I love how this creamy, rich garlic sauce elevates every slice of pizza with its velvety texture and garlicky goodness—it feels like I’ve transformed an ordinary pizza night into something gourmet, whether I’m dipping crusts, drizzling it on top, or mixing it right into the dough
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how this sauce adds depth and indulgence with minimal effort—it’s just a few high-impact ingredients that deliver big flavor. It’s versatile and comforting, and whenever I make it, pizza instantly feels more luxurious and cozy
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Unsalted butter
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Fresh garlic (minced)
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Garlic powder (optional)
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Lemon juice (optional)
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Fresh herbs like basil or oregano (optional)
directions
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I gather all the ingredients before I start—it makes everything go smoothly
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I melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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I add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1–2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic can taste bitter)
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I slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, then let it simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes so all the flavors meld
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I whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, then season with salt and black pepper to taste
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I let the sauce rest for a minute before using it—this helps the flavors develop even more
Servings and timing
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Prep time: About 5 minutes
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Cook time: About 10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes—so I can have this lusciously creamy sauce ready to go in no time
Variations
I love creating different twists, such as:
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Herb-infused: I stir in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for added aroma and color
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Spicy: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a warm kick
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Zesty: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor beautifully
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Extra cheesy: I sometimes mix in more Parmesan—or even Pecorino or mozzarella—for a richer, gooey finish
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for about 3–4 days. To reuse, I gently reheat it on low heat until warm and smooth again—perfect for drizzling or dipping.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely—I often make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge; it reheats easily and stays silky.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—I pour it into ice cube trays for portioning, freeze, then transfer the cubes into a bag. They thaw quickly and reheat beautifully.
What else can I use this sauce for besides pizza?
I love using it as a dip for breadsticks or veggies, a drizzle over pasta, or a flavorful spread for garlic bread.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—I substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
How do I adjust the garlic flavor?
I taste as I go—if I want more garlic punch, I add more fresh garlic or a bit of garlic powder; if it’s too intense, a bit more cream helps balance it.
Conclusion
I find this garlic sauce for pizza to be a game-changer—just minutes to make, yet so luxurious and flavorful. Whether I’m dipping crusts or drizzling it atop, it adds a creamy, garlicky richness that makes pizza night feel indulgent and unforgettable.
Print
Garlic Sauce for Pizza
A luxuriously creamy garlic-infused sauce, rich with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan—perfect for dipping crusts, drizzling over pizza, or stirring into dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for an extra garlicky punch)
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low to medium heat.
Add the minced garlic (and garlic powder, if using), sautéing briefly until fragrant—take care not to let the garlic brown.
Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
Continue to simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Serve warm as a crust-dipping sauce, drizzle over your pizza, or stir into pizza dough to infuse the entire pie with garlicky richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers