Jamie Oliver’s sausage pizza is a delicious take on classic comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with a crispy, homemade pizza base. This recipe works so well because it balances the spicy, aromatic sausage with fresh herbs and a simple tomato sauce, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 250g strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp instant dried yeast
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 150ml warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 200g good-quality Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 150g canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
- 125g mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix together with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, dust with a little more flour as needed.
- First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp cloth or cling film. Leave in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the sausage topping: While the dough is rising, remove the sausage meat from the casings and break it up into small pieces. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the sausage, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Make the tomato sauce: In a small bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes, garlic, oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Add chili flakes if using. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 220°C (430°F) and if you have a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack to heat up. Otherwise, use a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a roughly 30cm (12-inch) circle or rectangle, depending on your baking tray.
- Assemble the pizza: Transfer the rolled dough to your prepared tray or pizza stone. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border around the edges. Scatter the cooked sausage over the sauce, then evenly distribute the torn mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, and serve immediately with a crack of black pepper.
Tips
- Flour choice: Use strong bread flour for a chewier crust; all-purpose flour can work but the texture will be softer.
- Sausage substitution: For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage, but adjust cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispness.
- Common mistake: Don’t overload the pizza with too much sauce or topping, or the base will become soggy. Keep a moderate amount for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread. A chilled glass of light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully.
Variations
To change up this recipe, try adding caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a sweet contrast to the savory sausage. Swap mozzarella for a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a nuttier cheese flavor. For a spicy kick, add sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of hot honey after baking. You can also make it a white pizza by skipping the tomato sauce and using a garlic and herb olive oil base instead.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the pizza on a baking tray or wire rack for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy. If you want to freeze pizza slices, wrap them individually in foil and place in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen by baking at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Pre-made dough from the store or your local bakery can save time and still yield great results. Just follow the packaging instructions for thawing and shaping, then proceed with toppings as described.
What type of sausage is best for this pizza?
Italian pork sausage with fennel seeds is traditional and adds authentic flavor. However, any good-quality fresh sausage with herbs and spices will work well. Avoid pre-cooked or dried sausages, as they won’t render fat and flavor the pizza base properly.
How do I get a crispy pizza crust at home?
Use a pizza stone or preheated baking tray to mimic a pizza oven’s intense heat, which crisps the base quickly. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with sauce or toppings that release water. Baking at a high temperature (220°C/430°F) helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. The slow fermentation improves flavor and texture. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Is it necessary to remove the sausage casing?
Yes, removing the casing allows you to break up the sausage meat and distribute it evenly over the pizza. It also helps the sausage cook quickly and release its flavorful fat into the toppings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based sausage alternatives. Add extra herbs and spices to keep the flavor robust.
This Jamie Oliver sausage pizza recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a flavorful homemade pizza that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend treat. The balance of the hearty sausage with fresh herbs and melty mozzarella makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
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