Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

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If you’re craving a comforting homemade pizza that combines savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a perfectly crisp crust, then you are about to fall in love with this Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels effortlessly special without fuss—just one pan, simple ingredients, and a whole lot of irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe makes pizza night a complete celebration of tastes and textures that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a wonderfully straightforward way, proving that you don’t need a long list to create an incredible pizza. Each element plays a vital role—from the rich and spiced Italian sausage adding depth, to the mozzarella giving that classic cheesy pull, and the stretchy dough creating the perfect base.

• Olive oil (2 Tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps create a golden crust and flavorful sausage.
• Ground sweet or mild Italian sausage (3/4 pounds): Brings seasoning and a juicy, meaty texture that’s the heart of this pizza.
• Pizza dough (16 ounces): The canvas for your pizza—choose fresh or store-bought for convenience.
• Cornmeal (1 Tablespoon): Sprinkled on the pan, it keeps the dough from sticking and adds a subtle crunch.
• Pizza sauce (1 cup): A zesty, tangy base that ties all the toppings together beautifully.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Provides that melty, creamy topping every perfect pizza must have.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to a robust 450°F (230°C). This high temperature ensures your crust bakes up crispy and your cheese bubbles with just the right amount of golden charm.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the sweet or mild Italian sausage. Break it up into small pieces and cook until nicely browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—this keeps your pizza from becoming greasy but leaves all the great flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Sheet Pan

Grease a 13×9-inch sheet pan with the remaining olive oil. Then, evenly sprinkle that cornmeal across the pan’s surface. This simple step prevents sticking and gives the bottom of your crust a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your sheet pan. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan perfectly—if it feels too resistant, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax, then try again. This ensures an even base without springs back.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Spread the vibrant pizza sauce evenly across the dough, stopping about half an inch from the edges. This border helps create that classic crust with a slight chew and a visual frame for your toppings.

Step 6: Layer the First Cheese

Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This first layer melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy bed for your sausage.

Step 7: Top with Sausage

Distribute the browned sausage pieces evenly on top of the mozzarella layer. This layering technique locks in the sausage flavor as the cheese melts around each morsel.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Cover the sausage with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This top layer browns beautifully as it bakes, creating that bubbly, golden blanket pizza lovers crave.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for bubbly, lightly golden cheese and a crust that is firm and cooked through but still tender inside.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief rest helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing easier and the flavors meld together wonderfully.

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

Garnishes

To add a fresh twist, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a scattering of grated Parmesan can also elevate each slice to something extraordinary.

Side Dishes

This Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables. A chilled glass of your favorite beverage makes the meal feel complete and celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares for easy finger food that keeps everyone mingling. Or serve it family-style on the pan, encouraging everyone to grab their perfect slice and savor the communal experience of pizza night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, this pizza stays delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for next-day lunches or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the pizza on your sheet pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This method keeps the crust crisp instead of soggy, bringing the pizza back to near-fresh quality.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild or sweet?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add more heat and kick to the pizza, so feel free to adjust based on your flavor preferences.

Is it okay to use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a convenient and delicious option that works wonderfully for this recipe, saving prep time without sacrificing taste.

Can I add other toppings to this pizza?

Definitely. While the recipe focuses on Italian sausage and mozzarella, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to make it your own.

What kind of pizza sauce is best?

Your favorite jarred or homemade pizza sauce will work perfectly. Look for one with good acidity and seasoning to balance the rich sausage and cheese.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using cornmeal on the pan and preheating the oven to a high temperature helps create a crispy crust that holds up well, avoiding sogginess even with ample sauce and toppings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making pizza at home, especially when it’s this easy and delicious. The Sheet Pan Pizza with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to become one of your go-to meals. Give it a try, and you’ll see that homemade pizza doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely unforgettable.

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