There’s something magical about the perfect pizza. The crispy crust, the gooey cheese, and of course, the sauce. But let’s talk about the sauce that takes your pizza experience from good to great: Garlic Sauce for Pizza. This creamy, flavorful dip is a must-have companion for your homemade or store-bought pizza. It’s rich, garlicky, and has just the right touch of tanginess to complement every slice. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dipping every pizza slice in it!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Sauce for Pizza
Rich and Creamy: The perfect blend of creaminess and flavor, this sauce adds a delightful texture to every bite.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Versatile: Not just for pizza—this sauce also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, fries, or even grilled veggies.
Customizable: Adjust the garlic intensity and the creaminess to your taste. Want it extra garlicky? Go for it!
Addictive: It’s the kind of sauce that will have you saying, “One more bite… and maybe just one more!”
Ingredients
Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder adds that signature bold flavor.
Sour Cream: For an extra creamy touch and a bit of tang.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Olive Oil: Enhances the smooth texture and brings a subtle fruity flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce and bring out the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making this garlic sauce is as easy as 1-2-3, and it’ll only take a few minutes. Here’s how:
Combine the Base Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream. These two will create the creamy base of the sauce.
Add the Garlic and Oil:
- Stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and olive oil. Mix until well combined. You can use fresh minced garlic for a punchier flavor, or garlic powder for a more subtle kick.
Season the Sauce:
- Add a splash of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavors.
Let It Sit:
- For the best flavor, let the garlic sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the garlic time to infuse into the sauce, making it even more delicious. However, if you’re in a rush, you can use it right away!
Serve:
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it alongside your favorite pizza for dipping. It’s also fantastic as a topping for pizza before baking if you like it warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 80 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus 30 minutes chill time for flavor development)
How to Serve Garlic Sauce for Pizza
This garlic sauce is a versatile companion that enhances any pizza, but here are some ideas to help you get creative:
As a Dipping Sauce: Perfect for dipping pizza slices into. The creamy texture complements the crispy crust beautifully.
As a Pizza Drizzle: Drizzle it over your pizza right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
With Breadsticks: Serve this garlic sauce as a side for dipping breadsticks or garlic knots for the ultimate appetizer.
With Fries or Veggies: Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, roasted veggies, or even chicken tenders.
As a Topping: Spread a thin layer of this sauce on your pizza before baking to add extra garlic flavor to your pizza crust and toppings.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Garlic Level: If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount used. If you love garlic, feel free to go heavy-handed for a strong punch!
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat in the garlic sauce.
Storage: Store any leftover garlic sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to give it a stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream.
Add Fresh Herbs: For an herbaceous twist, add fresh chopped parsley, basil, or oregano to the sauce for a burst of color and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A1: Yes, you can use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic! About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is a good substitute for 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic.
Q2: How long can I store garlic sauce for pizza?
A2: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Be sure to stir it well before using.
Q3: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! In fact, letting the sauce sit for 30 minutes to an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together even more. You can also make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Q4: Can I make this sauce spicier?
A4: Yes! Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Q5: Can I use this sauce for things other than pizza?
A5: Definitely! This garlic sauce is amazing as a dip for breadsticks, fries, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken. It’s also a great spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Q6: Is this sauce vegan-friendly?
A6: You can make this sauce vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives.
Q7: Can I use this sauce on homemade flatbreads?
A7: Yes, this sauce is perfect for flatbreads! You can even spread it on the dough before baking for extra flavor.
Q8: How do I make the sauce thinner if it’s too thick?
A8: If you find the sauce too thick, simply add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Q9: Can I freeze the garlic sauce for pizza?
A9: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.
Q10: Can I use this sauce in other recipes, like pasta or as a sandwich spread?
A10: Yes! This garlic sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a creamy pasta sauce, a sandwich spread, or even a dressing for roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This Garlic Sauce for Pizza is the perfect addition to any pizza night, taking your slices to the next level with its rich, creamy, and flavorful punch. Whether you’re using it as a dip or a drizzle, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Quick, easy, and totally customizable, this garlic sauce will have you looking forward to pizza night even more! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll never want pizza without it again.
PrintGarlic Sauce for Pizza
This flavorful garlic sauce is a perfect addition to any pizza! With a rich buttery base and aromatic herbs, it will elevate the taste of your homemade pizza or serve as a dipping sauce for your favorite crusts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1/2 cup (sufficient for 2–3 pizzas) 1x
- Category: Pizza Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. - Sauté Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. - Add Herbs & Seasonings:
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly. - Season:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat. - Cool and Use:
Allow the garlic sauce to cool slightly before spreading it on pizza dough or using it as a dipping sauce for crusts.
Notes
- This garlic sauce pairs perfectly with cheesy, savory pizzas or can be drizzled on breadsticks and other sides.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg