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Italian Sausage Pizza - A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pizza dough: 1 pound (store-bought or homemade), brought to room temperature.
  • Italian sausage: 8–10 ounces, casings removed. Use mild or hot based on your preference.
  • Pizza sauce: 1/2 to 3/4 cup. Choose a bright, tomato-forward sauce.
  • Mozzarella: 8 ounces low-moisture, shredded. Add fresh mozzarella if you like extra creaminess.
  • Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: 1/4 cup, finely grated, for extra savoriness.
  • Onion: 1/4 small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional).
  • Bell pepper: 1/2 small red or green pepper, thinly sliced (optional).
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch, for heat (optional).
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon, or use Italian seasoning.
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons, for the pan and drizzling.
  • Cornmeal or flour: For dusting the peel or pan.
  • Fresh basil: A few leaves, torn, for garnish (optional).
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven: Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven if you have one. Preheat to 500–525°F (260–275°C) for at least 30 minutes. If using a sheet pan, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium. Add the sausage and break it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Prep the dough: Lightly flour your counter. Stretch or roll the dough into a 12–14 inch round. Don’t overwork it—aim for an even thickness with a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
  4. Prepare the peel or pan: Dust a pizza peel with flour or cornmeal, or lightly oil and dust a sheet of parchment. If using a sheet pan, brush it with olive oil and dust with a bit of cornmeal.
  5. Sauce it: Spread 1/2 to 3/4 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the dried oregano.
  6. Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly. Add the cooked sausage crumbles, sliced onion, and peppers if using. Finish with grated Parmesan and a light drizzle of olive oil. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like heat.
  7. Bake: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone/steel or place the sheet pan in the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden with some charred spots.
  8. Finish and rest: Remove the pizza and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with torn basil if desired. Slice and serve hot.