There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy pizza straight out of the oven, and when I decided to ditch the usual tomato sauce for something a bit unexpected, I found the magic of white sauce pizza. Just picture this: a rich, creamy garlic béchamel sauce slathered over perfectly stretched dough and topped with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and dollops of creamy ricotta. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
One day, while looking to impress some friends for pizza night, I was hesitant about the same old toppings. That’s when I stumbled upon this easy-to-make recipe, and it completely transformed my approach to pizza. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but it also features a fresh arugula salad on top that adds a peppery kick, making it a swoon-worthy experience for even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests on a casual get-together, this white sauce pizza will surely make you skip the takeout and fall in love with homemade pizza all over again. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple!
Why is white sauce pizza a must-try?
Unique Twist: Ditching traditional tomato sauce, this pizza showcases a velvety garlic béchamel that elevates it to gourmet status.
Creamy Indulgence: The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta creates a rich, melty experience that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious homemade pizza in no time, perfect for any busy weeknight.
Flavorful Freshness: Topping it off with a vibrant arugula salad adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the creamy base.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family movie night, this pizza is bound to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
White Sauce Pizza Ingredients
Get ready for a creamy pizza experience that’s sure to please!
For the White Sauce
- Salted butter – adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic clove – infuses a fantastic aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour – thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Whole milk – creates a creamy base for your garlic béchamel.
- Kosher salt – enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper – adds a hint of warmth.
For the Pizza
- Artisan pizza dough – the foundation of a great pizza, homemade or store-bought works!
- Shredded mozzarella – provides that gooey melt that is simply irresistible.
- Shredded parmesan – brings a savory depth of flavor.
- Ricotta – offers a creamy, dreamy texture in every bite.
For the Topping
- Olive oil – gives a nice shine and a fruity flavor to the arugula.
- Balsamic vinegar – adds a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the greens.
- Arugula – introduces a fresh, peppery bite to cut through the richness.
- Red chile flakes – sprinkle on for a little heat and extra flavor.
Now you have everything you need for your homemade white sauce pizza adventure!
How to Make White Sauce Pizza
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Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding the smashed garlic clove. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will infuse your sauce with delicious flavor.
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Whisk in the flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes as the mixture bubbles. Stir constantly to create a smooth roux that forms the base of your creamy béchamel.
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Add milk gradually, whisking well after each addition. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, continuing to whisk to prevent scorching.
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Season the sauce with ½ teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until thickened and raw flour taste disappears, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Preheat your oven to 500°F, placing a pizza steel or stone inside for 45 minutes. This ensures your crust bakes perfectly crispy!
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Flour a pizza peel generously and set it aside. This will help you transfer your pizza seamlessly to the oven.
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Flatten the dough ball on a floured surface, forming a large disk with a thick border. Don’t rush—this is the base for your pizza masterpiece!
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Stretch the dough by holding the thick edge and gently pulling it into a 12-inch circle. Place it on the pizza peel, then jiggle slightly to ensure it isn’t sticking.
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Spread the garlic béchamel on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with half the mozzarella and parmesan, then dollop half the ricotta on top for creamy goodness.
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Slide the pizza onto the hot steel and bake for 5 minutes. Broil for an additional 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is delightfully blistered.
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Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl while the pizza bakes. Add arugula and toss to coat, creating a fresh topping.
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Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with a handful of the arugula salad, slice, and serve with red chile flakes for a spicy kick.
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Repeat the process to make the second pizza, so everyone can enjoy this delightful treat!
Optional: Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for White Sauce Pizza
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Perfect Garlic Flavor: Use fresh garlic for the béchamel sauce; be sure to remove it after cooking to avoid overwhelming the flavor.
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Dough Handling: Don’t rush the stretching process! Allow the dough to relax if it’s retracting, ensuring a beautifully shaped crust.
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Sauce Consistency: Whisk constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps; this creates a smooth, creamy béchamel that makes the white sauce pizza truly irresistible.
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Broiling with Care: Keep a close eye while broiling the pizza. It can go from perfectly melted to burnt quickly, so check often!
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Fresh Arugula Love: Toss the arugula in the dressing just before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant on your white sauce pizza.
