Pin it
Transform ordinary pizza into a gourmet white masterpiece featuring a velvety garlic sauce that rivals any Italian restaurant. This elevated version combines homemade béchamel-style sauce with premium cheeses and fresh herbs, creating layers of flavor that make every bite memorable. The perfect balance of creamy sauce and melted cheese creates an unforgettable pizza experience.
After perfecting this recipe through countless Friday night pizzas, I've found that people who claim they "only like red sauce" become instant converts. The way the garlic sauce mingles with the melted cheese creates something truly magical.
Key Ingredient Selection
- Premium Butter: European-style unsalted butter creates a rich and superior base for sauces.
- Whole Milk: Full-fat milk guarantees a creamy and smooth sauce texture.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm, local garlic cloves for the best aromatic flavor and depth.
- Aged Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides authentic richness and enhances the dish.
- Quality Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella prevents a soggy crust and melts beautifully.
- Fresh Basil: Bright green basil leaves add vibrant color and fresh flavor notes.
Creating Pizza Excellence
- Sauce Foundation:
- Begin by melting butter over medium-low heat until completely liquid but not browned. Add flour gradually, whisking constantly to create smooth paste. Cook for exactly two minutes, stirring continuously to develop flavor without browning.
- Texture Development:
- Pour cold milk in slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring as sauce thickens, watching for gentle bubbles around edges. Cook until sauce coats back of spoon perfectly.
- Flavor Building:
- Add minced garlic and seasonings when sauce reaches proper thickness. Remove from heat before incorporating Parmesan, allowing residual heat to melt cheese gradually.
- Assembly Strategy:
- Spread sauce in thin, even layer using offset spatula, leaving quarter-inch border. Layer cheeses strategically, starting with mozzarella base and finishing with Parmesan crown.
- Final Creation:
- Bake in preheated 450°F oven until edges golden and cheese develops perfect brown spots. Finish with fresh basil chiffonade just before serving.
Pin it
Through countless iterations of this pizza, I've discovered that the sauce-making technique is everything. One memorable dinner party taught me that rushing the roux can create lumps that no amount of whisking can fix. Now I treat the sauce-making process as a meditation, paying attention to every subtle change in texture and consistency.
Perfect Presentation Strategy
Serve this masterpiece on a rustic wooden pizza board, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Create visual interest by placing whole basil leaves in the center and chiffonade around the edges. For elegant occasions, cut into smaller squares and serve as passed appetizers with small garnish of micro greens.
Creative Variations
Transform this base recipe by experimenting with different cheese combinations - try fontina for extra creaminess or smoked mozzarella for depth. Create a truffle version by adding truffle oil to the sauce. For garlic lovers, incorporate roasted garlic cloves between cheese layers. Consider adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor dimension.
Storage Success
Store leftover sauce in airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking in small amount of warm milk to restore consistency. For best results, assemble and bake pizza just before serving. If needed, reheat leftover pizza on preheated pizza stone at 375°F for optimal texture restoration.
Entertainment Excellence
Create a pizza bar with various pre-portioned toppings allowing guests to customize their sections. Prepare extra garlic sauce - guests always want more. Consider offering both traditional and whole wheat crust options. Set up efficient assembly station when preparing multiple pizzas.
Pin it
After perfecting this white pizza through countless evenings of recipe testing, it's become our family's favorite Friday night tradition. The way it combines classic comfort food elements with elevated technique creates something truly special. Whether served at a casual family dinner or elegant gathering, this pizza proves that thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients can transform a simple dish into an extraordinary experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the garlic white sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before spreading on the pizza.
- → Why use low moisture mozzarella cheese?
- Low moisture mozzarella melts better and prevents the pizza from becoming watery. It also creates that desired stretchy cheese pull when the pizza is served.
- → Can I freeze the white sauce?
- While possible, freezing cream-based sauces can affect their texture. It's best to make the sauce fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- → What's the best way to achieve a crispy crust?
- Preheat your oven to 450°F, brush the crust with olive oil before adding toppings, and use a pizza stone or pan that conducts heat well.
- → Can I add other toppings to this white pizza?
- Yes, common additions include roasted garlic, spinach, chicken, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. Just avoid wet toppings that could make the pizza soggy.