creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce

This creamy Garlic Pizza Sauce is rich, velvety, and full of bold garlic flavor. It’s an easy-to-make alternative to traditional red sauces and works beautifully as a pizza base, pasta topping, or dip. Whether you’re planning a gourmet flatbread night or want a versatile sauce to elevate your meals, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made in just 15 minutes
• Creamy, flavorful, and better than jarred sauces
• Versatile for pizzas, pastas, and even garlic cheese bread
• Minimal ingredients with pantry staples
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives

Ingredients

Garlic Pizza Sauce

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves (2 tsp) garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly. Make sure the garlic doesn’t brown—this step is key to avoid bitterness.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavor.
3. Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour evenly over the garlic mixture. Whisk quickly and continuously until it forms a thick paste. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
4. Incorporate Half and Half: Slowly pour in the half and half, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
5. Simmer: Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
6. Serve or Store: Use immediately as a warm pizza base or cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Thinner Sauce: For pasta or lighter dishes, use only 1 Tbsp of flour for a more pourable consistency.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Browned garlic alters the flavor significantly—keep heat low and stir constantly.
• Substitute Half and Half: Combine 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream if you don’t have half and half.
• Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or double the Parmesan for extra cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread on naan or flatbread and top with cheese for easy garlic cheese bread.
• Use as a base for chicken or sausage white pizzas.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables or meatballs for a rich finish.
• Toss with cooked pasta and sautéed mushrooms for a simple meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I freeze this sauce?
It’s best used fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture due to dairy.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses flour. Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just maintain ingredient ratios and use a larger saucepan.

Conclusion

This garlic pizza sauce is a creamy, garlicky dream that adds gourmet flair to any meal. Whether you spread it on pizza, mix it into pasta, or use it as a dip, you’ll keep coming back for more. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s the kitchen staple you didn’t know you needed.

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