Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe
If you’re a garlic lover and crave something creamy and cheesy without the typical tomato sauce, this Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine a golden, crispy crust smothered in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheese, crowned with fresh basil – it’s a slice of comfort heaven. Keep reading—I’m about to share all my tips and secrets so you can nail this pizza in your own kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: The homemade garlic pizza sauce is velvety and packed with fresh garlic flavor, making it way better than store-bought white sauce.
- Balanced Cheese Blend: Mozzarella for that meltiness and parmesan for sharp, nutty notes create a perfect cheesy harmony.
- Simple Yet Elegant: It’s easy to throw together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Flexible Crust Options: Works just as well with homemade or store-bought dough, making it super approachable for any skill level.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe plays a delicious role. The garlic sauce is key—it’s buttery and creamy with a good kick of garlic, and the cheeses bring everything to life. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when picking your ingredients.

- Unsalted butter: Helps control saltiness and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without clumping when whisked well.
- Whole milk: Adds richness; skim or plant-based milk won’t give the same velvety texture.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance flavor without overpowering the garlic.
- Fresh or jarred garlic: Fresh garlic adds brightness, but jarred works fine if you’re in a pinch—just make sure it’s finely minced.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a gamechanger here—adds sharpness and melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Pizza crust: I love making my own, but a good-quality store-bought dough is your best shortcut.
- Mozzarella cheese: Look for low-moisture mozzarella for optimal melt and minimal sogginess.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herb aroma that complements the garlic and cheeses nicely.
- Olive oil: For brushing the crust, helps it crisp and adds a lovely fruity note.
- Fresh basil: Adds freshness and a pop of color—don’t skip it!
Make It Your Way
I love making this Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe just as it is—simple and irresistibly garlicky. But honestly, this recipe welcomes your creativity totally. Feel free to add your personal twist or adjust according to what’s in your pantry.
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is tossing on some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor. It makes the pizza feel extra special.
- Dietary swaps: Gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheeses work well here, just keep an eye on sauce thickness if you use non-dairy milk.
- Extra herbs: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some fresh rosemary or thyme if that’s your vibe—it pairs beautifully with garlic.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Pizza Sauce
First things first: the sauce. Melt your unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. When it’s bubbly, whisk in the flour and keep whisking for about 2 minutes—it’ll look pale and a little thick, but don’t let it brown. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly so you get a smooth, thick sauce without lumps. This takes 3-5 minutes of patience, but trust me, it’s worth it. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in that finely chopped garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts right in. Once it’s done, set it aside to cool or pop it in the fridge if you’re prepping ahead.
Step 2: Prep Your Pizza Crust
While your sauce is cooling, preheat your oven to 450ºF. Roll out your crust on a lightly floured surface or directly on a pizza pan—aim for a 12-14″ circle or rectangle if using a baking sheet. Brush it gently with olive oil and sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the crust. This simple layer makes the crust golden and flavorful after baking.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Spread your cooled garlic sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border for that perfect edge. Next, sprinkle your mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously on top. Pop the pizza in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheeses are beautifully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t overcook—each oven behaves a little differently.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, top with fresh basil chiffonade. Not only does it add a fresh herbal lift, but it looks stunning against that melty cheese backdrop. Slice it up, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t rush the sauce: Whisk continuously when adding flour and milk to avoid lumps—it gives you that silky finish.
- Watch your oven: Each oven’s heat is a bit different, so start checking the pizza around 9 minutes to avoid burning the crust.
- Cheese layering: Sprinkle parmesan over mozzarella so it gets that beautifully golden crust on top.
- Avoid soggy crust: Let the sauce cool before using it to keep your crust crisp and not soggy.
How to Serve Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil because it adds brightness and a lovely green pop. Sometimes, I grate a touch more parmesan right before serving for that extra cheesy bite. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before slicing can also take this pizza next-level.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For a cozy combo, garlic breadsticks or a simple tomato and cucumber salad are perfect for balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes cut this pizza into rectangular “breadsticks” with a little bowl of garlic dipping sauce on the side—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Or, serve individual mini pizzas using small rounds of dough topped the same way for a rustic, personalized touch. It really elevates a casual get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge—make sure the slices are completely cooled first to avoid condensation making the crust soggy. They keep well for 2-3 days, which means you get a couple quick lunches or snacks sorted.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza after baking! I wrap slices tightly in foil and pop them in a freezer bag. It keeps great for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven or a toaster oven at 350ºF until the cheese is melty again and the crust crisps up—usually 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the garlic pizza sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic pizza sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just let it cool completely before covering. When you’re ready to assemble your pizza, bring the sauce to room temperature or gently warm it to make spreading easier.
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What kind of mozzarella works best for this pizza?
I recommend using low-moisture mozzarella cheese for this Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe because it melts beautifully without making the crust soggy. Fresh mozzarella can be delicious but holds more water, so be careful to pat it dry before using.
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Can I add other toppings to this white pizza?
Yes! This white pizza is a fantastic canvas for other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic cloves, caramelized onions, or even cooked chicken. Just keep in mind that the garlic and parmesan sauce is flavorful, so choose toppings that complement but don’t overpower the base.
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What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make a quick substitution using dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Or just sprinkle a pinch of each herb you love. The seasoning adds a subtle herbal aroma but isn’t mandatory.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe has become my go-to when I want something comforting but a little different than the usual pizza night. It’s quick, rich, and endlessly satisfying—plus, the homemade garlic sauce really stands out and reminds me of cozy nights gathered around the kitchen with friends and family. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love how easy it is to impress everyone with this creamy, garlicky dream of a pizza!
Print
Garlic White Pizza with Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious white pizza features a creamy garlic pizza sauce topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil for a flavorful, easy-to-make homemade dinner option.
Ingredients
Garlic Pizza Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped (or 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pizza Ingredients:
- 1 homemade or store-bought pizza crust (12-14 inches)
- 8 oz low moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup garlic pizza sauce (from recipe above)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 2 minutes without browning it. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth, thick, and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Add sea salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic, whisking to combine. Stir in parmesan cheese until just melted, then remove from heat. Allow to cool before using or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450ºF to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the pizza crust perfectly and melt the cheese well.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out your homemade or store-bought pizza dough onto a 12-14 inch pizza pan. Brush the crust evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the prepared garlic pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top to create a cheesy topping.
- Bake Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until the crust is cooked through and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh chiffonade basil leaves. Slice and serve hot with your choice of side salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- You can use a rectangular baking sheet instead of a round pizza pan and cut the slices into squares or long rectangles, similar to breadsticks.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.
- If you prefer, substitute jarred minced garlic for fresh garlic for convenience.
- Allow the garlic sauce to cool before spreading on the pizza to avoid making the crust soggy.
- The pizza crust size can be adjusted between 12 and 14 inches based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg


