This delicious pizza is a tasty mix of spicy sausage, creamy feta cheese, and sweet honey. It’s a fun twist on your classic pizza that brings bold flavors to every bite!
Every time I make it, the sweet and spicy combo surprises my taste buds in the best way. Serve it hot, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds—trust me!
I love how easy it is to whip up this pizza. Just spread the toppings, bake, and enjoy the yummy explosion of flavors. It’s pizza night done right!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade or store-bought dough. If you’re short on time, store-bought is perfectly fine! For a gluten-free option, look for premade gluten-free pizza crust at the store.
Hot Italian Sausage: If you prefer a milder flavor, switch to sweet Italian sausage. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier option. For a meatless version, consider using sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers instead.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy kick, but if you can’t find it, goat cheese can be a great alternative. It has a similar texture and creaminess. You can even try ricotta for a different touch, though it will be milder.
Honey: This adds sweetness that balances the spice of the sausage. If you want to skip the honey, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a nice vinegary sweetness instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Pizza Crust?
Getting a crispy crust can be a challenge, but it’s all about heat and technique. Preheating your oven and a pizza stone or baking sheet is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to the highest setting (475°F or 245°C) and let the pizza stone heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to avoid sticking. Aim for a thickness that suits your preference!
- Transfer the prepared pizza onto a pizza peel lined with parchment paper to make it easier to slide onto the hot stone.
- Don’t overload the toppings; keep them balanced to ensure the pizza cooks evenly.
Following these steps will help you achieve a deliciously crispy crust every time!
Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ pound hot Italian sausage, casing removed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake, making the total time about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up. This will help you get a nice, crispy crust!
2. Cook the Sausage:
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then remove it from the heat and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. If you like a thicker crust, keep it a bit thicker; for a thin and crispy crust, roll it out more. Once ready, transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined pizza peel or another surface that can easily go into the oven.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the pizza sauce generously over the rolled-out dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Don’t be shy—cheese is key!
5. Add the Toppings:
Now it’s time to add your toppings! First, distribute the cooked hot sausage evenly over the cheese, followed by scatterings of crumbled feta cheese for that extra zing. Finally, drizzle honey all over the pizza. If you like it spicy, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide your assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once the pizza is done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. This makes slicing easier! Cut the pizza into slices, serve warm, and enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner substitute. Just season it well, possibly with some Italian herbs and spices, to mimic the flavor of hot Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked before adding it to your pizza!
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispy crust, you can also reheat them on a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
If you’re out of pizza sauce, you can use marinara or even a thin layer of pesto as a flavorful alternative. Alternatively, mix canned diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar for a quick homemade sauce!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
