Description
Cheesy Sausage Pizza
Enhance your pizza with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
1 pizza base
½ cup tomato sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sausage crumbles
¼ cup halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Spread tomato sauce over the pizza base.
Add mozzarella, sausage, and cherry tomatoes.
Bake at 220°C for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
#TomatoBurstPizza
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pizza every time. First, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. On a lightly floured surface, prepare your pizza base. Using the back of a spoon, spread the ½ cup of tomato sauce in a spiral motion from the center outwards, leaving a 1cm border for the crust. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. This initial layer helps anchor the toppings. Next, distribute the ½ cup of sausage crumbles, followed by the ¼ cup of halved cherry tomatoes, cut-side up to prevent sogginess. Finish with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella. Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with browned spots.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is delicious on its own but can be elevated with simple additions. Serve slices with a side of garlic-infused olive oil or a spicy chili oil for dipping. A fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and parmesan shavings makes a perfect light accompaniment to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potato wedges or buffalo chicken wings.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Preheat oven and stone. Sauce the base, leaving a crust. Layer cheese, sausage, and tomatoes. Bake at 220°C for 12-15 mins until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. While mozzarella is classic, a blend with provolone adds sharpness, and a touch of cheddar offers a richer flavor. For a creamier result, add small dollops of fresh mozzarella or ricotta.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure your tomato sauce is not too watery, pat sausage crumbles dry if they’re greasy, and always preheat your baking surface. Placing tomatoes cut-side up also minimizes moisture release.
Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizza up to 2 hours in advance. Keep it uncovered on a parchment-lined sheet in the fridge to prevent the base from getting damp. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For a crisp crust, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 200°C for 5-8 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust chewy.
Can I use fresh sausage instead of crumbles?
Yes. Remove casing from Italian sausage links, break the meat into small pieces, and sauté in a pan until fully cooked and browned before scattering it over the pizza.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Overloading the pizza with toppings, which leads to a soggy, undercooked center. Using cold dough straight from the fridge, which is hard to shape. Not preheating your oven or baking surface, resulting in a pale, soft crust. Spreading sauce all the way to the edge, leaving no room for a proper crust. Adding fresh herbs like basil before baking, which will burn—add them after baking instead.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Sausage Pizza with cherry tomatoes is a simple yet spectacular dish that combines savory, sweet, and cheesy flavors. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve a professional-quality pizza at home. The juicy burst of tomato perfectly complements the rich sausage and melted mozzarella, creating a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any night of the week. Experiment with the serving suggestions and make this versatile recipe your own. #TomatoBurstPizza
