Pizza Squares with White Sauce Recipe

Warm, crispy on the outside, and luxuriously creamy on the inside, these Pizza Squares with White Sauce are the kind of comfort food that draws everyone to the kitchen. Imagine pulling a square from the tray, the cheese stretching with that irresistible gooeyness, and the scent of garlic and oregano wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or simply craving a slice of something indulgent, this recipe delivers that rich, creamy bite in every square.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born during one of those “what can we do with what’s in the fridge?” kind of nights. With a batch of white sauce leftover from another dish, a roll of pizza dough, and a longing for something cheesy and indulgent, these pizza squares quickly came to life. They’re the kind of dish that feels familiar but exciting all over again, especially when you see that golden top bubbling away in the oven. It became an instant favorite, the kind that gets requested again and again.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While red sauce might be the classic face of pizza, white sauce pizzas have deep roots in Italian-American cooking, often favored for their velvety texture and more subtle, creamy flavor. Instead of the usual tomato base, a béchamel-style sauce or Alfredo-inspired version is used, giving a luxurious mouthfeel. These types of pizzas are particularly popular in the Northeastern U.S., where variations of white garlic pizza have become local staples. The “square cut” style, meanwhile, is a nod to traditional Sicilian pizza — hearty, rustic, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Squares with White Sauce

Let me tell you, this one’s a total game-changer. If you’re looking for something that’s not your typical slice, this creamy and crispy combo is where it’s at.

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game night. You can serve it solo or with a big salad or soup on the side.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge staples.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with big payoff in flavor.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even grilled chicken if you want to dress it up.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pizza, and this creamy twist adds a fun surprise.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dough and sauce ahead of time.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make sure your pizza squares come out just right, keep these little secrets in mind:

1. Let the dough rest at room temperature before rolling so it stretches without tearing.
2. Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor than pre-shredded versions.
3. Spread the white sauce evenly and don’t go too heavy or it might make the crust soggy.
4. Bake on a preheated tray or stone to get that nice crisp on the bottom.
5. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting so the cheese settles and stays neat.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to bring this deliciousness to life.

Rolling Pin: To spread the dough evenly.
Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: For a perfectly crisp base.
Medium Saucepan: To make your creamy white sauce.
Whisk: Helps get that sauce silky smooth.
Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For clean, easy slicing.

Ingredients in Pizza Squares with White Sauce

This dish is a harmony of creamy, cheesy, herby magic with a satisfying crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Pizza Dough: 1 pound, store-bought or homemade. It’s the sturdy, chewy base for these squares.
2. Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. It’s the start of your luscious white sauce.
3. All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, helps thicken the sauce into velvety goodness.
4. Milk: 1 ½ cups, whole milk works best for a rich and creamy finish.
5. Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon, adds a mellow, savory background.
6. Salt: ½ teaspoon, just enough to balance the sauce.
7. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for a subtle kick.
8. Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded, for that gooey cheese pull.
9. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, adds a nutty bite.
10. Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, gives that pizza-parlor aroma.
11. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, brushed on the crust for golden color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes the pantry isn’t fully stocked, so here are a few easy swaps.

Milk: Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-light.
Mozzarella Cheese: Try provolone or Monterey Jack for a slightly different melt.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano is a great sharper alternative.
Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning will still give a herby touch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Mozzarella Cheese: The real star here, this cheese melts into a stretchy, golden topping that makes every bite a creamy dream.

White Sauce: A simple béchamel base that brings a buttery richness and makes this dish feel extra special.

Instructions for Making Pizza Squares with White Sauce

Alright, let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the good stuff. Here are the steps you’ll follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to get it hot.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle that fits your baking sheet. Place parchment paper on a separate surface and shape the dough on it.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella, then parmesan. Top with a dusting of oregano and brush the crust edges with olive oil.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the parchment and dough onto the preheated sheet or stone. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges golden brown.

6. Finishing Touches:
Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set before slicing.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve warm. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These pizza squares strike the perfect balance between textures — the crust is crispy and golden at the edges, while the inside stays soft and pillowy. The creamy white sauce melts into the mozzarella, creating pockets of rich, savory flavor with every bite. The sprinkle of parmesan on top gives a salty crunch that finishes everything beautifully.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make sure it all goes smoothly in the kitchen.

• Use parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
• Don’t overload the sauce, less is more for a crisp base.
• Preheat your baking surface for a better crust.
• Fresh herbs can be sprinkled on after baking for a pop of color and flavor.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your pizza game strong.

• Too much sauce: It will make the dough soggy.
• Cold dough: Let it rest at room temp so it stretches without resistance.
• Overbaking: Watch closely near the end, it can go from golden to burnt fast.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 310
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the white sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven for the best texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from going soggy. You can also freeze the fully assembled but unbaked pizza and bake straight from frozen — just add a few more minutes to the cook time.

How to Serve Pizza Squares with White Sauce

Serve these hot out of the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. They go perfectly with a side salad, tomato soup, or even as an appetizer on game night platters. You can also serve them with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Get a little wild with your leftovers!

• Mini Pizza Paninis: Sandwich squares between bread, grill them, and boom — cheesy heaven.
• Pizza Croutons: Cube and toast for use in creamy soups.
• Next-Day Brunch: Top with a fried egg and hot sauce for a savory twist.

Additional Tips

• Let kids help with the topping — it’s a great way to get them involved.
• Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts through the melted cheese.
• Sprinkle some cornmeal under the dough for extra crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, and this dish already looks amazing. Serve it on a wooden board with a drizzle of garlic oil and a scattering of fresh herbs. Cut clean squares and stack them slightly for height. A little dusting of parmesan just before serving makes it pop.

Variations to Try

• Spinach Alfredo Squares: Add sautéed spinach to the sauce before assembling.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Layer in thinly sliced mushrooms before baking.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Kick: Add pickled jalapeños and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• BBQ Chicken Style: Top with pre-cooked chicken and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Broccoli & White Cheddar: Use chopped cooked broccoli and swap in sharp cheddar.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making white sauce?

A1: Yes, just make sure it’s not too watery and warm it slightly before spreading.

Q2: Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

A2: You can, but it will be flakier and more delicate — still delicious though!

Q3: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

A3: Yes, you can freeze before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly and bake straight from frozen.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?

A4: Absolutely, just use a gluten-free pizza dough and flour for the sauce.

Q5: What kind of milk works best?

A5: Whole milk is ideal for richness, but 2% will work too.

Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?

A6: Try dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives — it’s still tasty!

Q7: How do I reheat the leftovers?

A7: Oven or air fryer works best to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Yes, just use a larger baking sheet or two and double all ingredients.

Q9: What herbs go well on top?

A9: Oregano, parsley, or even thyme work beautifully.

Q10: Is this spicy?

A10: Not at all, but you can spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of these Pizza Squares with White Sauce out of the oven. The bubbling cheese, the golden crust, the cozy aroma that fills the room — it’s all the comfort you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this recipe is one of those go-to gems that always delivers. So preheat that oven and get ready to fall in love with every bite.

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