“`html
Let’s Talk About Sheet Pan Pizza with Homemade Italian Sausage
There’s something undeniably cozy about making pizza from scratch, isn’t there? I remember the first time I attempted my own version of **Sheet Pan Pizza**—I was a college student, holed up in a tiny apartment with an old oven that took longer to heat than I did to get excited about everything pizza-related. The aroma that filled the air while it baked? Pure magic. Now, whenever I whip up this delicious pizza at home, it feels like I’m pulling that cherished memory right out of the oven.
What’s even better? The combination of a flaky crust with homemade Italian sausage that’s seasoned to perfection. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food that I love to share with friends and family. Plus, the best part is that it’s easy to customize—whatever toppings you have in your fridge can find a home on this pizza!
What’s in Sheet Pan Pizza with Homemade Italian Sausage?
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our pizza crust. I usually reach for King Arthur’s All-Purpose Flour because it gives me that perfect mix of chewiness and crispness.
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: This little packet is a powerhouse! It helps our dough rise and become fluffy.
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F): Warm not hot! This is what activates the yeast. I like to use a thermometer—saves me from guessing!
– 2 tbsp sugar: Not only does this enhance the dough’s flavor, but it also feeds the yeast. Sweet deal, right?
– 2 tsp salt: Essential for flavor! I usually go for sea salt, but table salt works too.
– 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a lovely brown crust.
For the Homemade Italian Sausage:
– 1 lb ground pork (or beef): I’m all about that savory flavor! Pork gives it a lovely richness, but feel free to swap it out for beef if you prefer.
– 1 tsp fennel seeds: This is the secret ingredient that makes your sausage sing! If you have some crushed fennel, that works too.
– 1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm color and depth of flavor.
– 1 tsp garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic.
– 1 tsp onion powder: A must for any sausage blend!
– 1 tsp dried oregano: This is the heart and soul of Italian seasoning.
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Adjust to your spice level! I love a bit of heat, but you do you.
– 1 tsp salt: A little more seasoning never hurt anyone.
– ½ tsp black pepper: To round out the flavors.
For the Pizza Toppings:
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The king of pizza cheese. I like to shred my own—so melty!
– 1 cup pizza sauce: Whether you go store-bought or homemade, this is the golden layer beneath all our toppings.
– Optional: sliced bell peppers, onion, olives: Get creative! Throw on whatever veggies you enjoy eating.
Is Sheet Pan Pizza with Homemade Italian Sausage Good for You?
Now, let’s keep it real for a second. No one’s claiming that pizza is a health food, but I do love the balance you can achieve with this recipe. It features whole ingredients and allows you to control what goes on your pizza. For example, the olive oil not only enhances flavor but is also rich in healthy fats. The pizza sauce can be packed with tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants, especially lycopene.
That said, keep an eye on portion sizes. You can always throw some extra veggies on top for added nutrients while keeping the satisfaction high. It’s also worth mentioning that if gluten is a concern for you, there are plenty of gluten-free flour mixes out there that could substitute in for the all-purpose flour.
Ingredients List
– For the Pizza Dough:
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 2 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– For the Homemade Italian Sausage:
– 1 lb ground pork (or beef)
– 1 tsp fennel seeds
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– For the Pizza Toppings:
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– Optional: sliced bell peppers, onion, olives
How to Make Sheet Pan Pizza with Homemade Italian Sausage?
1. **Prepare the Dough**: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. **Prepare the Italian Sausage**: In a bowl, combine the ground pork (or beef) with fennel seeds, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated. Form into small crumbles.
5. **Cook the Sausage**: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
6. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
7. **Assemble the Pizza**: Punch down the risen dough and spread it out onto a greased sheet pan, making sure to stretch it to the corners. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
8. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked sausage (and any additional desired toppings).
9. **Bake**: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges of the crust are crispy.
10. **Serve**: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice into squares or rectangles and serve hot.
Pizza Parties and Extra Tips
– This pizza is great for feeding a crowd, and let me tell you, it’s always a hit at potlucks! You can customize the toppings based on everyone’s preferences—get your guests involved in the topping assembly process!
– Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for added flavor. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top for that extra *oomph*.
– Leftover pizza? Not a problem! It reheats beautifully in the oven. Just pop it back in at a low temperature to warm through without losing that precious crunch.
I can’t wait for you to dive into this recipe and make it your own. Grab your family, your friends, or just yourself, and whip up this glorious sheet pan pizza. Trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one slice! Let me know how it goes; I’m here drooling over your delicious memories before you even get to that first bite!
“`
