Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza is a modern twist on classic Italian pizza, featuring robust Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese on a crispy, hand-tossed crust. This recipe brings together savory flavors and a satisfying crunch, perfect for a relaxed family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

What is Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza?

Jamie Oliver’s take on sausage pizza combines quality ingredients with a straightforward cooking process. The pizza features a thin, crispy dough topped with a zesty tomato sauce, slices of flavorful Italian sausage, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil, this pizza offers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s bursting with authentic Italian flavors.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Granola
• Jamie Oliver Prawn and Pea Risotto
• Jamie Oliver Salmon Risotto
• Jamie Oliver Broad Beans

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Robust Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and cheeses creates a savory, well-rounded taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this pizza accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Customize with additional toppings like red onions or bell peppers to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: A great dish for family meals, gatherings, or a fun homemade pizza night.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

• Pizza Dough (one 12-inch round) – Use your favorite homemade dough or a high-quality store-bought option.
• Italian Sausage (200-250g) – Remove from casing and slice or crumble; lightly pre-cook if desired.
• Crushed Tomatoes (1 cup) – For a fresh, zesty tomato sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil (2-3 tbsp) – For the sauce drizzle over the pizza.
• Fresh Mozzarella (200g) – Sliced or shredded for melting.
• Parmesan Cheese (50g, grated) – For an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (a handful) – Torn for garnish.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Red onion (thinly sliced), red or yellow bell pepper (sliced), and a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.

Equipment Needed

• Oven and Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet – Preheat for a crispy crust.
• Rolling Pin – To stretch out the dough.
• Mixing Bowl – For preparing the tomato sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board – For slicing the sausage and vegetables.
• Pizza Peel or Flat Baking Tray – To transfer the pizza into the oven.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 250°C (475°F) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to ensure a crisp crust.
2. Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch out your pizza dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pizza peel or a flat, lightly oiled baking tray.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
4. Pre-cook the Sausage (Optional): For extra flavor, lightly brown the sliced or crumbled Italian sausage in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until just starting to color. This step helps render some fat and intensify the flavor.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the pre-cooked sausage evenly over the sauce. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Add Optional Toppings: If using, add thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers. For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes.
7. Bake: Slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, and season with a final pinch of salt and pepper. Slice and serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza?

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or focaccia for extra crunch.
• Roasted vegetables for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• A side of marinara dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

• Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your oven and pizza stone are fully preheated for a perfectly crisp crust.
• Don’t Overload Toppings: Use a moderate amount of sausage and toppings to prevent a soggy pizza.
• Room Temperature Dough: Allow your dough to come to room temperature before stretching to achieve a better texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality sausage, cheese, and tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Pre-cooking the Sausage: Lightly cooking the sausage beforehand can enhance its flavor and texture.
• Finish with Fresh Basil: Add basil after baking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
• Experiment with Flavors: Adjust the amount of garlic or chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

• Vegetable-Loaded: Add roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for a more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra chili flakes for a spicier version.
• White Pizza Twist: Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic cream sauce as a base, topping with sausage and arugula.
• Cheese Lovers: Incorporate a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for a richer cheesy experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to create a delicious pizza suitable for dietary restrictions.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Cool Completely: Allow the pizza to cool to room temperature before storing to avoid sogginess.
• Separate Toppings: If possible, store any additional fresh toppings separately and add them when reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza

• Oven Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
• Skillet Method: Alternatively, reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to help melt the cheese without over-drying the crust.
• Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving may make the crust chewy and soggy.

FAQs

How can I achieve a crispy crust on my sausage pizza?

To get a perfectly crispy crust, preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking sheet at 250°C (475°F) for at least 30 minutes before baking. Using room-temperature dough and not overloading with toppings will also help maintain that desirable crunch.

Can I substitute Italian sausage with another type of sausage?

Yes, you can swap Italian sausage with other varieties like chorizo or bratwurst. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning since different sausages may offer varying levels of spice and salt.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the sausage before adding it to the pizza?

Lightly pre-cooking the sausage is recommended to enhance its flavor and ensure it cooks evenly without overcooking the dough. Sauté or brown the sausage for 3-4 minutes before topping the pizza for the best results.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Preparing the dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours can improve its flavor and texture. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before stretching it out to ensure an even, soft base.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Sausage Pizza is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the classic flavors of Italy right into your home kitchen. With a crispy crust, robust sausage, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melty cheeses, this pizza is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making it with family or friends and experiment with your favorite toppings to create a personalized masterpiece. Bon appétit!

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