Description
A classic cafeteria-style pizza with a crispy crust, savory sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 large pizza dough
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1–1.5 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/4–1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, hand shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto a sheet pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. Stretch the dough into a rectangular shape and place it on the pan. Bake on the center rack for 6–7 minutes until it just begins to brown.
- In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed and season with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Spread the marinara sauce over the partially baked dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and most of the cooked sausage, reserving about 1/4 cup.
- Add the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining sausage and the remaining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Return to the oven and bake for 7–8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
- Slice the pizza horizontally once, then make four vertical slices for even portions. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough depending on availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
