Garlic sauce is a creamy, flavorful addition that elevates any pizza to the next level. Whether you’re dipping your crusts or using it as a base instead of traditional tomato sauce, this garlic sauce is rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. It’s quick to make and perfect for pairing with your favorite pizza toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy with a bold garlic flavor.
- Versatile: use as a dip, drizzle, or pizza base.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Ready in just a few minutes.
- A great way to add a gourmet touch to homemade pizza.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. - Cook the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. - Add the Milk:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. - Incorporate the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. - Season:
Add salt and black pepper to taste. - Serve:
Use the sauce immediately as a pizza base, drizzle over baked pizza, or serve as a dipping sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 cup of sauce (enough for 1 large pizza or dipping for 2-3 people).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
- Herbed Garlic Sauce: Stir in dried oregano, basil, or thyme for added flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for a gooier sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Sauce: Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
2. Can I use this sauce as a pasta sauce?
Absolutely! It’s a versatile sauce that works beautifully with pasta.
3. What type of milk is best?
Whole milk or heavy cream works best for a rich and creamy sauce, but you can use low-fat milk if preferred.
4. Can I make this sauce thicker?
Yes, use slightly less milk or let the sauce simmer for a bit longer to thicken.
5. What cheese works best in this sauce?
Parmesan is traditional, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives.
6. Can I freeze garlic sauce?
While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently, whisking to restore smoothness.
7. Is this sauce gluten-free?
No, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour.
8. Can I make a large batch?
Yes, double or triple the recipe as needed, and store the extra in the refrigerator or freezer.
9. Can I add olive oil instead of butter?
Butter gives a creamier texture, but you can use olive oil for a lighter version.
10. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Conclusion
Garlic sauce for pizza is a game-changer, adding rich, creamy, and garlicky goodness to your favorite slices. Whether you’re using it as a base, dip, or drizzle, this versatile sauce is quick to prepare and guaranteed to elevate your pizza experience. Customize it with herbs, spices, or cheese to suit your taste, and enjoy this flavorful addition to your homemade pizza night!
PrintGarlic Sauce for Pizza
This creamy and garlicky sauce is the perfect companion for pizza, adding a flavorful punch to every slice. Use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your pizza for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauces and Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder (if using). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season:
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a pizza dipping sauce or drizzle it directly onto pizza slices.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.