Name: Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; Yellow cornmeal, a few tablespoons (for sprinkling); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or pizza blend cheese; 2 links sweet sausage, partially cooked and sliced; Italian seasoning, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 49 reviews

If you have a craving for something truly mouthwatering and satisfying, look no further than the Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe. This pizza brings together the rich, savory flavors of sweet Italian sausage with the creamy meltiness of mozzarella, all atop a crisp, golden crust. The balance of aromatic Italian seasonings, tangy tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates an irresistible masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round pizza dough with a slightly thick edge is placed on a wooden pizza peel with a burlap cloth underneath. The dough is spread with a smooth, bright red tomato sauce layer topped with an even layer of shredded white cheese covering most of the sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe plays a crucial role. From the dough that forms the perfect base to the toppings that deliver bold flavors and textures, these simple essentials come together to create a pizza experience that’s delicious and balanced.

Pizza dough: Choose homemade or store-bought for a convenient yet sturdy base that crisps beautifully when baked.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps develop the golden crust.
Tomato sauce: A savory, slightly tangy layer that complements the sausage and cheese perfectly.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, creamy blanket with just the right stretch.

Sweet Italian sausage: Partially cooked and sliced to infuse the pizza with juicy, aromatic meatiness.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that elevates every bite.
Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella.

Yellow cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to the crust’s underside.

How to Make Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pizza Stone

Start by placing a pizza stone in your oven and preheat it to an intense 550 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is essential for achieving that ideal crisp crust with a chewy interior that every great pizza deserves. While the oven heats, your stone will get piping hot, ready to give the dough its signature texture.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough and Prep Your Paddle

Roll the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle, aiming for an even thickness that ensures uniform cooking. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of yellow cornmeal onto a wooden pizza paddle to keep the dough from sticking. Lay the dough on top and gently pull the paddle back and forth; this motion prevents any annoying sticking and makes it easier to transfer the pizza later.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Tomato Sauce

Spread a thin layer of olive oil over the dough’s surface using the back of a tablespoon, leaving about 1 to 1 ½ inches of crust bare to develop a golden edge. Then, evenly spread your tomato sauce over the oiled area. Keep the paddle moving under the pizza to avoid sticking, making the process smooth and fast.

Step 4: Top with Italian Sausage, Cheese, and Seasonings

Scatter the sliced sweet sausage over the saucy base, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Don’t forget to add a pinch or two of Italian seasoning to bring an instantly recognizable herbaceous note that makes this pizza so special. This layer of flavors is what sets the Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe apart from any ordinary pie.

Step 5: Bake Your Pizza to Perfection

Carefully slide your prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for bubbly cheese and a golden-brown crust. Halfway through, use your wooden paddle to pick the pizza up and gently rotate it; this ensures even cooking and a crust that’s beautifully crisp all over.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Slice

Once baked to perfection, lift your pizza off the stone and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This finishing touch adds a savory, slightly sharp flavor that rounds out the richness of the mozzarella and sausage beautifully. Finally, slice your pizza with a pizza cutter and serve while still piping hot and ooey-gooey.

How to Serve Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

A round pizza with a slightly browned, golden crust and a layer of melted, light yellow cheese covering most of the top. Evenly spaced on the cheese are round slices of sausage that are brownish-gray in color. In the center of the pizza, there are three fresh green basil leaves placed together. The pizza is on white parchment paper lying on a wooden cutting board, with a silver pizza cutter with a red handle resting to the top left. The background is a white marbled texture with some burlap fabric beneath the cutting board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra flair of freshness, consider garnishing with some torn fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat if you like things spicy, making every slice an exciting bite.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic breadsticks. These complement the hearty flavors without overshadowing the star Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe, creating a balanced and filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pizza on a wooden cutter board with some fresh herbs scattered around for rustic charm. Cutting the pizza into smaller, snack-sized slices is perfect for parties, while a classic large slice works beautifully for a cozy family dinner. You might also pair it with a glass of chilled Italian red wine to elevate the experience even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pizza feast, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This keeps the pizza fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and tasty meals the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe another time, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer bags. Frozen pizza maintains good quality for up to 2 months when stored correctly.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftover slices into a hot oven (around 375 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough adds a personal touch and can be tailored to your preferred thickness and texture. However, store-bought dough works just as well if you’re short on time.

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Sweet Italian sausage is ideal for this recipe because it adds both seasoning and a touch of sweetness, balancing perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce. You could also try spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more kick.

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, but mixing in some provolone or a pizza-blend cheese adds complexity. Just be mindful of how each cheese melts and pairs with the sausage.

Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?

While a pizza stone helps achieve that authentic crispy crust by evenly distributing heat, using a preheated baking sheet can also work if you don’t have a stone on hand.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking while assembling?

Sprinkling yellow cornmeal on your pizza paddle and gently sliding the dough back and forth helps reduce sticking. Also, working quickly ensures the dough doesn’t get soggy or stick before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy into your kitchen with ease and joy. Every bite sings with the perfect harmony of cheese, sausage, and herbs on a crisp crust. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon — it’s truly a pizza you’ll fall in love with and want to share with everyone you know.