A few years ago, during a lazy Sunday brunch at my cousin’s farmhouse in the countryside, she surprised me with a white pizza she had whipped up during a rainstorm. We’d spent the morning clearing fallen branches and sweeping the patio, and by midday, the farmhouse smelled faintly of fresh basil and melting cheese.
The pizza didn’t have tomato sauce, just a garlic-infused white sauce that coated the crust, topped with bubbling mozzarella and fresh basil ribbons. Between bites, neighbors popped in with umbrellas, drawn by the warm aroma.
That afternoon, I scribbled notes on a paper plate about how flavorful simple garlic sauce can be creamy, comforting, and inviting without overpowering the toppings.
Back home, I tried perfecting that dairy-rich sauce myself. A few trials later, I landed on the version in this recipe: smooth garlic béchamel enriched with Parmesan, then layered on a hand-stretched or store-bought dough. This White Pizza With Garlic is comfort, tradition, and small-town warmth on a plate, light enough for lunch, elegant enough for dinner.
Short Description
Creamy garlic béchamel topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil ribbons on a golden crust—White Pizza With Garlic delivers simple elegance and rich, savory flavor.
Key Ingredients
Garlic White Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 3 tsp prepared)
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Pizza Toppings
- 1 pre-made or homemade pizza dough
- ½ tsp Italian herb blend
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan, freshly shredded
- ½ cup prepared garlic Parmesan sauce
Tools Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Rolling pin or your hands to shape dough
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Pastry brush
- Cheese grater
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make Garlic White Sauce
Heat butter in a small saucepan until bubbling. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes without browning. Gradually stream in milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles (about 3–5 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in the Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat Oven & Prep Dough
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Shape your dough on a lightly floured surface. Place on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with Italian herb blend.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread ½ cup of garlic Parmesan sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for crust. Evenly scatter shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles and the edges turn golden brown.
Step 5: Finish with Basil
Remove pizza from oven and immediately scatter basil ribbons across the surface. Slice and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Garlic Flavor: Creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan creates depth without heaviness.
Simple Elegance: No tomato, yet unforgettable taste. Perfect for garlic lovers and pizza purists.
Quick Preparation: Ready in about 25 minutes including sauce and bake time.
Customizable: Add roasted veggies or grilled chicken to suit your tastes.
Balanced & Satisfying: Moistened crust, cheesy melt, fresh herbs—it hits all the right textures.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Lumpy sauce: Whisk constantly while adding milk slowly.
Burning garlic: Add garlic after sauce thickens, not before.
Soggy crust: Brush dough edges with oil and avoid over-saucing.
Undercooked dough: Ensure oven is fully preheated for crisp crust.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Plate with a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil.
Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water for lunch or dinner.
Serve on a buffet-style board at a cozy gathering, sliced into small wedges.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Cover leftover pizza loosely and refrigerate up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for about 7–8 minutes to crisp crust and reheat cheese.
Freeze: Freeze sliced pieces on a tray, then store in bags. Reheat from frozen at low oven temperature until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner, consider simmering a bit longer to thicken.
2. What can replace mozzarella?
Fontina or provolone offer excellent melt and flavor.
3. Can I add toppings?
Yes, spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken all pair beautifully.
4. Is basil optional?
Yes, but it brings brightness and color. Omit if unavailable.
5. How do I store sauce?
Store leftover sauce in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat gently while stirring before use.
Tips & Tricks
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
Let dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping to relax gluten.
For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
Sprinkle a little olive oil over the basil for glossy shine and extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
Roasted Garlic & Mushroom White Pizza
Swap minced garlic with roasted garlic cloves; top with sautéed mushrooms and thyme.
Spinach-Artichoke White Pizza
Stir cooked spinach and chopped artichoke hearts into the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Truffle White Pizza Variation
Add a few drops of truffle oil before serving and top with shaved Parmesan for an upscale twist.
Final Thoughts
That afternoon in my cousin’s kitchen, under soft rain and warm lights, I realized food isn’t just sustenance, it carries memories. Each creamy bite of this white pizza feels like gentle conversation: aromatic, inviting, and nourishing.
It isn’t overly flashy, but it speaks quietly of tradition, warmth, and care. If you make this at home, may it bring you the same gentle joy it brings me—a slice of comfort that lingers with every garlicky, cheesy melt.
White Pizza With Garlic
Print ThisIngredients
- Garlic White Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 3 tsp prepared)
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Pizza Toppings
- 1 pre-made or homemade pizza dough
- ½ tsp Italian herb blend
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons
- ¼ cup extra Parmesan, freshly shredded
- ½ cup prepared garlic Parmesan sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make Garlic Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour; cook 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (3–5 minutes). Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prep Dough
Preheat oven to 450°F. Shape dough on floured surface, place on pan or stone. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle Italian herbs.
Step 3: Assemble Pizza
Spread ½ cup garlic sauce on dough. Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese bubbles and crust is golden.
Step 5: Add Basil & Serve
Top with basil ribbons. Slice and serve warm.
