Garlic White Pizza Recipe

Hey friend, if you’re craving something super flavorful but without the usual red sauce, you’ve got to try this Garlic White Pizza Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic goodness that makes every bite pure heaven. I promise, once you try this one, it’ll be your go-to white pizza for cozy nights or impressing guests. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips to nail this recipe on your first try!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Garlic White Pizza Recipe come together in perfect harmony. You’ve got a luscious white sauce that’s both rich and garlicky, balanced by gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan. Plus, a touch of Italian seasoning brightens it all up. Here’s why each one matters:

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a creamy base for the white sauce without adding extra salt you can’t control.
• All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to that ideal pizza spread consistency without lumps.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and body to the sauce; don’t substitute with low-fat milk or it’ll be thin.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Season simply but effectively to highlight garlic and cheese flavors.
• Fresh or Jarred Minced Garlic: This is the star! I like finely chopped fresh, but jarred works in a pinch and keeps it easy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce nuttiness and depth, melting smoothly into the creamy base.
• Pizza Crust: Homemade or store-bought both work—just make sure it’s rolled out nicely for even cooking.
• Low Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly without releasing too much water, keeping your crust crisp.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds that classic herbal punch without overpowering the delicate sauce.
• Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust to help it brown nicely and add a fruity aroma.
• Fresh Basil: The finishing touch—bright, fresh, and aromatic on top after baking.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood—don’t be shy to add your favorite toppings or swap cheeses. This is a flexible canvas for any pizza lover!

• Variation: For a bit of smoky heat, try adding thin slices of roasted red pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes—my go-to for a little fire without drowning out the garlic.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, milk alternatives like oat milk, and vegan cheese to enjoy this recipe dairy-free without losing that creamy texture.
• Seasonal Add-Ins: During summer, fresh cherry tomatoes and arugula on top post-bake add brightness and a peppery pop.
• Crust Choices: A cauliflower crust or gluten-free crust works well if you watch your carbs or gluten intake.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic White Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Garlic White Sauce

First up, you’ll melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour—this is your roux, the base for thickening without lumps. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes, but don’t let it brown; that keeps your sauce bright and buttery. Slowly add the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid clumps, until it thickens and bubbles—this usually takes 3-5 minutes. Then stir in salt, pepper, fresh garlic, and parmesan, whisking until everything’s smooth and the cheese is just melted. Set it aside to cool while you prep the rest. Pro tip: letting the sauce cool a bit prevents the cheese from separating when you spread it on your pizza.

Step 2: Prepping Your Pizza Base

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C)—high heat = crispy crust, which is my favorite! Roll out your dough to about 12-14 inches on your pizza pan. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil—it helps it crisp up and adds a subtle fruity note—and sprinkle with Italian seasoning right on top for added flavor right under the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble Your Garlic White Pizza Recipe

Spread that luscious garlic white sauce evenly over the crust. Don’t be shy—you want it thick enough to taste in every bite but not so much it sogs your crust. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top, distributing evenly so every slice gets a cheesy, bubbly bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pizza into the hot oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for golden edges on your crust and melted, bubbly cheese on top. If you like that light golden brown on your mozzarella, you can switch to broil for the last minute—but watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 5: The Final Touch

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil chiffonade over the top for a bright, herbal kick. It transforms the pizza from tasty to extraordinary, trust me. Slice and serve immediately—you’ll love that balance of crispy crust, garlicky creaminess, and melty cheese.

How to Serve Garlic White Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always add fresh basil after baking—it adds that fresh, peppery pop I adore. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate it too, but keep it light to not overwhelm the garlic flavor.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this pizza with a crisp, simple green salad—something like arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus on the side can also round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from your white pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes bake the pizza on a rectangular sheet, then cut it into bite-sized squares for easy snacking. A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers on top adds a fun visual twist, making it look fancy without extra fuss—guests always love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza? Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. I’ve found the garlic sauce holds up nicely for about 3-4 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this white pizza freezes well. Bake it fully, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and bubbly again.

Reheating

To keep the crust crisp when reheating leftovers, I pop slices in a hot skillet on medium heat with a lid for a few minutes, then finish under the broiler for a quick cheese melt. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F, but skip the microwave if you want to avoid soggy crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic White Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress and satisfy. It’s creamy, garlicky, and cheesy without being heavy—a perfect balance I always aim for. I love sharing it with friends because most don’t expect such bold flavor from a white pizza. When you make it, take your time with the sauce and don’t skip the fresh basil—it really brings everything together. Honestly, once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So grab your ingredients, roll out that dough, and let’s make some garlic magic in your kitchen!

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