Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your homemade pizza game, the secret might just be in the sauce. This Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza is a revelation—rich, fragrant, and incredibly simple, it brings out the best in every slice. Forget heavy tomato sauces for a moment; this silky, herb-infused olive oil concoction adds just the right balance of sharpness and earthiness, ensuring that your white pizza is bursting with flavor from the inside out. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza pro or just love experimenting with new toppings, this sauce is going to become your new favourite base for white pizzas that impress every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable dishes. Each component in this Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza plays a vital role—bringing texture, aroma, and flavor that harmonize perfectly. Using fresh herbs and a quality olive oil is essential for achieving that vibrant and rich taste that will have your taste buds singing.
- ¼ cup olive oil: The luxurious base that carries all flavors and gives the sauce its smooth, rich texture.
- ⅛ – ¼ cup minced shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic creates depth and a warm pungency that’s crucial for authentic flavor.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary: This herb infuses a piney, slightly peppery note that lifts the entire sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness of the oil (twice the amount if using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt).
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a faint heat and complexity while brightening the mixture.
How to Make Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Paste
Start by smashing the garlic cloves using the flat side of your knife and the heel of your hand, which releases all those wonderful oils and aromas. Then chop the smashed garlic finely, and smear it against your cutting board to create a smooth paste. This process intensifies the garlic’s flavor, turning it from raw sharpness into a mellow, creamy base that blends beautifully into your sauce.
Step 2: Mince the Shallot
Peel and mince the shallot as finely as possible—aim for pieces no larger than ⅛ inch. The delicate shallot pieces will add body and subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the other ingredients without stealing the show.
Step 3: Finely Chop the Rosemary
Pluck the leaves from the rosemary sprig by sliding your fingers downward, then discard the woody stems. Mince the needles until very fine, almost powdery. This releases the herb’s fragrance and ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout your sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Season
In a small bowl, whisk together your garlic paste, minced shallot, and finely chopped rosemary with the olive oil. Sprinkle in salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and mix well. This vibrant, aromatic mixture is your sauce ready to spread atop your pizza base, infusing it with flavor and moisture that will carry your toppings to new heights.
How to Serve Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza

Garnishes
After baking your pizza with this olive oil sauce, consider topping it with fresh arugula, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or freshly grated Parmesan. These garnishes add brightness, contrast, and a bit of gourmet flair, making each slice feel special and layered with flavor.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and herbs. These lighter sides complement the richness of the Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza without overpowering its delicate taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tossing some cooked pasta in this sauce for a quick, flavorful meal, or use it as a dipping sauce for warm breadsticks or grilled vegetables. Its versatility means that once you’ve made this sauce, you’ll find all sorts of creative ways to enjoy its delicious profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover olive oil sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, often tasting even better after a day or two. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on your pizza dough.
Freezing
This Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza freezes well in small portions, perfect for when you need a quick pizza fix. Use freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, then thaw in the fridge overnight for optimal flavor retention.
Reheating
Gently warm the sauce by placing it in a small bowl over warm water or microwaving briefly at low power. This helps the olive oil loosen without cooking the herbs or garlic further, preserving that fresh, vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Fresh rosemary is ideal for this sauce because it offers a brighter and more intense flavor. If you only have dried, use about one-third the amount and crush it finely, but expect a slightly different aromatic profile.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza is entirely plant-based, making it a perfect vegan-friendly option that’s full of flavor without any dairy or animal products.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will keep well for up to five days. Always give it a sniff before using to ensure freshness.
Can I add other herbs to this sauce?
Yes! While rosemary is the star herb here, thyme or oregano can also be fantastic additions or substitutions, giving you a custom flavor profile every time.
Will this sauce work on other types of pizza?
Definitely. Though it shines on white pizzas, this olive oil-based sauce can be a great complement to vegetable, chicken, or even seafood pizzas, providing a flavorful base without the heaviness of tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza is a simple but transformative step toward crafting pizza that feels both rustic and gourmet. It’s rich, aromatic, and surprisingly easy to whip up, turning every bite into a moment to savor. Trust me, once you try this sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever made pizza without it. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start creating delicious, crave-worthy white pizzas tonight!
PrintOlive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza Recipe
This Olive Oil Pizza Sauce for White Pizza is a simple, flavorful alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces. Made with extra virgin olive oil, minced shallots, garlic paste, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper, it adds a fragrant and savory touch to white pizzas, enhancing the toppings without overpowering them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough sauce for one 12-inch pizza
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Olive Oil Sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil (53 grams)
- ⅛ – ¼ cup minced shallot (21 – 42 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic (for garlic paste)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon salt (use 2X Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt)
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Make the garlic paste: Use the flat side of your knife under the heel of your hand to smash the garlic cloves. Rock the knife blade repeatedly across the smashed garlic to chop it, then drag the flat of the knife (with the sharp edge pressed down against the cutting board at about a 10-15 degree angle) across the garlic to smear it into a thin layer. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then chop across the garlic, gather it up into a pile, smear, and repeat until you have a fine garlic paste. Alternatively, you can use a Microplane zester to finely grate the garlic into a paste.
- Minced shallot: Finely mince the shallot into pieces about ⅛ inch or smaller to ensure it blends smoothly in the sauce.
- Prepare rosemary: Strip the leaves off the sprig of rosemary by pinching firmly at the top with one hand and sliding the fingers of the other hand down the stem in the opposite direction of the leaves from tip to base. Remove any tough, woody stem bits. Mince the rosemary leaves until very fine, almost powdery.
- Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the garlic paste, minced shallot, and finely minced rosemary with olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine. Your olive oil pizza sauce is now ready to use, perfect for spreading over your white pizza dough before adding toppings.
Notes
- For a more intense garlic flavor, allow the sauce to rest for 10-15 minutes before using to let the flavors meld.
- Adjust the amount of shallot according to your preference for a milder or stronger onion flavor.
- Fresh rosemary is preferred for best aroma, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch—use about one-third the quantity.
- This sauce is best used fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30 grams)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.2 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0.3 grams
- Protein: 0.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: olive oil pizza sauce, white pizza sauce, garlic sauce for pizza, rosemary pizza sauce, no tomato pizza sauce