Homemade Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Herbed Tomato Sauce

There’s something truly special about homemade pizza, especially when crafted with fresh ingredients and a touch of love. This Sausage and Cheese Pizza features a quick-rise dough, a zesty herbed tomato sauce, and classic toppings like gooey mozzarella, flavorful paprika, fresh parsley, and savory sausage. It’s a go-to recipe for pizza night—easy, satisfying, and sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding the family or indulging solo, this pizza bakes to golden perfection in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Dough: Only 10 minutes of resting required.
• Customizable Toppings: Adjust the spice level, sausage quantity, or cheese to your preference.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp crust meets gooey, melty cheese.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and common fridge items make this pizza a breeze.
• Comfort Food Vibes: Nothing beats the aroma of fresh pizza straight from the oven.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17–20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pizza (26 cm mold) – Serves 2–3
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired homemade

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 125 ml warm water
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 5 g sugar
• 125 g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 3 g salt
• 10 ml olive oil

For the Sauce and Toppings:

• 3–4 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (a few sprigs)
• Salt, pepper, and oregano (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 100–150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 100 g sliced sausage (or to taste)
• Extra oregano and olive oil for finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy—this ensures the yeast is active.
2. Add flour and salt, mixing with a spoon or your hands to form a rough dough.
3. Incorporate olive oil and knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Baking Mold

• Grease a 26 cm pizza pan or baking mold with olive oil. Sprinkle a bit of flour to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy crust.

3. Shape the Dough

• After resting, roll or stretch the dough to fit the mold. Press to the edges with your fingertips. If the dough resists, let it rest a few more minutes before stretching again.

4. Make the Herbed Tomato Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and olive oil.
2. Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh, aromatic kick.

5. Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread the herbed tomato sauce evenly over the stretched dough.
2. Generously top with shredded mozzarella.
3. Arrange sausage slices on top.
4. Sprinkle with extra oregano and a light drizzle of olive oil for a crispy finish.

6. Bake the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
2. Bake the pizza for 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the crust has a nice, crisp edge.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra drizzle of olive oil.
• Slice and serve hot!

Nutritional Information (per slice – based on 8 slices)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Calcium: 10% DV

Tips for Success

• Water Temperature: Use warm, not boiling water (40–45°C or 105–115°F) to activate the yeast.
• Optimal Rising: Rest the dough in a warm spot—near a window or a preheated oven works great.
• Crispy Crust: Use a pizza stone or steel if available.
• Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many can make the crust soggy.
• Cool Slightly Before Slicing: This helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier.

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Variations to Try

• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage.
• Veggie Delight: Top with bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
• White Pizza: Swap the tomato sauce for a garlic cream base.
• Breakfast Pizza: Crack an egg on top before baking for a brunch vibe.
• Cheese Extravaganza: Mix in gouda, cheddar, or feta for more flavor depth.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Arugula with a lemon vinaigrette complements it well.
• Dipping Sauce: Try garlic yogurt or ranch for extra flavor.
• Paired with Soup: Tomato basil or roasted red pepper soup works beautifully.
• For a Party: Slice into squares for easy sharing.

FAQ

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! You can skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but mix it with white flour to avoid a dense texture. A 50/50 blend works great.

3. How to store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes! Freeze after baking and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.

5. Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based cheese and sausage, and load up on veggies.

Conclusion

This Homemade Sausage and Cheese Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that brings the joy of pizza-making to your own kitchen. The combination of a soft, flavorful crust, zesty herbed tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese makes every slice irresistible. Whether you’re crafting it for a cozy night in or a family feast, this pizza is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Enjoy your pizza night and share your creation with friends and family!

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