Name: Garlic Parmesan Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.; 2 cloves garlic, minced.; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.; ¾ cup 2% milk.; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.; ¼ teaspoon black pepper.; 1 large pizza dough, room temperature.; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded.; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade.

A freshly baked flatbread topped with melted cheese and scattered green herbs, with one slice partially removed, rests on a wooden cutting board. | recipesbyclare.com

The first time I made this White Garlic Parmesan Pizza in my kitchen I knew it would become a family favorite. This pizza brings together a buttery garlic parmesan sauce with stretchy mozzarella on a perfectly crispy crust. I've spent years perfecting this recipe and now it's our most requested weekend dinner. Trust me you won't believe how quickly it comes together.

Why This Pizza Works in My Kitchen

When my kids ask for pizza this is always their first choice. The combination of garlicky sauce and melty cheese creates pure comfort food magic. I love how versatile it is sometimes we make it for a quick weeknight dinner other times it becomes the star of our weekend gatherings. My favorite part? It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

What You'll Need in Your Kitchen

Pizza Dough: I use one 12-16 ounce ball. Store bought works great when I'm busy homemade when I have time.
Butter: 2 tablespoons of melted butter creates the perfect sauce base.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must I use 2-3 plump cloves.
Flour: Just 2 tablespoons to thicken our sauce.
Milk: A cup of whole milk makes the sauce extra rich.
Parmesan: Fresh grated half cup no pre grated here.
Mozzarella: 1½ cups freshly shredded it melts beautifully.
Basil: I snip this fresh from my windowsill herbs.
Italian Seasoning: My own blend but store bought works too.
Salt and Pepper: Just enough to make the flavors pop.

Let's Make Pizza Together

Get Your Oven Ready: I always start by putting my pizza stone in a cold oven then crank it up to 550°F. Trust me that extra 30 minutes of heating makes all the difference for a crispy crust.
Making Our Special Sauce: Start the sauce with melted butter and garlic until your kitchen smells amazing. Whisk in flour let it get golden then slowly pour in milk. Keep stirring until it thickens then add parmesan and seasonings. This sauce is pure gold.
Time to Build: I love stretching pizza dough by hand it's so therapeutic. Spread our creamy sauce leaving a little edge for the crust then cover with mozzarella. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning makes it perfect.
The Magic Happens: Slide that beauty onto your hot stone and watch it transform in about 8-10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Final Touches: Fresh basil goes on right when it comes out. Give it a few minutes to settle then slice it up.

My Kitchen Secrets

Want to know what I've learned after countless pizza nights? Give that oven plenty of time to heat up. I always grate cheese fresh it makes such a difference. The dough needs gentle hands to stay light and airy. A little rest after baking keeps all those toppings right where they belong.

A freshly baked cheese pizza topped with chopped parsley, displayed on a wooden cutting board. | recipesbyclare.com

Ways to Make It Your Own

In my house everyone has their favorite version. My husband loves his with grilled chicken on top. The kids go crazy for extra cheese and I love adding mushrooms and spinach from the farmers market. Sometimes I switch up the cheese blend using goat cheese or provolone. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick when we're craving some heat.

Keeping Your Pizza Fresh

Let me share my storage tricks. If you have leftovers pop them in an airtight container they'll stay good in the fridge for about 4 days. When it's time to reheat use your oven at 350°F for 10 minutes it brings back that crispy crust. A hot skillet works too. I wouldn't freeze this one though the creamy sauce just isn't the same after thawing.

From Casual Dinners to Special Moments

This pizza has seen it all in my kitchen. It's perfect for those casual Friday nights when we're all tired but still want something special. It's also become our go to for game nights with friends. Something about that garlic parmesan combo just brings people together.

Smart Prep for Busy Days

Life gets crazy so I've learned some shortcuts. I often make extra sauce and keep it in the fridge for three days. The dough can be prepped ahead too. When dinner time rolls around I just need to assemble and bake. These little tricks have saved dinner more times than I can count.

What Goes Well with This Pizza

We love pairing this pizza with simple sides. A crisp Caesar salad is our usual go to. Sometimes I'll throw together a quick spinach salad with strawberries and nuts. On cozy nights we dip garlic bread in tomato soup alongside our pizza slices. Pour a glass of crisp white wine if you're feeling fancy.

A freshly baked pizza cut into eight slices, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh green herbs, displayed on a wooden serving board. | recipesbyclare.com

Tools That Make a Difference

My pizza stone is probably my most treasured kitchen tool for this recipe. If you don't have one don't worry I started with an upside down baking sheet. A pizza peel makes life easier but parchment paper works great too. Just make sure your pizza cutter is nice and sharp.

Choose Your Ingredients Wisely

After years of pizza making I've learned fresh ingredients make all the difference. I always grate my own cheese it melts like a dream. Fresh garlic gives that punch you just can't get from the jarred stuff. And those fresh basil leaves on top? They make every slice feel special.

Spicing Things Up

Some nights we're in the mood for extra heat. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes right into the sauce. My teenage son got me hooked on drizzling hot honey over the finished slices. When friends come over I set out chili oil so everyone can add their own kick of heat. The creamy sauce balances the spice perfectly.

A Gluten Free Version That Works

When my best friend was diagnosed with celiac disease I was determined to make this work for her. I've tested countless gluten free pizza doughs and finally found one that delivers. The trick is swapping the sauce flour for cornstarch. Now we can all enjoy pizza night together no one feels left out.

Making the Most of Each Season

The farmers market inspires how I top this pizza throughout the year. Spring brings tender asparagus and wild mushrooms. Summer means garden fresh tomatoes and basil. Fall is all about roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions. Each season adds its own magic to our pizza nights.

A freshly baked white pizza topped with melted cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, sliced into eight pieces. | recipesbyclare.com

Pizza Party Success Tips

Pizza parties have become my signature thing. I prep several balls of dough and make a double batch of sauce. Everyone gets their own section of counter space to create their masterpiece. Even my pickiest friends love customizing their pizzas. It's become such a fun tradition that friends keep asking when the next pizza night is happening.

Clever Ways to Use Leftovers

My favorite morning-after trick is turning leftover slices into the most amazing breakfast quesadillas. Just fold them in half and crisp them up in a skillet. Sometimes I'll chop up leftover pizza and toss it into a grilled sandwich. Trust me these reimagined leftovers disappear fast in my house.

The Magic of Our Sauce

This garlic parmesan sauce is my kitchen gold. I discovered it one night when I was craving something different from traditional tomato sauce. Now friends beg for the recipe. It's rich and creamy but not heavy. The perfect canvas for any toppings you can dream up.

Making It Work for Everyone

After my niece became dairy free I experimented until I got a version that worked for her too. Oat milk makes the creamiest sauce and vegan butter works perfectly. There are some amazing plant based cheeses now that melt beautifully. Everyone deserves great pizza.

A slice of cheesy pizza topped with herbs is served alongside a portion of sautéed greens on a white plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

On those crazy days when I'm running between work and kids' activities this pizza saves dinner. Everything comes together in just 30 minutes. While it bakes I throw together a quick salad. Suddenly we're all sitting down to a home cooked meal that feels special even on a hectic Tuesday.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if I don't have a pizza stone?: Use an upside-down baking sheet preheated in the oven as an alternative to a pizza stone.
→ How much sauce should I use?: The recipe makes ¾ cup sauce. Use ½ to ¾ cup per pizza, depending on preference for sauce coverage.
→ Can I prepare this ahead?: Make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake pizza just before serving.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
→ Why preheat the stone so long?: A fully heated stone ensures a crispy crust. The 30-minute preheat allows the stone to reach proper temperature throughout.

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