Make Ahead Options
White sauce pizza is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to save time without sacrificing flavor. You can prepare the creamy garlic béchamel sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, the pizza dough can be prepped ahead of time; simply shape it into disks, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, spread the prepared béchamel on the dough and top it with cheese as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort, just as mouthwatering as when freshly made!
White Sauce Pizza Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this creamy delight with these fun and easy modifications!
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Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for an earthy, flavorful boost that pairs beautifully with the garlic béchamel.
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Meat Lover’s: Top your pizza with crispy bacon or spicy Italian sausage for a heartier option that satisfies any carnivore.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta with plant-based cheese alternatives for a creamy, animal-free delight without compromising taste.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying the delicious flavors of this unique pizza.
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Herbaceous Twist: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano before baking to infuse your white sauce pizza with a vibrant, aromatic charm that sings of summer gardens.
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Savory & Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey after baking for a delightful contrast between creamy and spicy flavors that will excite your palate.
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Nutty Crust: Mix finely chopped walnuts or almonds into your pizza dough for added texture and a delicious nutty flavor that makes each bite unique.
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Pesto Drizzle: Before serving, swirl a bit of pesto on top of the arugula for a fragrant herbaceous kick that elevates every slice to gourmet status!
What to Serve with White Sauce Pizza?
Indulging in a creamy, cheesy pizza is just the beginning of a delightful dining experience. Let’s elevate your meal to the next level with these perfect pairings.
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Garlic Bread: This buttery delight adds a warm, toasty note and is perfect for mopping up any leftover white sauce.
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Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with crisp vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette brings brightness and balances the richness of the pizza.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add a sweet, caramelized flavor and nutritious crunch to your meal.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, enhancing the creamy notes of the white sauce.
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Classic Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine dressed in Caesar dressing, crowned with parmesan croutons, complements the pizza’s richness beautifully.
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Pesto Pasta: Serve a small bowl of pesto pasta alongside for a flavor-packed, herbaceous contrast.
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Peach Iced Tea: Refreshing and subtly sweet, this drink is a delightful and thirst-quenching pairing with your pizza.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a decadent chocolate mousse offers a rich ending to a flavorful meal, satisfying sweet cravings.
How to Store and Freeze White Sauce Pizza
Room Temperature: Let the pizza cool completely before storing it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftover white sauce pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy!
White Sauce Pizza Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right garlic for the white sauce?
Absolutely! Look for firm, plump garlic bulbs without any dark spots or sprouting. A fresh garlic clove will infuse your béchamel sauce with a fragrant aroma and flavor that enhances your white sauce pizza.
How should I store leftover white sauce pizza?
You can easily store your leftover white sauce pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the oven for that just-baked taste!
Can I freeze white sauce pizza?
Yes, you can! For long-term storage, wrap each slice of white sauce pizza tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-15 minutes.
What if my garlic béchamel sauce turns lumpy?
No worries! If your béchamel sauce becomes lumpy, try whisking it vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth it out. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it. Keep whisking over low heat until you achieve that velvety texture again—it’s all about patience and love!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Very! This white sauce pizza is completely vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for meat-free meals. If you’re concerned about dairy allergies, you can substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives, which will still deliver a delicious pizza experience!
Can I use store-bought dough for this pizza?
Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought artisan pizza dough works beautifully for this recipe. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching it out for the best results. The more the merrier in your pizza-making adventure!
Irresistible White Sauce Pizza with Creamy Garlic Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding the smashed garlic clove. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes as the mixture bubbles to create a smooth roux.
- Add milk gradually, whisking well after each addition. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and whisk continuously.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 500°F, placing a pizza steel or stone inside for 45 minutes.
- Flour a pizza peel generously and set it aside.
- Flatten the dough ball on a floured surface, forming a large disk with a thick border.
- Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on the pizza peel.
- Spread the garlic béchamel on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border, and top with half of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot steel and bake for 5 minutes; broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt in a bowl while the pizza bakes. Add arugula and toss.
- Remove the pizza, let it cool slightly, top with arugula salad, slice, and serve with red chile flakes.
- Repeat the process to make the second pizza.