Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe
If you’re ready to elevate your homemade pizza nights to legendary status, this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is about to become your secret weapon. Rich, velvety, and bursting with bold garlic flavor, this sauce transforms any pizza into something undeniably special. Whether you’re looking for a luscious white base for classic chicken and spinach combos or a decadent dip for cheesy crusts, this simple yet luxurious sauce comes together in just minutes and never fails to impress. One bite in and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is that it relies on just a few staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. There’s nothing fancy here—just a handful of essentials that work in harmony to create something truly crave-worthy.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the sauce a rich, silky base and helps sauté the garlic to golden perfection.
- Garlic (minced): The star of the show! Use fresh cloves for bold, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect, spreadable consistency.
- Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and just enough body without making the sauce too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers an ultra-rich, velvety texture that feels indulgent on any pizza.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce further as it melts in.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the richness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle bite that rounds out the creamy notes.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): For a herby twist that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Gives a subtle, spicy kick if you like a little heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is ready, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant and just slightly golden—this step unlocks all those wonderful, savory aromas that make Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce so irresistible.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk it with the buttery garlic. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes; you’re looking for a smooth, pale roux. This helps to thicken the sauce later without any floury taste, ensuring your pizza sauce is perfectly creamy and luscious.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep the pan over medium heat and continue stirring as the mixture gently thickens—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The consistency should be smooth and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and if you like, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is silky-smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, then remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Your Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is ready to spread, dip, or drizzle!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce. For even more flavor, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. These little touches make each slice look and taste gourmet.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the sauce. Garlic knots, breadsticks, or roasted vegetables also make excellent companions, giving you delicious options for dipping up every last bit of Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Besides spreading it on pizza dough, try using this sauce as a decadent dip for crusts or as a drizzle over grilled flatbreads. It’s also fantastic as a base for white lasagna, creamy pastas, or even as a topping for roasted potatoes. The possibilities with Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce are endless—let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors develop as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
This sauce freezes surprisingly well! Pour it into a freezer-safe container or portion it into ice cube trays for easy, single-serve use. When you’re craving that creamy goodness, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and whisk before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to maintain its silky texture. If it’s a bit too thick after chilling, whisk in a splash of milk to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce without heavy cream?
Yes! If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all whole milk, though the sauce will be a little lighter. For extra richness, try half-and-half or add a dollop of cream cheese.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose blend to keep your Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
While fresh garlic gives the most robust flavor, jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch. Just know the flavor might be a bit milder, so you may want to add an extra clove or two.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce scales up beautifully. Just use a larger saucepan and keep whisking to ensure it stays smooth as it thickens.
What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and delivers the most flavor, but pre-grated or even powdered Parmesan can be used in a pinch. Avoid the pre-shredded kind if possible, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to make your next pizza night unforgettable, give this Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce a try. With its velvety texture and bold flavor, it’s guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen—happy cooking!
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Creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy garlic pizza sauce is a rich and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based pizzas. Made with butter, fresh garlic, cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a smooth and velvety texture perfect for white pizzas, flatbreads, or even pasta dishes. The sauce is easy to make on the stovetop and can be customized with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic which can impart a bitter taste.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the roux base to thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes, achieving a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and if using, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Final Touch and Usage: Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly before spreading over pizza dough. You can use the sauce immediately or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For thinner consistency, add a splash more milk when reheating.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add an extra splash of milk when reheating or during cooking.
- This sauce doubles perfectly as a white sauce for pasta dishes or flatbreads.
- For a bolder and deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make sure to whisk constantly while adding milk and cream to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
