White pizza sauce

White pizza sauce, often seen as an alternative to the classic tomato-based pizza sauce, offers a creamy, rich flavor profile that complements a variety of toppings. This sauce has its roots in Italian cuisine, where pizzas like Pizza Bianca forego the tomato in favor of simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and sometimes cheese. The evolution of white sauce on pizza has led to more elaborate versions incorporating cream, cheeses, and herbs, making it a versatile base for combinations like chicken alfredo, spinach and ricotta, or a medley of mushrooms.

• In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the cream boil over.
• Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to the saucepan, stirring until the cheeses melt completely into the cream and the sauce is smooth.
• Season with salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
• Continue to simmer the sauce on low heat for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches a desirable consistency. It should be thick enough to spread on pizza dough without running.
• Let the sauce cool slightly before spreading on your pizza dough. This will make it easier to work with and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Storage Tips

White pizza sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, gently reheat it, adding a splash of cream to thin it to the desired consistency.

Useful Properties of the Main Ingredient

Heavy cream, a key component of white pizza sauce, is rich in vitamins A and D as well as calcium, which are essential for healthy vision, skin, immune function, and bone health.

Interesting Facts

• White pizza (Pizza Bianca) in Italy is often made without cheese or sauce, simply topped with olive oil, rosemary, and salt, showcasing the simplicity of Italian cuisine.
• The adaptation of white sauce for pizza in American and global cuisine reflects the creativity and fusion of traditional dishes with local tastes.
• White pizza sauce provides a base that complements a wide range of toppings, especially those that might be overpowered by the strong flavor of traditional tomato sauce.

This creamy white pizza sauce recipe offers a delicious and easy way to elevate your homemade pizzas, giving you a rich and flavorful base that pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings.