Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that’s both fun to make and absolutely delicious, this Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine the perfect balance of savory Italian sausage mingling with gooey melted mozzarella atop a crisp, golden crust all baked right on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that brings all the flavors of classic pizza with a delightful homemade twist, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and thoughtfully selected to create a mouthwatering pizza that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in building up the layers of deliciousness that make this dish stand out.

• Olive oil (2 Tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, crispy crust while sautéing the sausage perfectly.
• Ground sweet or mild Italian sausage (3/4 pounds): Brings a juicy, flavorful punch with just the right amount of spice and herbs.
• Pizza dough (16 ounces): The delicious base that’s soft and chewy on the inside with a satisfying crisp on the outside.
• Cornmeal (1 Tablespoon): Sprinkled on the pan to prevent sticking and add a subtle crunch to the crust’s bottom.
• Pizza sauce (1 cup): Bursting with herbs and tomato goodness, it’s the perfect tangy foundation for the toppings.
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Melts beautifully to create a creamy, stringy texture that pulls you into pizza heaven.

How to Make Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures the crust comes out crispy and golden, while the cheese melts to a bubbly, inviting perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat, which keeps the pizza from getting greasy, then set the sausage aside for layering later.

Step 3: Prepare the Sheet Pan

Grease a 13×9-inch sheet pan with the remaining olive oil, making sure the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking. Then, sprinkle an even layer of cornmeal across the pan — this little step adds a pleasant crunch to the bottom crust that’s oh so satisfying.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough and gently stretch it to fit your sheet pan. If it resists or shrinks back, give it a five-minute rest before trying again — this helps relax the gluten and makes stretching a breeze.

Step 5: Spread the Sauce

Spread the tomato-based pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border all around the edge for that lovely crust edge we all love. This layer will add vibrant color and rich flavor to the pizza.

Step 6: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. This gooey layer acts as a delicious binding agent for your toppings and adds a creamy texture that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Layer on the Cooked Sausage

Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage over the cheese. The savory, slightly spiced meat perfectly complements the mild, melty mozzarella beneath it.

Step 8: Add the Remaining Cheese

Top your sausage with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. This final layer will bubble and brown beautifully as it bakes, creating that luscious, cheesy crown on your pizza masterpiece.

Step 9: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer the sheet pan to your hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is molten and bubbly with golden spots, and the crust is cooked through with a shimmering, golden finish.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest for about 5 minutes to set. This waiting time helps the cheese firm up slightly for neat slicing and easier serving. Then grab your favorite pizza cutter and dive in — your Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Give your pizza that fresh pop of flavor by adding toppings like freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and add that extra layer of gourmet charm.

Side Dishes

Pairing your sheet pan pizza with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables adds balance and color to your meal. A refreshing Caesar salad or a tangy coleslaw are perfect matches that complement the richness of the cheese and sausage.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this pizza straight from the sheet pan is casual and fun, especially for family dinners. For a more elegant touch, slice it into neat squares and arrange them on a wooden board or slate platter, garnishing with fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy look that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick snacks.

Freezing

You can freeze slices individually by wrapping each piece well in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza keeps at its best for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover pizza back to life, reheat it in a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese again. Alternatively, a quick stint in a 375°F oven or toaster oven also works beautifully to revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage is a great way to add more heat and depth to your pizza. Just be mindful of the spice level to suit your taste or your guests’ preferences.

What if I don’t have pizza dough? Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough or ready-made crusts work wonderfully for this recipe and can save time. Just adjust the baking time slightly based on the crust instructions to avoid overcooking.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-clumping agents that might affect melting. Freshly shredded mozzarella usually melts better and gives you that beautifully stringy texture we all love on pizza.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Sprinkling cornmeal on the pan and preheating the oven to a high temperature helps create a crispy crust. Also, make sure not to overload the pizza with too much sauce or toppings, which can make the crust soggy.

Can I add other toppings to this sheet pan pizza?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with veggies like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives. Just remember to layer toppings evenly so the pizza cooks uniformly and looks beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Your next favorite homemade pizza is just one recipe away with this Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for takeout again!

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