If you’re a fan of pizza (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), you’re in for a delicious change of pace. Traditional pizzas with tomato-based sauces are fantastic, but sometimes, your taste buds crave something richer, creamier, and just a bit indulgent. That’s where White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce steps in — a luxurious, flavorful pizza that’s bursting with creamy cheeses, aromatic garlic, and golden crust perfection.
This white pizza recipe doesn’t just swap out the red sauce — it elevates the entire experience. Featuring a homemade garlic-infused béchamel sauce, a blend of cheeses including mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, and finished with fresh herbs, this dish brings gourmet flair right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to spoil yourself on a Friday night, this white pizza will make your meal feel special.
What is White Pizza?
White pizza, or pizza bianca, is an Italian-inspired pizza that omits traditional tomato sauce in favor of a white sauce or simply olive oil, cheese, and herbs. Our version takes this concept to the next level with a creamy garlic pizza sauce that adds both depth and richness. It’s savory, slightly tangy from the cheeses, and perfectly balanced with aromatic herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the components that make this pizza so mouthwatering:
### For the Pizza Dough:
If you love making dough from scratch, this one is soft, chewy, and easy to work with.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 45°C)
Pro Tip: Always make sure your yeast is active. If it doesn’t bubble after 10 minutes in warm water and sugar, start fresh.
For the Garlic White Sauce:
This is where the magic begins — a creamy, garlic-packed béchamel that forms the foundation of our white pizza.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warm
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Note: Warm milk and cream help the sauce thicken faster and stay smooth.
For the Cheese Toppings:
The star trio of cheeses makes this pizza creamy, stretchy, and flavorful.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make your White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce from scratch.
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix and knead: Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Make the Garlic Pizza Sauce
- Sauté garlic: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create a roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Finish the sauce: Once thickened, stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Storage Tip: You can make this sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before spreading on the dough.
3. Preheat and Shape the Dough
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 245°C (475°F) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Shape the dough: Divide dough in half for two pizzas. Roll each half into a 10–12 inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to parchment paper for easy sliding.
4. Assemble the White Pizza
- Layer the sauce: Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce over each pizza crust.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta and finish with Parmesan.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bake the Pizza
- Transfer to oven: Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated stone or sheet.
- Bake: Cook for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly with brown spots.
6. Finish and Serve
- Garnish: Top with fresh basil leaves after baking.
- Cool and slice: Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting into slices.
Serving Suggestions
White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini
- A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Garlic knots or breadsticks for dipping into extra sauce
Hosting a party? Serve mini versions as elegant appetizers.
Expert Tips for Perfect White Pizza
- Don’t overload with toppings: White pizza is rich, so a balanced amount of cheese and sauce is key.
- Keep your dough thin: This helps create a crispy bottom and lets the toppings shine.
- Use fresh basil last: Add it after baking to preserve its bright flavor.
- For extra flair: Add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or thinly sliced prosciutto.
Variations You’ll Love
1. Spinach and Ricotta White Pizza
Add wilted spinach to the sauce or as a topping for extra greens.
2. Mushroom White Pizza
Sauté cremini or shiitake mushrooms in butter and layer on top for an earthy flavor.
3. Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Add grilled or shredded chicken and substitute Alfredo sauce for an ultra-rich version.
4. White Veggie Pizza
Top with thin-sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a summer-friendly version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes for best texture.
- Freeze dough: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Final Thoughts
White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce is more than just a recipe — it’s a comforting, gourmet-level experience you can create at home. From the aroma of roasted garlic to the melty cheese and crispy crust, every bite feels like something special.
It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s a fun and delicious way to switch up your pizza routine. With customizable toppings and make-ahead options, it’s bound to become one of your favorite recipes.
White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce
Description
This creamy and flavorful White Pizza with Garlic Pizza Sauce is a gourmet twist on the classic pizza night. Made with a homemade garlicky white sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and a golden crispy crust, it's perfect for cheese lovers and makes a comforting meal any time of the year. Great for dinner parties or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
For the Garlic White Sauce
For the Toppings
Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Garlic White Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add flour, whisking constantly for another 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes), then stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Surface
- Preheat your oven to 245°C. Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to preheat. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough into two 10–12 inch rounds.
Assemble the White Pizza
- Spread a generous layer of garlic white sauce over each dough round. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly, dollop ricotta in small spoonfuls, and add Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian herbs (and red pepper flakes if using).
Bake the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the hot stone/baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Garnish and Serve
- Let the pizza cool for 3–5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Slice and serve hot!
Note
Make Ahead Tip: The dough and garlic sauce can be made 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 5–7 minutes.
Variation: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker version.
