If you love pizza but crave something a bit different from the classic tomato sauce, this white sauce pizza recipe is going to be your new favorite. The creamy white sauce adds a gourmet touch that elevates the flavors, making every bite smooth and indulgent. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.
White sauce pizza is perfect for those who enjoy rich and velvety flavors paired with fresh toppings like mushrooms, spinach, and plenty of cheese. This recipe will guide you through making the sauce from scratch and assembling a beautifully balanced pie that will impress your family or guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously creamy white sauce made from scratch with simple ingredients.
- Customizable toppings to suit your personal taste.
- Easy baking method for a crispy crust and melty cheese.
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or casual entertaining.
- Uses accessible pantry staples for convenience.
Ingredients
To make this creamy white sauce pizza, you’ll need ingredients for the dough, the white sauce, and the toppings. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Pizza Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Toppings and Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
How to Make White Sauce Pizza (Creamy Gourmet Pizza at Home)
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the white sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread the creamy white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add mushrooms, spinach, and red onions.
- Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier white sauce.
- Don’t skip warming the milk before adding it to the roux; it helps prevent lumps.
- Preheat your baking surface to ensure a crispy crust.
- Customize toppings with garlic roasted chicken, artichokes, or caramelized onions for variation.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a lighter, airier crust.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover white sauce pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
You can also freeze the pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a great shortcut and will still yield delicious results. Just roll it out and proceed with the toppings and baking instructions.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese in the white sauce?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese are good alternatives. You can also omit the cheese, but it adds a nice depth and richness to the sauce.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this white sauce pizza is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian cheese and avoid meat toppings. It’s full of fresh veggies and creamy sauce.
Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the white sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk before assembling the pizza to restore its creamy texture.
