Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza

Experience the flavors of Italy with this Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza. Featuring a homemade crust, savory Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a crowd-pleaser for pizza lovers who crave a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
  3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast, 1 cup warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Toppings:
  ½ cup tomato sauce (San Marzano recommended), 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup cooked and crumbled spicy Italian sausage, ¼ cup roasted red peppers, ¼ cup sliced black olives, 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
   • Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
2. Prepare the Toppings:
   • Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
   • Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness.
   • Spread tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border for the crust.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add cooked sausage, roasted red peppers, and olives.
   • Optional: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
4. Bake the Pizza:
   • Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot!

Tips:

• For extra spice, use hot Italian sausage or add sliced jalapeños.
• Use a preheated pizza stone for a crispier crust.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and your favorite Italian wine for a complete meal.

You can visit our Pizza Recipes section for even more delicious recipes.

FAQ:
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes, store-bought dough works as a quick alternative for this recipe.

Q: Can I substitute Italian sausage with a vegetarian option?
A: Absolutely! Replace the sausage with spicy plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.