Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This sauce comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous pizza cravings.
- Versatile Use: Beyond pizza, this sauce is excellent for dipping breadsticks, drizzling over pasta, or as a base for creamy casseroles.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the garlic and cheese to your preference, or add herbs like basil and oregano for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the half-and-half or milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Season: Stir in onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens to your desired consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Cool Slightly: Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to thicken further before spreading it onto your prepared pizza dough or using it as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of sauce, enough for two 12-inch pizzas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or a tablespoon of fresh chopped basil for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to introduce some heat.
- Cheesy Blend: Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Absolutely! This white pizza sauce doubles as a delicious pasta sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta and add vegetables or proteins as desired.
2. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is also dairy-free or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk continuously while adding the flour and liquid to maintain a smooth consistency. If lumps do form, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
4. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.
5. What toppings pair well with white pizza sauce?
Toppings like spinach, mushrooms, chicken, artichokes, and fresh herbs complement this sauce beautifully.
6. Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To maintain thickness, consider adding a bit more flour.
7. How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
For a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce it further. For a thinner sauce, add a small amount of milk until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Does this sauce work for calzones?
Definitely! Use this sauce inside calzones for a creamy filling.
9. Is this sauce gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch.
Conclusion
White Pizza Sauce is a game-changer for pizza lovers looking for a rich and creamy alternative to tomato-based sauces. With its velvety texture and bold garlic-Parmesan flavor, this sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, from veggies to meats. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and incredibly versatile, making it a must-try recipe for your next homemade pizza night. Whether you’re using it for pizza, pasta, or dipping, this sauce is sure to impress!
White Pizza Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ cups (enough for two 12-inch pizzas
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
White Pizza Sauce is a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional tomato sauce, made with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. This rich and velvety sauce is perfect for homemade pizzas, pasta, and even as a dip. Quick to make and incredibly versatile, it’s a must-have for pizza lovers!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half or whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Sauté Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
-
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
-
Add Dairy:
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half or milk, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth.
-
Season the Sauce:
- Stir in onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce begins to simmer and thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Incorporate Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
-
Cool Slightly & Serve:
- Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to thicken further before using on pizza, pasta, or as a dip.
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and unsweetened almond or coconut milk, plus dairy-free Parmesan.
- Adjust Thickness: Simmer longer for a thicker sauce, or add extra milk to thin it out.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
