Description
This Spicy Sausage & Pepper Pizza recipe combines the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy crust. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s perfect for a flavorful homemade pizza night that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup spicy Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, ensuring it’s even for consistent baking.
- Transfer to Pan: Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or a heated pizza stone, making sure it fits well and has enough room around edges for expansion.
- Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
- Layer Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce to cover it well.
- Add Sausage: Distribute the cooked and crumbled spicy Italian sausage evenly across the cheese layer.
- Add Peppers and Onion: Arrange the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion over the sausage to cover the pizza evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over all the toppings to enhance flavor.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the entire pizza to add flavor and help achieve a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to slice into wedges.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish your pizza with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust but is optional.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Cook the sausage fully before adding to the pizza to ensure it’s safe and flavorful.
- Letting the pizza rest after baking prevents the cheese and toppings from sliding off when slicing.
