If you’re anything like me, sometimes you crave a pizza night that’s more about smooth, creamy flavors than heavy tomato sauce.
This white garlic cheese pizza is my cozy comfort food—rich garlic sauce, stretchy mozzarella, and a golden crust that delivers in every bite.
It’s the kind of homemade pizza that feels gourmet but comes together fast.
I make this when I want to impress someone—or when I just want to treat myself.
Why I Love This Recipe
Ultra-creamy garlic parmesan sauce
No red sauce – great for picky eaters or a change of pace
Bakes in under 15 minutes
Customizable with your favorite herbs or extra toppings
Restaurant-style flavor with basic ingredients
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pizza crust – Use store-bought for convenience or your favorite homemade dough
Mozzarella – Low-moisture gives you the best melt and texture
Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and essential in both the sauce and topping
Garlic – Fresh or jarred, it brings that signature bold flavor
Whole milk – Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce
Italian seasoning – Adds a subtle herb aroma to the crust
Fresh basil – A light and fragrant finish on top
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pre-shred your cheeses – Helps them melt faster and more evenly
Don’t brown the flour – Keep your roux light to preserve the sauce’s creamy color
Whisk constantly – This prevents lumps in the sauce
Cool sauce slightly – It spreads better and won’t make the crust soggy
Use a hot oven – High heat ensures a crisp crust
How to Make White Garlic Cheese Pizza
Step 1: Make the Garlic Sauce
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes without browning.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thick and smooth.
Add salt, pepper, and garlic, then whisk in parmesan until melted.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Crust
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Roll out your pizza dough on a 12–14″ pan.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the garlic sauce evenly over the crust.
Add grated mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish
Top with fresh basil before slicing and serving.
What to Serve It With
A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
Roasted garlic or tomato soup
Sparkling water with lemon or a chilled white wine
Garlic knots or breadsticks
A simple fruit platter for dessert
Variations / Substitutions
Add grilled chicken or mushrooms for extra protein
Use a gluten-free pizza crust
Try asiago or provolone cheese for a bolder cheese flavor
Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Use half-and-half instead of milk for extra richness
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate – Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat – Use a skillet or oven for best texture; avoid the microwave
Freeze – Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month
Reheat from frozen – Bake at 375ºF until hot and bubbly
Reuse – Chop leftovers into cubes and toss in a salad or breakfast scramble
FAQs
Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Make and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance. Reheat gently before using.
What kind of crust works best?
Any kind—store-bought, homemade, thin, thick, even cauliflower crust if you like.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
Is the garlic flavor strong?
It’s flavorful but not overpowering—adjust garlic to your taste.
Can I double the sauce for dipping?
Absolutely! It’s delicious with breadsticks or roasted veggies.
Can I add toppings?
Definitely—try spinach, cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or grilled chicken.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can skip it or use a sprinkle of dried oregano or parsley for garnish.
Final Thoughts
This white garlic cheese pizza has become one of my go-to comfort foods.
It’s simple to make but feels like a special occasion every time.
Whether it’s movie night, a weekend lunch, or just because you’re craving something cheesy and indulgent, this pizza is always a win.
I never get tired of that creamy garlic bite with stretchy cheese and crisp crust.
White Garlic Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust homemade or store-bought
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese grated
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce recipe below
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped (or 3 teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chiffonade
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, without browning.
- Slowly whisk in milk. Continue whisking until thick, smooth, and bubbly (3–5 minutes).
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic. Whisk well.
- Add parmesan and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 450ºF. Roll out pizza crust on a 12–14″ pan.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/white-garlic-cheese-pizza/
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.
- Feel free to add other toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken for variety.
