White Pizza with Garlic Sauce: A Creamy, Cheesy Alternative to Classic Pizza

When you think of pizza, the first image that comes to mind is probably a bubbling tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella. But have you ever tried a white pizza? Instead of red sauce, white pizza is layered with a creamy garlic sauce, rich cheeses, and often complemented by fresh herbs and toppings. The result is indulgent, comforting, and downright irresistible.

My first experience with white pizza came at a small family-owned pizzeria in New Jersey. I ordered it on a whim and was immediately hooked by the bold garlic flavor and velvety sauce. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something just a little different from the traditional red-sauce pie. This recipe will show you how to make restaurant-quality white pizza with garlic sauce right at home.

What Is White Pizza?

White pizza, also known as pizza bianca, skips the tomato sauce entirely. Instead, it features a white base—commonly garlic cream sauce, ricotta, Alfredo-style sauce, or even just olive oil and garlic.

The style originated in Italy, where olive oil, garlic, and herbs were used as the base. In the United States, it evolved into a creamier, cheesier version often featuring ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of garlic.

The garlic sauce is the star of this recipe: smooth, buttery, and rich, creating the perfect canvas for layers of melty cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This White Pizza with Garlic Sauce

• Garlicky and creamy – A luscious sauce that takes pizza night up a notch.

• Cheese lover’s dream – A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.

• Customizable toppings – Add spinach, mushrooms, chicken, or fresh herbs.

• Easy to make – Simple ingredients come together in under an hour.

• Restaurant-quality at home – Impress family and friends with gourmet flavor.

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Ingredients for White Pizza with Garlic Sauce

For the Dough (or use store-bought):

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pizza Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

(Optional toppings: sautéed spinach, mushrooms, caramelized onions, grilled chicken, or prosciutto)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until dough forms.

3. Knead for 6–8 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

(Shortcut: use store-bought pizza dough if pressed for time.)

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth.

5. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and thickened. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

2. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a 12–14 inch circle.

3. Transfer dough to parchment paper for easy handling.

4. Brush dough lightly with olive oil.

5. Spread garlic sauce evenly over the base.

6. Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Sprinkle with dried Italian herbs.

8. (Optional) Add desired toppings such as spinach, mushrooms, or chicken.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Transfer pizza with parchment to the hot stone or baking sheet.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

3. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

4. Slice and serve immediately.

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Serving Suggestions

White pizza with garlic sauce pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides:

• Side salad – A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

• Garlic knots – Double down on garlicky goodness.

• Roasted vegetables – Add balance with zucchini, peppers, or asparagus.

• Wine pairing – Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay.

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Tips for the Best White Pizza

• Don’t overload with sauce – Use enough to cover but not so much that it makes the crust soggy.

• Drain ricotta – If your ricotta is watery, strain it before using.

• Bake on a hot surface – A preheated pizza stone ensures a crispy crust.

• Balance flavors – White pizza is rich; add fresh herbs or veggies for brightness.

• Experiment with cheeses – Fontina, provolone, or goat cheese can add complexity.

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Variations of White Pizza with Garlic Sauce

Want to switch it up? Here are some delicious variations:

• Spinach & Mushroom White Pizza – Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for an earthy twist.

• Chicken Alfredo Pizza – Top with grilled chicken for extra protein.

• Prosciutto & Arugula White Pizza – Add thin prosciutto slices and fresh arugula after baking.

• Four-Cheese White Pizza – Mix mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for a rich blend.

• Spicy White Pizza – Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy sausage.

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Storing and Reheating White Pizza

• Refrigerator – Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Freeze cooled slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.

• Reheating – Warm in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust chewy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes white pizza different from regular pizza?
White pizza uses a garlic cream or cheese-based sauce instead of tomato sauce.

Can I use Alfredo sauce instead of garlic sauce?
Yes, Alfredo sauce works well as a shortcut alternative.

Is white pizza vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you skip meat toppings. It’s an excellent vegetarian option.

Can I make it without ricotta?
Yes. Substitute with mascarpone, cottage cheese, or just extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Store dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, 8 slices total)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

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Conclusion

White pizza with garlic sauce is a delicious twist on the classic pizza we all know and love. With its creamy, garlicky base and layers of melty cheese, it’s a perfect indulgence for pizza night. What makes it so wonderful is its versatility—you can keep it simple with just cheese and herbs or make it hearty with spinach, mushrooms, or chicken.

Once you try this recipe, you might find yourself reaching for garlic sauce more often than tomato sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the dinner table.

So, gather your ingredients, roll out some dough, and enjoy a homemade white pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria.

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