Sausage Pizza is a classic favorite that combines a crispy crust with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, game day, or a fun night in, this homemade pizza is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Toppings

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Sausage Pizza takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking, plus time for the dough to rise.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead Dough: Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
2. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-out dough on a greased baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked sausage. Top with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Sausage Pizza (per slice, based on 8 slices):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	15g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, gouda, or feta for