Step 1: Melt the Butter

  1. Place a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add 1/2 cup unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Stir occasionally to prevent it from browning.

Tip: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

  1. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic (4-5 cloves) and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use garlic paste instead of minced garlic.

Step 3: Add Flour to Thicken

  1. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture.
  2. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux (a thickening base). This step ensures the sauce will be creamy without lumps.

Note: If you’re making a thinner, butter-based garlic sauce, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Add the Cream

  1. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk), whisking constantly to incorporate the flour mixture smoothly.
  2. Continue cooking and whisking for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble gently.

Tip: For a richer sauce, stick with heavy cream. For a lighter version, whole milk works fine but will result in a thinner consistency.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

  1. Add the following to the sauce:
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to enhance the garlic flavor)
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  2. Stir well to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Add Parmesan (Optional)

  1. Stir in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for a more savory and umami flavor.
  2. Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the saucepan from heat and garnish the garlic sauce with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Serve the sauce warm as a dip, drizzle, or spread for pizza, breadsticks, or even roasted vegetables.

Serving Ideas for Garlic Sauce

This creamy garlic sauce is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can enjoy it:

  1. Pizza Dip: Serve it alongside pizza slices as a dipping sauce, especially for the crust.
  2. Pizza Drizzle: Drizzle it over hot pizza for an extra layer of flavor. It pairs perfectly with pepperoni, sausage, or veggie pizzas.
  3. Garlic Bread Spread: Brush it over sliced baguettes, then toast them to make delicious garlic bread.
  4. Pasta Sauce: Toss it with cooked pasta, grilled chicken, and veggies for a quick meal.
  5. Roasted Vegetables: Use it as a sauce for roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
  6. Sandwich Spread: Add a thin layer to sandwiches or wraps for a garlicky kick.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Sauce

  1. Don’t Burn the Garlic: Cook garlic on low heat to avoid bitterness. If it turns brown, start over.
  2. Control Thickness: Adjust the thickness by adding more cream (to thin) or cooking longer (to thicken).
  3. Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  4. Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.
  5. Garlic Flavor: For a bolder garlic flavor, add roasted garlic instead of raw garlic. Roasted garlic adds sweetness and depth.

Variations for Garlic Sauce

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano.
  • Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream or cashew cream as a dairy-free substitute.
  • Lemon Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for a zesty, tangy note.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Sauce for Pizza is the ultimate companion for any pizza night. Its creamy texture and rich garlicky flavor take pizza from good to extraordinary, making every bite irresistible. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Whether you drizzle it on pizza, dip your crust in it, or slather it on toasted bread, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your home. Try it today, and enjoy homemade restaurant-quality garlic sauce that’s sure to impress family and friends!

Would you like to try other creative pizza sauces or recipes for homemade pizza dough? Let me know—I’d love to share more ideas! 🍕🧄✨