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The Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is a flavorful masterpiece that combines the rich, mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with gooey, melty cheeses and a perfectly crisp crust.
This recipe stands out thanks to its unique garlic white sauce—a creamy, cheesy base infused with a roasted garlic paste that offers depth without overpowering.
It’s a perfect blend of bold and subtle flavors, enhanced further by fresh herbs and a drizzle of hot honey for a touch of sweet heat.
Health-wise, roasted garlic is a powerhouse ingredient rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds, while the cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium.
Using a moderate amount of olive oil and incorporating fresh herbs adds healthy fats and antioxidants without heavy saturated fats.
The recipe is balanced, satisfying, and a great option for everyday cooking, especially if you enjoy meal prep or entertaining.
Its hands-off roasting and quick assembly make it approachable for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Pizza Stone
Essential for achieving a crispy, evenly baked crust that mimics a professional wood-fired oven. It retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring your pizza cooks thoroughly from the bottom up. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for baking artisan bread and other crispy-crust dishes.
Pizza Peel
This flat, paddle-like tool makes transferring your pizza dough onto the hot stone seamless and safe. Its thin, smooth surface helps slide the pizza without tearing the dough. A must-have for any homemade pizza enthusiast for easy handling and professional presentation.
Small Saucepan
Perfect for making the creamy roasted garlic white sauce with precise heat control. A good-quality saucepan distributes heat evenly, preventing sauce from burning or sticking. It’s versatile for preparing sauces, melting butter, and reheating dishes.
Microplane Grater
Ideal for finely grating parmesan and other cheeses to incorporate smoothly into the sauce or as a topping. It produces fine shreds that melt quickly, enhancing texture and flavor. Also great for zesting citrus or grating spices like nutmeg.
Aluminum Foil
Used for roasting garlic heads, foil traps steam and heat, softening the garlic to a golden, caramelized perfection. It’s indispensable for roasting vegetables, baking, and wrapping leftovers to maintain freshness.
Roasted Garlic White Pizza
Equipment
- 1 Pizza Stone
- 1 Pizza Peel
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Microplane grater
- Aluminum Foil (as needed)
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic
- 3 whole heads of garlic
- 1 to 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garlic White Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Roasted garlic paste from 2 roasted heads, cloves mashed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pizza
- 1 ball 16 oz pizza dough
- Semolina flour for dusting
- 8 oz provolone cheese freshly shredded
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- Cloves from 1 roasted garlic head roughly separated
- Optional: shredded chicken cooked bacon, or Italian sausage for topping
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
- Hot honey for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- Preparing the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the tops off the garlic heads just enough to expose the tips of most cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic, ensuring it seeps into all the crevices. Sprinkle salt and pepper over each head. Wrap each garlic head tightly in aluminum foil. Place them directly on the oven rack and roast for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for cloves that are deeply golden and soft to the touch. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Making the Roasted Garlic Paste: Once cooled, carefully squeeze the cloves from two of the roasted garlic heads into a small bowl. Mash the cloves into a smooth paste using a fork or spoon. Set aside. Take the remaining roasted garlic head and separate the cloves without mashing — these will be used later as pizza toppings.
- Crafting the Garlic White Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (approximately 1 to 2 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in the roasted garlic paste, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Preparing the Pizza Base: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and position a pizza stone on the center rack to heat up. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a round shape about 12 inches in diameter. For a rustic touch, you can gently stretch the dough by hand instead. Sprinkle semolina flour onto a pizza peel to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough onto the peel, carefully positioning it near the edge for easy sliding.
- Assembling the Pizza: Spread an even layer of the garlic white sauce over the dough using a spoon or offset spatula. Sprinkle the shredded provolone evenly on top, then arrange the fresh mozzarella slices. Distribute the intact roasted garlic cloves over the pizza. Add any optional protein toppings like shredded chicken, cooked bacon, or Italian sausage if desired.
- Baking the Pizza: Carefully slide the prepared pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finishing Touches and Serving: Remove the pizza from the oven and place on a cutting board. Garnish with fresh thyme and basil leaves. Drizzle hot honey and balsamic glaze over the top. For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes to taste. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Roasting garlic heads in advance: Roasted garlic can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored wrapped tightly in the fridge for convenience.
- Semolina vs. Cornmeal: Semolina provides a finer texture for sliding the dough but cornmeal can be used as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Protein additions: Feel free to customize your pizza with any cooked meat or keep it vegetarian for a lighter option.
- Oven temperature: Ensure your oven and pizza stone are fully preheated for the crispiest crust.
- Hot honey: If unavailable, you can make your own by gently warming honey with chili flakes.
Chef’s Secrets for Garlic Perfection
Achieving the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic is key to this pizza’s signature taste.
To unlock this, take your time roasting the garlic at a moderate temperature until the cloves become soft, golden, and caramelized.
Wrapping the garlic heads tightly in foil traps steam, helping them soften beautifully without drying out.
When making the garlic white sauce, whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese adds a more robust flavor and creamier finish.
Finally, don’t rush stretching your dough; a gentle hand or a quick toss allows for an airy, tender crust.
If you’re adding protein, pre-cooked options like shredded chicken or bacon are best to ensure the pizza cooks evenly without drying out.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This pizza shines as a standalone main dish but pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides.
Consider serving with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich cheese and garlic flavors.
For a heartier meal, roasted or grilled vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini complement the garlic notes well.
Drizzling hot honey over each slice adds a subtle heat and sweetness contrast that elevates the flavor.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied beer works well to cut through the richness, refreshing the palate between bites.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the cheese evenly.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
The roasted garlic paste and white sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated separately for up to a week, making meal prep quicker on pizza night.
For longer storage, dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About This Pizza
Q1: Can I use store-bought garlic paste instead of roasting garlic?
A: While store-bought garlic paste can work in a pinch, roasting garlic deeply mellows its flavor, making it sweeter and less sharp. For the best taste and authenticity, roasting your own is highly recommended.
Q2: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A: You can bake the pizza on a heavy-duty baking sheet or pizza pan. Preheat the pan in the oven for a few minutes before placing the dough on it to mimic the stone’s heat retention for a crispier crust.
Q3: Can I make this pizza vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the butter in the white sauce with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and replace the cheeses with vegan versions. Roasted garlic adds fantastic flavor regardless.
Q4: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Using a pizza stone or preheated baking surface helps cook the crust quickly and evenly. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce or toppings, which can weigh down the dough.
Q5: Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! Roasted garlic, garlic paste, and white sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. The dough can also be prepared or purchased ahead. This makes assembling and baking your pizza much faster and easier.
This recipe is inspired by flavorfulife and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.