Pin it
Make regular pizza way better with a creamy garlic sauce that beats what you'd get at fancy Italian places. This upscale take blends a homemade white sauce with top-notch cheeses and herbs, giving you amazing flavor in every mouthful. When the smooth sauce meets the gooey cheese, you'll have a pizza you won't forget.
I've tweaked this recipe during many pizza nights, and it's funny how folks who say they "only go for red sauce" change their minds right away. There's something almost magical about how the garlic sauce works with the melted cheese.
Top-Notch Ingredients
- Fancy Butter: Go for European unsalted butter to get that extra richness in your sauce base.
- Full-Fat Milk: Don't skimp here - you need the fat for a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Real Garlic: Pick firm, fresh garlic bulbs for the strongest, tastiest flavor punch.
- Good Parmesan: Grate it yourself from a block for that authentic, rich taste boost.
- Proper Mozzarella: The low-moisture kind keeps your crust crisp and melts just right.
- Garden Basil: Look for vibrant leaves to add that pop of color and fresh taste.
Making Pizza Magic
- Base Work:
- Start by slowly melting butter on medium-low until it's all liquid but not brown. Whisk in flour bit by bit until smooth. Keep stirring for exactly 2 minutes to build flavor without browning.
- Getting It Smooth:
- Drizzle cold milk in slowly while whisking like crazy to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as it gets thicker, looking for tiny bubbles at the edges. Cook until the sauce sticks nicely to your spoon.
- Adding Punch:
- Mix in chopped garlic and spices once the sauce is thick enough. Pull it off the heat before adding Parmesan, letting the warmth melt the cheese gradually.
- Putting It Together:
- Spread a thin, even layer of sauce with a flat spatula, leaving a small border. Layer cheeses carefully, starting with mozzarella on the bottom and finishing with Parmesan on top.
- Finishing Touch:
- Bake at 450°F until the edges turn golden and cheese gets those tasty brown spots. Sprinkle fresh-cut basil right before you serve it.
Pin it
After making this pizza tons of times, I've learned that how you make the sauce changes everything. At one dinner party, I rushed the flour-butter mix and got lumps no amount of whisking could fix. Now I treat making the sauce like a calm, focused activity, watching every little change as it cooks.
Wow-Factor Serving Ideas
Show off your pizza on a wooden board with some fresh basil and a light drizzle of good olive oil. Put whole basil leaves in the middle and smaller cut pieces around the edges. For fancy parties, cut it into bite-sized squares and add tiny greens on top for an appetizer that'll impress everyone.
Mix It Up Options
Play with this basic recipe by trying different cheese combos - fontina makes it creamier, while smoked mozzarella adds depth. Want to get fancy? Add a bit of truffle oil to the sauce. If you love garlic, throw in some roasted cloves between the cheese layers. You can also try adding some browned onions or cooked mushrooms for extra flavor.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep any leftover sauce in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Warm it up slowly on low heat, adding a splash of warm milk to make it smooth again. For best results, make and bake your pizza right before eating. Need to reheat pizza? Put it on a hot pizza stone at 375°F to bring back the right texture.
Party-Perfect Ideas
Set up a make-your-own-pizza station with different toppings so guests can personalize their slices. Always make extra garlic sauce because everyone wants more. Think about offering regular and whole wheat crust choices. Get organized with a good setup when you're making multiple pizzas.
Pin it
After tweaking this white pizza many times during test nights, it's now our go-to Friday tradition. It takes comfort food and makes it special through careful prep and good ingredients. Whether it's just a casual family meal or you're having guests over, this pizza shows how a simple dish can become something amazing with a little extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this garlic sauce before baking?
- Yep, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to five days. Just warm it up before spreading.
- → Why isn't regular mozzarella suggested?
- Low moisture mozzarella melts more evenly and keeps excess water off your crust. Plus, it gives that satisfying cheese pull!
- → Is freezing cream-based sauces okay?
- They can freeze, but the texture might change. It's better to make it fresh or keep it in the fridge for up to five days.
- → What helps the crust bake crisply?
- Turn your oven up to 450°F, brush the dough with olive oil first, and use a hot pizza stone or metal pan.
- → Can I mix in other toppings?
- Totally! Try adding chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic. Just avoid anything wet that could ruin the crust.