If you’re craving a pizza that bursts with bold flavors and homemade goodness, this Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. With juicy, perfectly browned Italian sausage mingling with sweet red bell peppers atop a melty mozzarella blanket, every bite delivers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy, all nestled on a crisp, golden crust. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends. Let’s dive into the magic of making this delicious pizza right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays its role, from juicy sausage to the vibrant peppers and the stretchy cheese that pulls it all together. Here’s what you need to get started.
- Italian sausage links (12 ounces): Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference; the sausage is the star protein bringing savory richness.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love and flavor.
- Semolina flour (optional): Perfect for dusting your pizza peel and preventing sticking when using a pizza stone.
- Marinara sauce (½ cup): This creates a tangy, flavorful base that complements the sausage and peppers beautifully.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Look for fresh shredded to get that perfect melt and stretchiness.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color that brightens the entire pie.
- Chili oil (optional): For those who want to kick things up with a spicy drizzle at the end.
How to Make Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 500°F. If you have a pizza stone, this is the time to get it nice and hot—about 30 minutes of warming will give you that perfect crispy crust with a slight char that turns heads every time.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Take your sausage links out of their casings and roll the meat into small, bite-sized balls. Cook these in a skillet over medium-high heat until they turn a light brown and are cooked through, generally around 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them on paper towels to keep the pizza crust from getting soggy later.
Step 3: Shape Your Dough
Whether you’re rolling or gently stretching your dough by hand, aim for a large circle about 12 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a pizza stone, placing your dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper works perfectly. For pizza stone users, dust your peel with semolina flour to prevent sticking when transferring the pizza into the oven.
Step 4: Spread on the Sauce
Using the back of a spoon, spread a smooth layer of marinara sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. This keeps the crust nice and airy while ensuring every bite has a good balance of sauce to toppings.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the sauce, creating a delicious cheesy canvas. Then toss on those browned sausage balls along with your vibrant red bell pepper slices. Each topping shines through and complements the others.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for about 6 to 9 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles and browns lightly, and the crust edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, you can add a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick if that’s your style. Slice it up and prepare for everyone to beg for seconds!
How to Serve Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chopped basil or oregano add vibrant color and lift the flavors, making your Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe feel fresh and aromatic right before eating.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the pizza perfectly. Or serve with garlic breadsticks for a carb lover’s dream meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pizza cocktail-style, slicing it into small squares for a party platter. Another fun idea is to offer DIY toppings like extra chili oil, parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covering slices individually with parchment paper helps prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a quick meal ready to heat.
Reheating
Reheat pizza in a skillet or oven to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to avoid a soggy base—just 5 to 7 minutes in a 375°F oven does the trick beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage for this Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bell peppers. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
Nope! While a pizza stone helps create a crisp crust, baking on a parchment-lined baking sheet works just fine and makes cleanup easier.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, preparing or purchasing dough in advance saves time. If making dough at home, you can refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I substitute if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use any pizza sauce or even a simple crushed tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs to maintain the saucy base for your pizza.
How do I make sure the sausage cooks evenly?
Rolling the sausage into small, uniform balls helps them cook quickly and consistently. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients coming together to create a mouthwatering, savory masterpiece. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pizza to make again and again!
Print
Sausage and Pepper Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage Pizza Recipe combines savory Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, and sweet red bell peppers on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza dough base. Baked at high heat for a perfectly golden crust and melty cheese, this pizza makes a delicious and satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Meat
- 12 ounces Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Semolina flour (optional, for pizza peel)
Sauce & Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into ¼-inch slices)
Optional
- Chili oil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat for about 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust.
- Cook Sausage: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and form into 1-inch balls. Cook these in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink inside, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Shape Dough: Roll or gently stretch your pizza dough into a large circle. If using a pizza stone, sprinkle semolina flour on a pizza peel and place the dough on it. Otherwise, place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Sauce: Spread the marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges for the crust.
- Top Pizza: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage balls and sliced red bell pepper on top.
- Bake Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-9 minutes, or until the crust edges turn golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, drizzle with chili oil for added heat before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade sausage pizza!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, using a pizza stone is recommended.
- You can substitute Italian sausage links with ground Italian sausage if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice tolerance.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before shaping if using refrigerated dough.
- Semolina flour helps prevent sticking when transferring the pizza to the oven.
