Making Italian Sausage Pizza with Pesto and Red Sauce at home is easier than you might think. This recipe combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the aromatic charm of pesto and the rich, tangy taste of red sauce. The key to a delicious pizza lies in the balance of these flavors, creating a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress.
To start, you’ll need to prepare your dough and preheat the oven. For the best results, let your oven heat for at least 30 minutes.
While the oven is warming up, you can prepare the Italian sausage by removing the casings and cooking it in a skillet until browned.
Essentials of Italian Sausage Pizza
To make a delicious Italian sausage pizza with pesto and red sauce, attention to detail is key.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the pizza:
- 1 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 1 fresh pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated (preferably whole milk)
- 1/2 cup mixed cheeses (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the pesto sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the red sauce:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the sauces:
- Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Red Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Assemble the pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Spread the red sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Distribute the cooked sausage evenly on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle the pesto sauce over the sausage.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and mixed cheeses, if using.
Bake the pizza:
- Transfer the pizza to a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing.
Hint: For a crispy crust, you can pre-bake your pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
Preparing the Base
The pizza base is crucial for a good crust. Use high-quality flour to make the pizza dough. Knead the dough well, and let it rest to develop the gluten. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it thinner; for a more bread-like texture, keep it thick.
Lightly grease the pizza pan or stone with olive oil before placing the dough. Prebake the crust for a few minutes in a preheated oven to prevent it from getting soggy once the toppings are added.
Sauce Selection and Application
Using both pesto sauce and red sauce adds depth to your pizza. Spread a thin layer of pesto over the crust, ensuring it covers the entire base. This gives a fresh, herby flavor. Over the pesto, add a layer of red sauce made from simmered tomato, garlic, and olive oil with a pinch of pepper and salt.
Balance the amount of each sauce to keep the pizza from becoming too heavy or overpowering. Once the sauces are in place, add crumbled, cooked sausage and mozzarella cheese. Finish with fresh basil leaves before baking.
Assembling the Pizza
Creating the perfect Italian Sausage Pizza with Pesto and Red Sauce requires thoughtful layering, adding delicious toppings, and fine-tuning the seasoning.
Layering Techniques
Roll the dough out onto a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous layer of red sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust.
Next, add alternating swirls of pesto sauce on top of the red sauce. Use a spoon to create a striking pattern. This step helps combine the rich flavors of both sauces. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauces.
Adding Toppings
Top the pizza with crumbled Italian sausage, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Add caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. For extra flavor and texture, include sliced mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. Scatter black olives and pepperoni slices if desired.
Feel free to incorporate additional toppings like pepper, chicken, or more cheese. Balance is key; don’t overdo it.
Perfecting the Seasoning
Season your toppings with kosher salt and a sprinkle of black pepper. Red pepper flakes add a mild heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to enhance the pizza’s freshness and aroma.
These simple steps will elevate your Italian Sausage Pizza, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
Cooking Method
Cooking a perfect Italian Sausage Pizza with Pesto and Red Sauce requires precise techniques and careful handling of ingredients. Proper baking methods and presentation can make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Baking Techniques
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. For a baking sheet or pizza pan, this is typically 425°F to 500°F. If you’re using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven before preheating to ensure it gets hot enough.
Prepare your pizza dough on parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Spread an even layer of red pizza sauce, followed by evenly distributed Italian sausage and dollops of pesto sauce. Sprinkle with a mix of shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and possibly ricotta cheese for extra richness.
Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, usually 12-15 minutes. Using a pizza cutter, slice the pizza immediately after baking to maintain crispy edges.
Serving and Presentation
Presentation adds to the eating experience. After removing the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then use a pizza cutter to slice it into equal pieces. Place fresh basil leaves or shredded parmesan on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Transfer the sliced pizza to a serving platter or large wooden board. Arrange it neatly and consider drizzling a bit of olive oil over the top for a beautiful shimmer. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
By following these detailed procedures, you can ensure that your sausage pizza not only tastes delicious but also looks inviting.
Pairings and Complements
Italian sausage pizza with pesto and red sauce offers a rich and flavorful experience. To enhance your meal, consider some excellent pairings and complements.
Beverages:
For wine lovers, Chianti Classico or Barbera d’Alba make great choices. These wines balance the acidity of the red sauce and complement the savory sausage.
If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Salads:
A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing pairs well. The peppery greens and zesty dressing add a refreshing contrast.
You can also try a Caprese salad, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Soups:
Creamy tomato basil soup can be a delightful starter. It complements the tomato sauce on the pizza.
Alternatively, a light minestrone soup filled with vegetables can be a satisfying option.
Pasta:
Pasta salad with light vinaigrette pairs nicely, adding a cool and tangy element.
If you want a warm dish, consider a pesto pasta to match the pesto on the pizza.
Pizza Night:
For a fun pizza night, offer a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own slices.
Include sides like garlic bread or stuffed mushrooms for added treats.
Enjoy these pairings and complements to make your Italian sausage pizza night even more delightful.
