Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza, a delightful symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This dish brings together the robust kick of hot Italian sausage, the tangy creaminess of feta, and a surprising drizzle of golden honey, all atop a perfectly crisp pizza crust. It's an unforgettable culinary experience that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- An extraordinary fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that creates a truly addictive flavor profile.
- Quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or spontaneous gathering.
- Offers a sophisticated twist on classic pizza, elevating your culinary repertoire.
- Visually appealing with its vibrant toppings and golden crust, perfect for entertaining.
- The combination of textures, from the crisp crust to the creamy feta and chewy sausage, is incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (approx. 500-600 grams / 1.1-1.3 pounds, store-bought or homemade)
- 225 grams (8 ounces) hot Italian sausage (or your choice of spicy sausage), cooked and crumbled
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) crumbled feta cheese
- 170 grams (1 1/2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) honey
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 50 grams (approx. 2 cups) fresh arugula or spinach (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it can heat up thoroughly with the oven, ensuring a crisper crust.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, typically a circle of about 30-35 centimeters (12-14 inches) in diameter. Carefully transfer the stretched dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or onto your preheated pizza stone using a pizza peel.
- Brush the surface of the pizza dough evenly with the olive oil. This helps create a barrier that prevents the crust from becoming soggy and promotes a beautiful golden-brown finish. Pre-bake the dough in the oven for 5 minutes; this initial bake helps the crust firm up and achieve a desirable chewiness before toppings are added.
- Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of tomato or pizza sauce over the entire surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Follow this by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute the cooked and crumbled hot sausage over the mozzarella layer. Next, scatter the crumbled feta cheese across the pizza. If using, sprinkle the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning at this stage for added depth of flavor.
- Carefully return the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots, indicating perfect doneness. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a minute or two. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly. Then, drizzle the honey evenly over the entire surface of the hot pizza. The residual heat will slightly warm the honey, allowing it to coat beautifully.
- If you desire, top the pizza with a generous handful of fresh arugula or spinach just before serving. The greens will slightly wilt from the pizza's heat, adding a fresh, peppery contrast. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately while hot, enjoying the incredible blend of flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or large baking sheet
- Pizza peel (if using a pizza stone)
- Rolling pin
- Small bowl for sauce (optional)
- Spatula or spoon for spreading sauce
- Pizza cutter
- Oven mitts
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overload the pizza with toppings, especially the sauce and cheese. A thinner layer ensures an evenly cooked crust and prevents sogginess.
- The pre-baking step for the dough is crucial for achieving a crispy base that holds up to the toppings. Don't skip it!
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. A raw or local honey can add extra depth and complexity to the sweetness.
- Cook the sausage thoroughly and drain any excess grease before adding it to the pizza to prevent a greasy crust.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature. A hot oven is key to a perfectly cooked pizza with a crisp crust and melted cheese.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve a truly restaurant-quality crust, try using a pizza steel instead of a stone. It conducts heat more efficiently, resulting in an even crispier bottom.
- For an extra layer of flavor, brown the sausage until it develops a deep, caramelized crust before crumbling. This creates a more intense umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Consider infusing the olive oil used for brushing the dough with a crushed garlic clove or a pinch of dried oregano for an aromatic boost to the crust itself.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven (180°C/350°F) or a toaster oven for best results, avoiding the microwave to maintain crispness.
- Variations: For a milder kick, use mild Italian sausage. You can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese for an even tangier profile or a smoky provolone for added depth. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves after baking makes a lovely addition too.
- Meal Prep: Cook and crumble the sausage a day or two in advance to significantly cut down on prep time on the day you plan to make the pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will elevate the flavor and texture of your pizza even further. Just ensure it's at room temperature and properly proofed before rolling out.
What if I don't like spicy food?
You can easily adapt this recipe! Simply use mild Italian sausage instead of hot, and omit the red pepper flakes. The other flavors will still create a delicious and unique pizza.
Can I prepare parts of this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can. The sausage can be cooked and crumbled a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also have your sauce and cheeses ready. However, assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 25g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 38g (per serving, estimated for 6 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains gluten and dairy. For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free pizza dough. For a dairy-free option, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based mozzarella and a dairy-free feta alternative, or omit feta altogether.
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