This roasted garlic pizza elevates a classic comfort dish into a gourmet experience with its bold, caramelized garlic, creamy white sauce, and melty cheeses.
The combination of roasted garlic and provolone adds depth of flavor while contributing beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Using whole milk and fresh cheeses provides good fats for satiety, and optional protein toppings like chicken, bacon, or sausage make this pizza a high-protein, fiber-rich meal when paired with whole-grain dough.
The recipe is surprisingly approachable for home cooks, with hands-off roasting steps and a straightforward white sauce that can be made in under 10 minutes.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, it delivers indulgent flavors without relying on overly processed ingredients, making it a satisfying and nutritious twist on pizza night
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Pizza Stone
Ensures an evenly baked, crispy crust by distributing heat uniformly. Beyond pizza, it’s ideal for artisan bread, flatbreads, and even reheating leftovers for a fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
Pizza Peel
A non-stick surface that allows smooth transfer of your pizza onto the hot stone without tearing the dough. It doubles as a stylish serving board for homemade flatbreads or desserts.
Small Saucepa Essential for preparing the garlic white sauce, allowing precise control over heat to avoid burning. A versatile kitchen staple for sauces, soups, and melting chocolate.
Microplane or Cheese Grater
Perfect for freshly grating parmesan and provolone, enhancing flavor and melt quality. Useful for zesting citrus, grating nutmeg, or preparing toppings for countless dishes.
Aluminum Foil
Used to roast garlic evenly while retaining moisture. Beyond this recipe, it’s indispensable for baking, wrapping, and storing foods safely.
Creamy Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza
Equipment
- 1 pizza stone
- 1 pizza peel
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 microplane/cheese grater
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic:
- 3 heads garlic
- 1 –2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
White Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 heads roasted garlic smashed into a paste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pizza:
- 1 ball pizza dough 16 oz
- Semolina for sprinkling
- 8 oz provolone cheese freshly grated
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1 head roasted garlic cloves separated
- Optional protein: shredded chicken bacon, Italian sausage
- For serving: fresh thyme basil leaves, hot honey, balsamic glaze, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each head tightly in aluminum foil and place directly on the oven rack. Roast for 50–60 minutes until the cloves are golden brown and fragrant, then allow them to cool before handling.
- Prepare Garlic Paste: Carefully squeeze the cloves from two of the roasted heads into a small bowl and mash them into a smooth, spreadable paste using the back of a spoon or a fork. Keep the remaining garlic cloves mostly intact to layer on the pizza later for a roasted, slightly caramelized bite.
- Make White Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until sizzling, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Add the garlic paste, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Preheat Oven for Pizza: Raise the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and position a pizza stone on the center rack to heat thoroughly. This ensures the pizza crust will bake evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and airy.
- Stretch and Shape Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll or stretch the pizza dough into a round shape, using your hands or fists for a rustic, airy texture. Sprinkle semolina on a pizza peel to prevent sticking, then place the stretched dough on the peel, ready for toppings.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread an even layer of garlic white sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add optional proteins like shredded chicken, bacon, or sausage, then evenly distribute the provolone and fresh mozzarella. Nestle the reserved roasted garlic cloves across the pizza for bursts of rich, caramelized flavor.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 14–15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Rotate halfway if necessary for even cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and basil, then drizzle with hot honey or balsamic glaze. Slice into portions and serve immediately, enjoying a perfectly balanced, garlicky, cheesy masterpiece.
Notes
- Roast garlic a day ahead to save prep time and enhance flavor.
- Semolina flour is optional but helps the dough slide easily and crisp evenly.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents.
- Adjust protein toppings based on preference—chicken, sausage, or bacon all pair beautifully.
- Hot honey and balsamic glaze add contrasting sweetness and acidity, but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Leftover pizza can be reheated on a pizza stone or skillet to maintain crispiness.
Chef’s Secrets For Garlic Pizza
To truly elevate this pizza, focus on the garlic roasting and sauce preparation.
Roasting garlic slowly at a moderate temperature brings out natural sweetness and reduces harshness, creating a deep, nutty flavor.
When making the white sauce, whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and ensure a velvety texture.
For a perfectly crisp crust, preheat the pizza stone for at least 30 minutes—this creates instant heat that crisps the dough from the bottom.
Finally, layering cheese strategically—provolone first, mozzarella second—helps create an even melt and rich, gooey texture throughout the pizza.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This pizza shines when served immediately out of the oven.
Pair it with a simple mixed greens salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
For drinks, crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a light craft beer complements the roasted garlic’s earthy flavors.
Garnishes such as fresh thyme, basil, or a drizzle of hot honey add visual appeal and elevate each bite.
For casual gatherings, consider slicing the pizza into smaller squares for easy sharing and serving alongside roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board.
Storage Tips For Freshness Retention
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent soggy crust, place a paper towel between slices to absorb excess moisture.
Reheat slices on a preheated skillet or pizza stone rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness and fresh flavor.
For longer storage, pizza can be frozen in individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil; bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for a near-fresh taste.
The garlic white sauce keeps well and can be stored separately for up to 4 days.
Common Questions About This Pizza
1. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast garlic and prepare the white sauce a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the pizza.
2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought dough works well. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching to make it more pliable and easier to shape.
3. How can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit meat toppings. To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheeses and plant-based butter for the white sauce; roasted garlic remains a flavorful star.
4. Can I use a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone?
Yes, but the crust may be less crispy. Preheating the baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it can improve texture.
5. What if I don’t have hot honey or balsamic glaze?
No problem! You can serve the pizza without toppings, or drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and flavor.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by flavorfulife. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
