Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—that’s usually around 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn! Once you can smell the garlic, whisk in the flour for about one minute. This step ensures you get a delightful thickness to your sauce.
Step 2: Add Milk
- Gradually pour in the half-and-half or whole milk while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats up. You’ll notice it thickening.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
- Add the oregano, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to combine. If you want more kick, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Basil
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil. This will brighten the sauce. Let it cool slightly while preparing the pizza base.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This is critical! A hot oven ensures a crispy crust.
Step 6: Shape the Pizza Dough
- Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface. You can go for a classic round shape or get creative with the edges.
Step 7: Assemble
- Spread the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be generous; this is your flavorful foundation. Sprinkle your choice of cheese—mozzarella is a classic choice.
Step 8: Add Toppings
- Top with anything you desire! Grilled chicken, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully. Just remember not to overload it, or the crust may get soggy.
Step 9: Bake
- Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from oven. Let it cool for a minute, slice, and serve! Enjoy every mouthful of creamy, garlicky goodness.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant flavor. Dried garlic simply doesn’t pack the same punch.
- Don’t rush the sauce! Allowing it to thicken properly is key to avoiding a watery pizza.
- Experiment with cheese. Although mozzarella is a classic, mixing in goat cheese or ricotta can elevate your pie to another level.
- Baking sheet or pizza stone? A pizza stone retains heat better, giving you a crispy crust. But a baking sheet works fine too if that’s what you have.
- Toppings matter. Before placing raw toppings (like veggies), consider pre-cooking them. This helps to draw out moisture, preventing a soggy pizza.
