One rainy Saturday afternoon, the power flickered off right as I finished cleaning up from lunch. I dug into my pantry by candlelight, spotted a half-used pizza dough and a bunch of fresh garlic, some moments just scream to be turned into something cozy. An hour later, we were crowded around the kitchen table instead of the living room, enjoying slices of homemade white garlic pizza spiced with basil.

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My kids helped shape the dough by finger-pressing the sauce around, and their laughter echoed off the walls as mozzarella bubbles browned in the flickering light. My husband kept saying it smelled like the little Italian café we stumbled into on our last beach trip.⁠ That kitchen candlelight turned into a spark of creativity I’d revisit often.

Since then, this white pizza has become a rainy-day staple, or a quick midweek dinner when I want something simple but still special. The sauce is silky, garlicky, and rich, and painting it over dough feels almost meditative. Then the melted mozzarella and basil bring everything together in a way that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Short Description

A creamy, garlicky white pizza topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil—baked until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles to perfection.

Key Ingredients

For the Garlic White Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (or 3 tsp minced)
1¼ cups whole milk
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan
¼ tsp sea salt

For the Pizza:

1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp Italian herb blend
8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
¼ cup extra Parmesan, freshly shredded
2 Tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced

Tools Needed

Small saucepan
Whisk
Rolling pin or hands for stretching dough
Baking sheet or pizza stone
Brush for olive oil
Oven mitts

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour continuously for 2 minutes without browning. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until thick and bubbling (3–5 minutes).

Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add Parmesan, stir until melted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Oven & Dough
Preheat oven to 450°F. On a floured surface, shape pizza dough to your desired size. Brush dough lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle Italian herbs evenly.

Step 3: Add Sauce & Cheese
Spread ½ cup garlic sauce evenly over dough, leaving a small border. Top with mozzarella, then sprinkle extra Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake Pizza
Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly with light browning and crust is golden.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove from oven and scatter fresh basil ribbons across the pizza. Slice and serve immediately.

Troubleshooting Tips

If sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash more milk before using.

If dough springs back when shaping, let it rest 5 minutes.

To avoid soggy crust, don’t overload sauce, leave a small edge dry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Butter‑rich sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh basil.

Quick and Easy: About 20 minutes from start to finish.

Versatile: Great for pizza night, light dinners, or family brunch.

Crowd-Pleaser: Mild but flavorful—kids and adults both dig in.

Health-Conscious Twist: No heavy tomato sauce; uses moderate cheese and fresh herbs.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Sauce too thick → Stir in milk or reduce flour.

Sauce cools too much before spreading → Warm it up gently before using.

Dough shrinks while baking → Let the dough rest and relax after stretching.

Cheese browns too fast → Lower rack in oven or cover edges with foil.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve in wedges with a crisp green salad—think arugula or spinach.

Drizzle a little olive oil or chili oil across the top if desired.

Serve fresh from the oven in a family-style manner to keep it cozy.

Pair with a chilled white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or hearty herbal tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cool completely, wrap slices in foil or store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness and melt.

Microwaving: Use only for quick heat, may soften crust too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat milk for the sauce?
Yes, though flavor and richness are slightly reduced—taste and adjust seasoning.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely. It stores in the fridge for up to 2 days, just reheat gently before using.

3. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Use dried basil or Italian seasoning, or add fresh microgreens after baking.

4. Can I add toppings like mushrooms or chicken?
Yes, sauté them first and pat dry before adding to prevent excess moisture.

5. Does the pizza dough need to be homemade?
No, store‑bought dough works great and speeds up prep.

Tips & Tricks

For a sharper garlic kick, add a pinch of garlic powder into the sauce.

Brush crust edges with olive oil before baking for extra golden color.

Use grated Parmesan from the block for better melt and flavor.

Warm the garlic sauce if it cools too much, it spreads more easily.

Let dough rest after shaping to prevent it from shrinking during bake.

Recipe Variations

Mushroom White Pizza
→ Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions under the cheese for sweetness and umami.

Chicken & Broccoli White Pizza
→ Top with cooked shredded chicken and lightly steamed broccoli before baking.

Spinach & Ricotta White Pizza
→ Dot ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle fresh spinach leaves and mozzarella.

Final Thoughts

That rainy‑day pizza remains one of my favorite simple pleasures—something I stumbled into and now make on purpose. It’s the kind of home cooking that turns leftovers into flavor, garlic into glow, dough into delicious memories.

Every slice feels a bit indulgent but balanced, creamy but bright from the basil. When dinner needs a hug, this pizza wraps you right in. And even on ordinary nights, baking it warms both the kitchen and our little family.

White Pizza With Garlic