Sausage and Pepper Pizza is a classic Italian-American favorite, blending savory sausage with sweet and tangy bell peppers on a bed of rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. The combination of juicy, browned sausage and roasted peppers brings a delightful burst of flavor, making it a perfect dish for a casual dinner or a fun gathering. The pizza crust, golden and crisp from the oven, serves as the ideal base for these robust toppings, creating a balance between spicy, sweet, and cheesy in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or want to experiment with different sausages and peppers, this pizza is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (use a mix of red, green, and yellow)
- 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it or dust with cornmeal.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or your desired shape). If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. If using a baking sheet, place the dough directly onto the oiled or dusted sheet.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Top with the cooked sausage, sautéed peppers, and onions. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the oven (either onto the preheated stone or into the oven on the baking sheet). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade sausage and pepper pizza!
