Sausage Pizza Golden Cheese

This flavorful sausage pizza is the answer when you crave something comforting and homemade that rivals the best pizzerias. There is nothing like a piping hot slice straight from your own oven with bubbling cheese and rich sausage scattered on a golden crispy crust.

My family cannot get enough of this sausage pizza The first time I made it my kids insisted I make two because the slices disappeared so quickly Sometimes we even turn it into a weekend pizza night tradition

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: helps build the ideal pizza crust so look for unbleached flour for the best texture
• Active dry yeast: gives the dough a classic airy rise Fresh yeast guarantees a fluffy base so always check that your yeast is within its expiration
• Sugar: boosts the yeast activity and adds a subtle touch of flavor
• Warm water: helps activate the yeast Make sure it is just warm not hot to the touch for best results
• Olive oil: increases flavor and makes the dough supple Go for extra virgin olive oil if possible
• Salt: sharpens every flavor in the dough Use fine sea salt for even distribution
• Pizza sauce: is the vibrant base of your toppings Homemade or a high quality store bought brand can make a big difference For homemade use ripe tomatoes and plenty of fresh garlic
• Mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly for that gooey finish Choose whole milk mozzarella for extra richness and superior melt
• Italian sausage: brings a hearty savory kick Pre cook high quality sausage for the best taste Options like mild or spicy both work well
• Dried oregano: adds classic pizzeria aroma and enhances the sauce Use fresh dried oregano for a more fragrant result
• Crushed red pepper: delivers a gentle heat If you enjoy a bit of spice add a pinch otherwise skip it
• Olive oil: is for brushing the crust before baking for golden crispiness A light drizzle enhances both flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl mix the warm water with sugar and active dry yeast Let it rest for five minutes until you see a foamy layer That is how you know your yeast is working

Next:

gradually add the all purpose flour salt and olive oil Mix well using your hands or a sturdy spoon Knead for around eight to ten minutes by hand until the dough looks smooth and feels elastic This step builds the structure for your crust

Let the Dough Rise:

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with a clean kitchen towel or wrap Let it rest in a warm area for about one hour or until it has doubled in size Rising gives your pizza that light airy crumb everyone loves

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to its highest setting around four hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit If you use a pizza stone place it in the oven to get hot too This ensures a perfectly crisp bottom on your pizza later

Shape the Dough:

After the dough has risen punch it down gently and turn it onto a floured surface Roll it out carefully into a round shape about fourteen to sixteen inches wide For even baking ensure the thickness is uniform all around

Transfer to Pan:

Move your rolled dough onto a pizza pan or hot stone Dust off any excess flour so the bottom gets crisp not soggy

Top the Pizza:

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough leaving a small border for the crust Sprinkle mozzarella cheese all over then top with your cooked sausage Scatter oregano and optional crushed red pepper for a flavor boost

Bake:

Bake your pizza in the hot oven for twelve to fifteen minutes The cheese should be fully melted and bubbling and the crust will turn golden brown Keep an eye in the last few minutes so it does not overcook

Slice and Serve:

Let the baked pizza cool for a few minutes then slice it into sixteen neat pieces using a sharp pizza cutter This rest time lets the cheese set for easy slicing

Save

One of my favorite parts about this pizza is the gooey melted mozzarella each bite stretches just enough to make it delightfully cheesy I will never forget when my youngest tried to sneak an extra sausage chunk right off the hot pan We all still laugh about it every pizza night

Storage Tips

Let leftover pizza cool completely before storing Stack slices between sheets of parchment in an airtight container in the fridge For best results reheat in a hot oven or on a skillet This brings back the crispy crust and melty cheese much better than the microwave Ever since I started storing my pizza this way we have had fewer soggy leftovers

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Italian sausage for any cooked sausage variation like turkey or chicken Choose a dairy free mozzarella if needed and gluten free flour works too You can even use jarred marinara in place of pizza sauce in a pinch Experimenting leads to some fun new flavor combos in my house

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza with a crisp green salad and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a more balanced meal Slices are also great with garlic bread or roasted veggies For a pizza party offer a topping bar and let everyone customize their own section Kids love to help and it is such a fun way to entertain

Cultural Context

Homemade sausage pizza is a nod to both Italian and American food traditions Many Italian American families embraced pizza nights using whatever toppings were on hand Growing up I loved helping my grandmother crumble the sausage by hand and sprinkle it over the cheese Those memories make every bite even more satisfying

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get a crispy pizza crust?

Brush the crust with olive oil before baking, and use a preheated pizza stone or pan for a crispier result.

→ Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough saves time and still delivers a tasty base for your sausage and cheese toppings.

→ What kind of sausage works best?

Cooked Italian sausage—either crumbled or sliced—brings robust flavor and pairs well with the cheese.

→ How do I prevent soggy pizza?

Use pre-cooked sausage and don't overload with sauce or cheese to keep the base from becoming soggy.

→ Can I freeze leftover slices?

Yes! Allow slices to cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Reheat for a crispy snack anytime.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers are great additions for extra texture and flavor on your pizza.