White Pizza with Garlic Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who believes that garlic makes everything better, this White Pizza with Garlic is about to be your new weeknight favorite. Imagine a tender crust covered in a velvety parmesan garlic sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella, herbaceous basil, and just enough golden Parmesan to make every slice unforgettable. The aroma alone will send your family running to the kitchen, and you won’t believe how truly simple it is to pull off restaurant-quality pizza at home—even on your busiest night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a certain magic that comes from just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to deliver flavor and comfort. For this White Pizza with Garlic, every element has a job to do—from the aromatic garlic to the creamy handfuls of cheese. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For powerful punch; fresh garlic promises the boldest, most aromatic flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Whole Milk (1¼ cups): Makes the sauce luscious and rich, balancing perfectly with the sharpness of Parmesan.
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brightens everything and adds subtle heat to the sauce layers.
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and richness, forming the backbone of the creamy sauce.
• Plain Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, giving you that dreamy, spoon-coating texture.
• Parmesan Cheese, Finely Shredded (¼ cup + ¼ cup extra): Double-duty for deep savoriness in both sauce and topping.
• Sea Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to make every bite sing without overpowering the delicate sauce.
• Pizza Dough (homemade or store-bought): The perfect blank canvas; go thick and chewy or thin and crispy!
• Basil (2 tablespoons, sliced into thin ribbons): Sprinkled on at the finish for a lemony, fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Italian Herb Mix (½ teaspoon): Infuses the crust and sauce with a hit of classic pizzeria aroma.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Low-moisture, Freshly Grated (8 ounces): Melts beautifully and delivers gooey, picture-worthy cheese pulls.
• Olive Oil (1 teaspoon): Brushed onto the crust for golden color and extra flavor before baking.
• Parmesan Garlic Sauce (½ cup, from earlier): The star—spooned generously to create that signature silky layer.

How to Make White Pizza with Garlic

Step 1: Make the Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Get started by melting the unsalted butter in a small pot over medium heat, letting it just begin to bubble for extra flavor depth. Sprinkle in your flour and stir it continuously for a couple of minutes so you cook off any raw flour taste (but careful not to let it brown). Pour in the whole milk gradually, whisking constantly—this helps everything blend smoothly without lumps. As the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 3 to 5 minutes), stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Once that smells irresistible, add in the Parmesan and keep stirring until you have a glossy, thick sauce. Set this aside to cool—it will thicken a little more as it stands, which is perfect for your White Pizza with Garlic.

Step 2: Prep and Dress the Pizza Dough

Preheat your oven to a roaring 450°F (232°C)—high heat is how you get a golden, crisp bottom and bubbling cheese. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your preferred thickness. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Next, brush the dough with olive oil all over the top, making sure you get all the way to the edges. Sprinkle a little Italian herb mix for that unmistakable pizzeria aroma and a pop of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Now comes the fun part! Spread about ½ cup of your cooled Parmesan garlic sauce evenly all over the dough, stopping just short of the crust. Pile on the freshly grated mozzarella for that signature stretchy factor, then finish with a generous handful of extra Parmesan. This White Pizza with Garlic should look abundantly cheesy before it even hits the oven—no apologies here!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for beautifully bubbling cheese with golden brown spots, and a crust that sounds hollow when you tap it. If you like things a little extra crisp, give it another minute (but keep a close eye!). When it emerges from the oven, let it cool for a minute so the cheese settles.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

To take your White Pizza with Garlic from delicious to dazzling, scatter the basil ribbons generously over the top while it’s still warm. The heat will release the basil’s fragrance, and those bright green slivers will make your pizza look absolutely gorgeous. Slice it up and serve immediately—it’s best when that first bite is still beautifully melty and fragrant.

How to Serve White Pizza with Garlic

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off a White Pizza with Garlic quite like fresh basil or a scatter of extra Parmesan. For a touch of sparkle, consider a quick drizzle of good olive oil or even a dash of flaky sea salt. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper add visual interest and a pleasant zip. If you crave a little zing, add thinly sliced red onion or a scattering of crushed red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

This pizza loves a fresh, crunchy salad—something with arugula, lemon, and shaved fennel works wonders to cut through the cheese richness. Garlic breadsticks or a simple tomato salad are perfect if you want to keep things Italian-inspired and easy. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of minestrone soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your White Pizza with Garlic into slim rectangles for party-ready finger food, or serve whole pies family-style for a casual, cozy dinner. Top each slice with an extra flourish of basil or edible petals to wow your guests. If you’re hosting a pizza night, offer bowls of dipping sauces—think garlicky ranch or a spicy tomato dip—for even more flavor fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mellow beautifully, and you’ll find the garlic and cheese just as inviting the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save a few slices of White Pizza with Garlic for future cravings, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For pizza that tastes freshly baked, reheat your slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes, or until piping hot and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the crust tough. A toaster oven is another quick option that revives the crust’s crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made garlic sauce from the store?

You can, but making the homemade garlic sauce is absolutely worth the extra few minutes. The fresh flavor and creamy texture really set this White Pizza with Garlic apart—plus, you can control the salt and spice to your liking.

Which crust works best for this recipe?

Any type of pizza dough works, so use your favorite! A classic New York–style dough gives you that wonderful chew, while a thin and crispy crust lets the sauce and cheese shine. Even cauliflower crusts or gluten-free options pair beautifully with the garlic white sauce.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, artichoke hearts, or even cooked chicken for heartiness. Just be careful not to overload the pizza, as you want the delicate white sauce flavor to remain the star.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for maximum flavor?

Use a fine microplane grater, or mince with a sharp knife until it’s almost paste-like. This will help meld the garlic thoroughly into the sauce, infusing every bite of White Pizza with Garlic with robust flavor.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Brush the dough with olive oil before adding the sauce, spread ingredients evenly, and bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel if you have one. High heat is key—it creates that crisp, sturdy bottom that stands up to the creamy topping.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about gathering around a table with loved ones and a homemade White Pizza with Garlic—every slice is a little celebration of flavor and comfort. If you haven’t tried this one yet, roll up your sleeves, follow these simple steps, and watch it disappear. Trust me, you’ll be making it again before you know it!

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