optionally, sauté finely chopped onions or shallots along with the garlic for additional flavor.
  2. Melt butter or heat oil: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or warm the olive oil gently to avoid browning.
  3. Add garlic: Add the prepared garlic to the melted butter or oil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic, ensuring the garlic does not brown to maintain a mellow flavor.
  4. Add cream or milk: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, milk, or plant-based milk while whisking continuously to combine all ingredients smoothly.
  5. Incorporate cheese (optional): Gradually add the grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce and enrich its flavor. If extra cheesy, add mozzarella, fontina, or additional Parmesan as desired.
  6. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using, along with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings gradually to your preference.
  7. Blend (optional): For an extra smooth and creamy consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the saucepan.
  8. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little additional milk or broth to make it pourable. To thicken it for a pizza base, gently simmer the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.
  9. Use immediately or store: Spread the sauce on your pizza dough before baking, drizzle over pasta, or refrigerate or freeze for future use.

Notes

  • To achieve a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing and adding to the sauce.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan Parmesan or omit cheese entirely.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, simmer gently without a lid to reduce liquid.
  • This sauce can be used as a white pizza base, dipping sauce, or pasta sauce for versatility.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Keywords: white garlic sauce, pizza sauce, creamy garlic sauce, homemade pizza, garlic cream sauce, vegetarian sauce