Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Pizza: A Flavorful Homage to a Classic Sandwich

Craving the robust, savory flavors of a classic sausage and pepper sandwich? Imagine transforming that beloved culinary experience into a delightful pizza. This Homemade Sausage and Peppers Pizza brings together tender Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions, all nestled on a perfectly baked crust with gooey cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for any pizza night.

If you’re a true enthusiast of sausage and peppers, then you know the magic that happens when these ingredients combine. Beyond this fantastic pizza, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful variations like our Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers with Sweet Potatoes for a quick weeknight dinner, or this comforting Orzo Recipe with Italian Sausage and Peppers, perfect for a cozy meal.

For many families, pizza night is a cherished tradition, a weekly ritual that brings everyone together around a shared love for cheesy, saucy goodness. In our home, it’s a fiercely competitive event, usually vying for top spot with taco night! My family, including my husband and kids, all agree that homemade pizza often surpasses even the best delivery options. This homemade advantage is a win in itself, allowing us to customize flavors and ensure fresh, high-quality ingredients.

While my kids typically lean towards classic cheese or pepperoni pizzas, there are times when I yearn for something a bit more adventurous, a pizza that offers a delightful departure from the ordinary without being overly exotic. That’s precisely where this Sausage and Peppers Pizza shines. It strikes a perfect balance, offering familiar, comforting flavors with an elevated twist that satisfies the desire for something different, yet universally appealing. The robust Italian sausage, combined with the softened bell peppers and onions, creates a symphony of tastes and textures that truly makes this pizza a standout.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Sausage and Peppers Pizza

Crafting this delightful Sausage and Peppers Pizza is surprisingly straightforward, relying on easily accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

• Sweet Italian Sausage: The recipe suggests 1/2 lb, but don’t hesitate to adjust this to your preference. I typically use two links, which provides a good balance of meatiness without overpowering the other ingredients. While sweet Italian sausage offers a milder, more aromatic profile, you can absolutely switch to spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick. Opt for high-quality sausage for the best flavor foundation.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This isn’t just for cooking; it also infuses a beautiful, rich flavor into your ingredients. While extra virgin is my preference for its robust taste, any good quality cooking oil you typically use will work perfectly.
• Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: These vibrant peppers add natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to your pizza. While red and yellow are my favorites for their sweetness and aesthetic appeal, feel free to use green bell peppers for a slightly sharper, more traditional taste, or even orange bell peppers. The key is to use fresh, firm peppers that are free from blemishes.
• Onion: A standard yellow onion is my go-to choice, offering a balanced sweetness that complements the peppers and sausage. You could also experiment with red onion for a bolder flavor and color, or a sweet onion for an even milder taste. Thinly slicing the onion ensures it softens beautifully during cooking.
• Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great pizza! While store-bought dough offers convenience, I highly recommend making your own. I have a comprehensive guide dedicated to homemade pizza dough, packed with tips and tricks to achieve the perfect crust every time. It’s truly the last pizza dough recipe you’ll ever need, making a significant difference in the final taste and texture of your pizza.
• Pizza Sauce: A good sauce is crucial. While I’m always on the lookout for the ultimate homemade pizza sauce recipe (and hope to share one someday!), a high-quality store-bought marinara or pizza sauce works wonderfully. Look for a brand with a simple ingredient list and robust tomato flavor.
• Italian Cheese Mix: For optimal melt and flavor, I rarely use pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and tastes superior. While I occasionally take a shortcut with a good quality pre-mixed Italian blend, I encourage you to grate your own blend of mozzarella, provolone, and a touch of Parmesan for the best results. The mix provides a creamy, stretchy texture with a savory depth.
• Dried Oregano: This humble herb is essential for adding that classic Italian aroma and taste. While fresh oregano would be even more potent, dried oregano is a convenient pantry staple that delivers a fantastic earthy, slightly bitter note, tying all the flavors together. Don’t skip this final flourish!

Crafting Your Delicious Sausage and Peppers Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Unlike some pizzas where vegetables are simply tossed on raw to cook in the oven, this Sausage and Peppers Pizza benefits greatly from a little pre-cooking. My reasoning is simple: when baking at high temperatures for a short duration, vegetables often remain too crisp for my liking. By gently cooking the peppers, onions, and sausage beforehand, we achieve a desirable tender-crisp texture for the veggies and a perfectly browned, flavorful sausage that truly elevates the pizza experience. It adds a small extra step, but the enhanced texture and flavor are undeniably worth the effort!

