There’s nothing quite like homemade pizza, especially when it’s made with fresh ingredients and love. This Sausage and Cheese Pizza features a quick-rise dough, a zesty tomato sauce, and classic toppings like mozzarella, paprika, parsley, and savory sausage. It’s the perfect recipe for pizza night—simple, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for the family or treating yourself, this pizza bakes to golden, cheesy perfection in just 20 minutes.
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:
-
Tomato sauce (about 3–4 tablespoons)
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt, pepper, and oregano (to taste)
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
100–150 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
-
Sliced sausage (about 100 g or to taste)
-
Extra oregano and olive oil for finishing
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast and ensures your dough rises quickly.
Add the flour and salt, mixing with a spoon or your hand until a rough dough forms. Add the olive oil and knead for 5–6 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Baking Mold
Grease a 26 cm pizza pan or baking mold with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of flour. This prevents sticking and helps create a crisp crust.
Stretch the Dough
After the dough has rested, roll or stretch it out to fit the mold. Press it gently to the edges with your fingertips. If it resists, let it rest another few minutes before trying again.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh herbaceous flavor.
Assemble the Pizza
Spread the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the surface generously.
Add slices of sausage evenly across the top. Sprinkle with extra oregano and drizzle with a little more olive oil to help the sausage crisp up during baking.
Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Place the pizza in the hot oven and bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust is cooked through with a nice crisp edge.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. 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
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Pizza is one of the world’s most iconic dishes, tracing its origins to Naples, Italy, where simple flatbreads were topped with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. This version takes inspiration from traditional Italian pizza but adds a personal touch with paprika-spiced tomato sauce, sausage slices, and fresh parsley. It’s a dish that’s as customizable as it is classic, with a universal appeal that spans cultures and tastes.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
-
Fast homemade dough – only 10 minutes of resting required
-
Customizable toppings – adjust spice, sausage, or cheese to your preference
-
Crispy crust and gooey cheese – the perfect texture combo
-
Family-friendly – great for kids and adults alike
-
Simple ingredients – pantry staples and common fridge items
-
Comfort food at its best – nothing beats fresh pizza from your own oven
Health Benefits
While pizza is often considered indulgent, making it at home offers the chance to make it healthier:
-
Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
-
Tomato sauce delivers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
-
Parsley adds vitamins A and C and freshens the flavor
-
Mozzarella is a good source of calcium and protein
-
Controlling salt and toppings lets you make it as light or hearty as you want
You can also use whole wheat flour, add vegetables, or reduce cheese to make it more health-conscious.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with a side salad – arugula with lemon vinaigrette complements it well
-
Add a dipping sauce – garlic yogurt or ranch enhances each bite
-
Pair with soup – tomato basil or roasted pepper soup are great companions
-
Make it a meal – serve with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
-
Slice into squares – for party-ready finger food
Cooking Tips
-
Use hot water, not boiling – about 40–45°C (105–115°F) to activate yeast
-
Rest the dough in a warm place – near a window or oven helps it rise quickly
-
Don’t overload toppings – too much can lead to a soggy crust
-
Use a pizza stone or steel – for even crisper crusts if you have one
-
Let the pizza cool slightly – this helps the cheese set and slices come out clean
Variations to Try
-
Spicy Version – add chili flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage
-
Veggie Pizza – add bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach
-
White Pizza – skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream base
-
Breakfast Pizza – crack an egg on top before baking for a brunch twist
-
Cheese Lovers’ Edition – add feta, cheddar, or gouda for more complexity
Conclusion
This Homemade Sausage and Cheese Pizza is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a slice of happiness you can create with your own hands. With a quick dough, flavorful tomato sauce, and melty cheese, it delivers everything you love about pizza in a fresh, homemade format. It’s satisfying, delicious, and flexible enough to make your own.
FAQ
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount and skip the activation step—just mix it directly with flour.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but mix it with some white flour to avoid a dense crust. A 50/50 mix works great.
3. What if I don’t have a pizza pan?
Use a cast iron skillet, baking tray, or even a parchment-lined sheet pan.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes! Freeze after baking and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
6. What other cheese can I use?
Try gouda, cheddar, provolone, or a mix for different flavor profiles.
7. Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based cheese, skip the sausage, and load up on veggies.
8. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add hot sauce to the tomato base or top with sliced jalapeños.
9. How do I prevent soggy crust?
Preheat your oven well and don’t overload with sauce or toppings.
10. Can I double the dough recipe?
Absolutely—just double all the dough ingredients and make two pizzas!