Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Fresh Garlic, finely minced: 4 large cloves
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper, freshly ground: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat gently until the butter is completely melted and the liquids are combined.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and oil mixture. Sauté the garlic gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is fragrant. Crucially, ensure the garlic does not burn or turn brown, as this will make the sauce bitter.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step 4: While the sauce is still warm, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully incorporated. The cheese will melt slightly and help emulsify the sauce, giving it a slightly thicker texture suitable for spreading.
- Step 5: Allow the sauce to cool for a few minutes before using. Spread the warm garlic sauce evenly over the prepared pizza dough before adding any other toppings, or use it as a finishing drizzle after the pizza is baked.
Notes
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; the sauce will solidify, so be sure to let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before reheating.
- If chilled, gently re-warm the solidified sauce in a small pan over very low heat, stirring constantly until melted, or use 10-second microwave bursts to restore it to a spreadable consistency.
- To guarantee a sweet, mellow garlic flavor, keep the heat low while sautéing and remove the pan immediately if the garlic shows even the slightest hint of golden color, preventing bitterness.
- While perfect as a pizza base, this versatile sauce also makes an incredible brush-on coating for toasted focaccia, baked potatoes, or oven-roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American