1. Prepare the Sausage: Begin by cooking your Italian sausage. To ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat before browning, I recommend boiling the sausage in about 1/2 inch of water in a medium pan for approximately 10 minutes, covered, until fully cooked. Drain the water, then add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pan. Cook the sausages, turning them regularly, until their casings are beautifully crisped and golden brown. Remove the sausages from the pan, slice them into 1/2-inch pieces, and return them to the hot pan for a couple more minutes. This final step allows the sliced edges of the sausage to brown and crisp on all sides, enhancing their flavor and texture.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: While the sausage is browning, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced bell peppers (red and yellow for visual appeal and sweetness) and onion. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they reach a crisp-tender stage, usually around 8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them at this stage, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot oven. We’re aiming for a pleasant bite, not mushiness.
3. Assemble Your Pizza Masterpiece: With your sausage and vegetables perfectly prepped, it’s time for assembly! Start by rolling out your pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. If using a pizza stone, I often roll it out directly on parchment paper for easy transfer. Spread a generous layer of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, sprinkle about three-quarters of your shredded Italian cheese mix over the sauce. Arrange the sautéed peppers and onions, followed by the browned sausage pieces, evenly across the cheese layer. Finally, top with the remaining cheese, ensuring all the delicious toppings are covered for a perfect melt.
4. Bake to Perfection: If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it has been preheating in the oven at a high temperature (450-500ºF or 230-260°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure a super crispy crust. Carefully transfer your assembled pizza to the hot pizza stone (or a preheated baking sheet). Bake the pizza until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted, typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven and desired crispness. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. The Finishing Touch: Once your pizza emerges from the oven, fragrant and golden, immediately sprinkle it with dried oregano. The heat of the pizza will help release the herb’s aromatic oils. This final touch adds an extra layer of classic Italian flavor. Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This brief resting period helps the cheese set and prevents all the toppings from sliding off when you cut into it, ensuring perfect, neat slices every time.

Tips for the Perfect Sausage and Peppers Pizza

Achieving pizza perfection is an art, and a few key tips can elevate your Sausage and Peppers Pizza from good to absolutely incredible:

• Preheat Your Oven and Stone: A super hot oven and a thoroughly preheated pizza stone (or heavy baking steel) are crucial for a crispy crust. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 30-60 minutes for your stone to reach optimal temperature.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the delicious toppings, too many can lead to a soggy crust and uneven cooking. Distribute the sausage, peppers, and onions evenly without overcrowding.
• Cook Sausage and Veggies Properly: As outlined in the instructions, pre-cooking ensures the sausage is fully cooked and browned, and the vegetables are tender-crisp, not raw or watery. This prevents a watery pizza and ensures a better texture.
• Use Quality Ingredients: From your pizza dough to your Italian sausage and cheese, better ingredients yield a better tasting pizza. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
• Rest Before Slicing: Giving the pizza a few minutes to rest out of the oven allows the cheese to set and the juices to redistribute. This makes for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable eating experience.

Variations and Customizations

This Sausage and Peppers Pizza recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous creative twists. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Sausage Swap: As mentioned, try spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor. You could also experiment with chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage substitute for different dietary needs or preferences.
• Pepper Palette: Don’t limit yourself to red and yellow. Green bell peppers offer a more classic, slightly bitter counterpoint, while orange peppers add vibrant color and sweetness. You could also roast bell peppers before adding them for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Cheese Combinations: Beyond the Italian blend, consider adding smoked provolone for depth, a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella pearls for extra creaminess, or a dusting of Pecorino Romano for a salty, sharp kick.
• Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach could be lovely additions to this pizza.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the sauce or finished pizza will add a delightful heat.
• Herb Boost: Fresh basil leaves torn and sprinkled over the pizza after it comes out of the oven will add a bright, aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

A hearty Sausage and Peppers Pizza is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the entire dining experience. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza. For drinks, a cold Italian soda, a glass of red wine, or a crisp lager would complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a side of extra marinara for dipping your crusts!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover pizza is a joy! To store, allow any remaining slices to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the best methods to restore that crispy crust are in a hot skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through and the bottom is crispy, or in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but often results in a softer crust.

More Delicious Pizza Creations

If you’re always on the hunt for your next pizza night inspiration, be sure to explore these other fantastic pizza recipes:

• Pizza Cups
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Meatball Pizza
• Cheeseburger Pizza
• Caprese Pizza
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
• Antipasto Pizza

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Sausage and Peppers Pizza

★★★★★

5 from 2 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes
minutes

Servings:

6
servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Italian

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Pin

Fan of sausage and pepper sandwiches? The popular sandwich is turned into a pizza – this Sausage and Peppers Pizza is topped with Italian sausage, peppers and onions.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium red bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 medium yellow bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 small onion sliced
• 1 lb pizza dough*
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian Cheese Mix
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

• Place a pizza stone in the oven (if using). Preheat the oven to 450-500ºF.
• In a medium pan, bring about 1/2 inch of water to a boil. Add the sausages and cover and cook until the sausages are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain the water and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Cook the sausages, turning, allowing the casings to crisp up. Remove the sausages from the pan and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Return to the pan and allow them to brown on both sides.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add both peppers and the onion and cook until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes.
• Roll the crust out (on parchment, if using). Top with the pizza sauce. Add 3/4 of the cheese, followed by the peppers and onions. Add the sausage, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Place the pizza in the oven and bake until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the oregano.

Recipe Notes:

*If you like a thinner crust, you can use less than 1 lb of dough.
For all of my pizza dough tips and tricks, make sure to check out my pizza dough recipe.
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2slices,
Calories: 357kcal (18%),
Carbohydrates: 32g (11%),
Protein: 18g (36%),
Fat: 17g (26%),
Saturated Fat: 6g (38%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 26mg (9%),
Sodium: 490mg (21%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 2g (2%)

Keywords:
peppers pizza, sausage and peppers, sausage pizza, Italian sausage pizza, homemade pizza