Description
This creamy and flavorful White Garlic Pizza Sauce is a versatile base perfect for pizzas, pastas, and more. Made with roasted or sautéed garlic, butter or olive oil, and rich cream or plant-based milk, it can be customized with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg and herbs to enhance its aromatic profile. Whether using traditional dairy ingredients or vegan alternatives, this sauce offers a smooth, indulgent texture that complements a variety of dishes with ease.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- ¾ cup heavy cream, milk, or plant-based milk
Cheese and Seasonings
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano – optional)
Variations
- Vegan: Use almond, oat, or cashew milk; omit cheese or use vegan Parmesan
- Extra cheesy: Add mozzarella, fontina, or more Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare garlic and aromatics: Roast or sauté the garlic cloves until fragrant to develop a mellow, sweet flavor. Optionally, you can also sauté onions or shallots for added depth.
- Melt butter or heat oil: Place a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the butter or olive oil, allowing it to melt or warm without burning.
- Add garlic: Add the prepared garlic to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to release aromas but taking care not to let it brown or burn, which can cause bitterness.
- Add cream or milk: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, milk, or plant-based milk while whisking continuously to combine the mixture smoothly.
- Incorporate cheese (optional): Gradually add grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to the sauce, whisking until it melts and thickens the sauce, enriching the flavor.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning gradually to your preference.
- Blend (optional): For an ultra-smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pan.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out by adding a bit more milk or broth for a pourable texture. Alternatively, simmer the sauce gently to thicken further if using as a pizza base.
- Use immediately or store: Spread the sauce over pizza dough, drizzle on pasta, or refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Roasting garlic gives a sweeter, mellow flavor compared to sautéing.
- Using plant-based milks and vegan cheese options makes this sauce vegan-friendly.
- Add extra cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a richer, cheesier sauce.
- Nutmeg enhances the creaminess and adds warmth—use sparingly.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Stir sauce well before using if stored, to reincorporate ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: white garlic sauce, pizza sauce, creamy garlic sauce, garlic cream sauce, vegetarian sauce, Italian sauce
