Go Back

Irresistible White Sauce Pizza with Creamy Garlic Bliss

A comforting white sauce pizza topped with creamy garlic béchamel and cheese, served with fresh arugula for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 pizzas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Béchamel
  • 4 tablespoons Salted butter
  • 1 clove Garlic Smashed
  • 1/4 cup All purpose flour
  • 2 cups Whole milk For a rich sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
For the Pizza
  • 1 pound Artisan pizza dough Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup Shredded parmesan
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups Arugula For topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red chile flakes Optional, for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Garlic Béchamel
  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding the smashed garlic clove. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 2–3 minutes as the mixture bubbles to create a smooth roux.
  3. Add milk gradually, whisking well after each addition. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and whisk continuously. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Pizza
  1. Preheat your oven to 500°F, placing a pizza steel or stone inside for 45 minutes. Flour a pizza peel generously and set it aside.
  2. Flatten the dough ball on a floured surface, forming a large disk with a thick border. Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on the pizza peel.
  3. Spread the garlic béchamel on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border, and top with half of the mozzarella and parmesan.
  4. Slide the pizza onto the hot steel and bake for 5 minutes; broil for 2–4 minutes until cheese is melted and kissed with color.
Finish the Dish
  1. While the pizza bakes, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add arugula and toss to dress lightly.
  2. Remove the pizza, let it cool slightly, top with the tossed arugula and spoonfuls of ricotta, slice, and serve with a dusting of red chile flakes.

Notes

Serve the pizza right from the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the crust is crisp. Pair it with a simple side salad or tomato soup for a comforting meal. Refrigerate leftovers or freeze for longer storage.