Description
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.
Ingredients
- 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.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 250°C (475°F) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to ensure a crisp crust.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.