When it comes to pizza, the sauce is just as important as the toppings, if not more. While traditional tomato-based pizza sauces are a classic, white pizza sauce offers a rich and indulgent twist.
This creamy sauce, made with butter, garlic, cheese, and milk, adds a savory, slightly garlicky flavor to any pizza—perfectly complementing a wide variety of toppings.
Whether you’re craving something fresh and vibrant or indulgent and cheesy, white pizza sauce will take your pizza game to the next level. It’s a fantastic option if you’re tired of the usual red sauce, and it pairs especially well with ingredients like grilled chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and bacon.
But the best part? It’s simple to make at home, with easy-to-find ingredients that deliver big flavor.
Why Make White Pizza Sauce at Home?
If you’ve ever bought pre-made pizza sauce from the store, you may have noticed that it often contains preservatives and artificial flavors that you don’t always want in your food. Making white pizza sauce at home gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring you’re using fresh, natural components.
Plus, it’s much more cost-effective than buying jars of sauce, especially if you’re making pizza regularly.
Homemade white pizza sauce is not only more affordable, but it also gives you the ability to customize the flavor to your exact liking. Want it extra cheesy? Add more Parmesan.
Craving an extra kick of garlic? Go for it! The best part? You can make this sauce in under 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu pizza nights.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect white pizza sauce requires just a few staple ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need and some options if you’re looking for substitutions.
Essential Ingredients:
- Butter (2 tbsp): The fat base that provides richness and depth. Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic is a must for that unmistakable savory flavor that makes the sauce so irresistible. Grate or press the garlic to bring out its full aroma.
- Flour (2 tbsp): This is the thickening agent, helping the sauce achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Milk (1 1/4 cups): Whole milk works best here, providing a rich and creamy texture. However, 2% can work too if you want to keep it a bit lighter.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer in this sauce. It adds depth, saltiness, and a nutty flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Seasonings: Just a pinch of sea salt (1/4 tsp) and freshly ground black pepper (1/8 tsp) are all you need to bring the flavors together.
Substitutions:
- For a richer sauce: Swap the milk with heavy cream for a decadent, ultra-creamy version.
- For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free or vegan version: Replace the milk with plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and opt for dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s walk through how to make this amazing white pizza sauce. The process is quick, but there are a few key tips to ensure you get a smooth, creamy sauce every time.
Step 1: Melt Butter and Make the Roux
Start by melting the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely, add the flour. Whisk the flour and butter together to form a smooth paste, known as a “roux.” Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, making sure the flour doesn’t brown. The roux will help thicken the sauce and create a velvety smooth texture.
Step 2: Slowly Add the Milk
Next, slowly pour in milk while continuing to whisk constantly. This is a crucial step to avoid lumps. The sauce will gradually start to thicken as the milk incorporates with the roux. Keep stirring, and soon you’ll see the sauce begin to bubble gently. Once it thickens, you’ll know it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Now, add the sea salt and black pepper to taste. The seasoning brings balance to the rich creaminess of the sauce. Then, press or grate the garlic and add it to the pan. Stir the garlic in for about 30 seconds, allowing it to infuse the sauce with that signature garlicky flavor. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should only be gently cooked to release its fragrance.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce, and the mixture is smooth. Be sure to take the pan off the heat once the cheese is incorporated. If you continue to heat it, the sauce may curdle or separate, which we want to avoid.
Tip: If your sauce is too thick for your liking, simply add a little extra milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to thicken up.
Best Ways to Use White Pizza Sauce
Now that your white pizza sauce is ready, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
1. White Pizza Base
Of course, the most obvious use for this sauce is as a base for your white pizza. Spread it generously over your pizza dough, then top with ingredients like:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Spinach, sautéed or fresh
- Grilled chicken, seasoned to perfection
- Mushrooms, sautéed for extra flavor
- Crispy bacon or prosciutto
The creamy, garlicky sauce will perfectly complement these fresh toppings, making for a decadent pizza experience.
2. Pasta Sauce
Don’t limit yourself to just pizza! This sauce works wonderfully as a pasta sauce. Toss it with spaghetti, penne, or even a creamy Alfredo-style lasagna. Add grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or shrimp for an indulgent dinner.
3. Dipping Sauce
This white pizza sauce is perfect for dipping! Serve it alongside crispy breadsticks, garlic knots, or even French fries. The creamy texture and garlicky punch make it a satisfying dip for almost anything.
4. Pizza Swirls or Rolls
If you’re feeling adventurous, try spreading this sauce on pizza dough, then roll it up into pinwheels or swirls, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden. You’ll have delicious pizza rolls that are perfect for parties or snacking.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This white pizza sauce can easily be made ahead of time, and it stores wonderfully!
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use the leftover sauce, reheat it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. If the sauce has thickened too much, simply add a splash of milk to bring it back to the desired consistency. Avoid reheating it on high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate or curdle.
Ending Note:
White pizza sauce is a fantastic alternative to the usual red pizza sauce. Its creamy, garlicky, and cheesy flavor provides a rich base for pizza, pasta, and even as a dip. Making it at home ensures you’re using fresh, wholesome ingredients, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
Whether you use it for pizza or get creative with other dishes, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try this homemade white pizza sauce recipe, and experiment with different toppings, pastas, and even dips.
Let us know how it turns out for you, and feel free to share your own variations in the comments below!
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use a different cheese for this sauce?
Absolutely! You can try using mozzarella, Romano, or even a combination of cheeses to customize the flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
To make the sauce thicker, cook it longer or add a little more flour. To thin it out, simply add more milk.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Yes! It works wonderfully as a creamy pasta sauce for dishes like fettuccine or gnocchi.
How can I add a bit of heat to the sauce?
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce while cooking.
