Garlic Sauce for Pizza

Garlic Sauce for Pizza is a versatile condiment that works as a drizzle over baked pizza, a dip for crusts, or even a topping for garlic bread. It’s simple to make with pantry staples and comes together in minutes, delivering big flavor with minimal effort.

This garlic sauce started as a quick idea for a pizza night when I wanted something richer than plain tomato sauce. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just tangy enough to elevate any slice. Over time, it became a staple at our pizza nights, and friends always ask for the recipe.


Cuisine: Italian-American / Pizza Condiment
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: About 1 cup
Calories: ~60 per 2 tbsp

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for richness

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic
If using fresh garlic, mince finely. For a milder flavor, you can sauté the garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds before combining with the other ingredients.

2. Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add Parmesan if desired.

3. Adjust Flavor
Taste and adjust seasoning — more garlic for punch, a little more lemon juice for tang.

4. Serve
Drizzle over hot pizza, use as a dipping sauce for crusts, or spread on sandwiches and wraps.



Pro Tips

  • Use a neutral or mild mayonnaise if you want the garlic to shine.
  • For extra creaminess, add 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • Can double or triple easily for parties or batch cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Mayonnaise: Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
  • Garlic: Garlic powder works if you prefer no raw garlic.
  • Olive oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable or avocado works.
  • Lemon juice: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Drizzle over cheese or pepperoni pizza before or after baking.
  • Use as a dip for breadsticks, garlic knots, or roasted vegetables.
  • Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for extra flavor.

Storage Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Stir well before each use as the oil may separate slightly.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes — use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Q: Can I bake it on pizza?
A: It can be spread lightly on top of pizza before baking, but for strongest flavor, drizzle after baking.

Q: How strong is the garlic flavor?
A: You can adjust it — use more garlic for a punchy sauce or less for a milder taste.

Q: Can this sauce be frozen?
A: It’s best fresh or refrigerated; freezing may affect the texture of the mayonnaise.

Garlic Sauce for Pizza

Recipe by Nanny's RecipeCourse: sauceCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

1

cup
Prep time

5

minutes
Calories

60

kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for richness

Directions

  • 1. Prepare the Garlic
    If using fresh garlic, mince finely. For a milder flavor, you can sauté the garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds before combining with the other ingredients.
  • 2. Combine Ingredients
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add Parmesan if desired.
  • 3. Adjust Flavor
    Taste and adjust seasoning — more garlic for punch, a little more lemon juice for tang.
  • 4. Serve
    Drizzle over hot pizza, use as a dipping sauce for crusts, or spread on sandwiches and wraps.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Pro Tips
    Use a neutral or mild mayonnaise if you want the garlic to shine.
    For extra creaminess, add 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
    Make ahead and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
    Can double or triple easily for parties or batch cooking.
  • Ingredient Substitutions
    Mayonnaise: Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
    Garlic: Garlic powder works if you prefer no raw garlic.
    Olive oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable or avocado works.
    Lemon juice: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch.

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