Skip the delivery and make a pizza at home that’s bursting with flavor! This Spicy Sausage Pizza is loaded with bold ingredients and will easily become a favorite at your dinner table. From the crispy crust to the spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and melty mozzarella, every bite is packed with satisfaction.
If you love pizza but want something more exciting than the usual cheese or pepperoni, this spicy version is just what you need. And don’t worry, even if you’re new to making pizza from scratch, this recipe is simple enough to make in under 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza
Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, but this version takes it up a notch. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and onions creates a balanced flavor that hits all the right notes. Here’s why this pizza is worth making:
- Customizable heat – Adjust the spiciness to suit your family’s taste by using mild sausage or skipping the chili oil.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just over 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.
- Fresh ingredients – Using fresh peppers and onions adds natural sweetness and texture to the pizza.
- Homemade crust – Make your own or use store-bought dough, either way, you get a golden, crisp crust every time.
This pizza is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little kick in their meal. The melted mozzarella ties everything together, while the drizzle of chili oil and sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- Pizza dough: Homemade or store-bought. Either option works beautifully.
- Marinara sauce: Smooth and flavorful; store-bought is fine, or use your favorite homemade recipe.
- Spicy sausage: Cooked and crumbled. You can swap for mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Onions: Yellow, red, or white, thinly sliced. They’ll add sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Peppers: Mini sweet peppers are ideal, but bell peppers also work. Thinly slice for even cooking.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, for that classic gooey texture.
- Chili oil: Optional, for drizzling on top and adding heat.
- Crushed red pepper: For an extra kick of spice.
This combination creates a pizza that’s full of flavor but still balanced, letting each ingredient shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this pizza at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for the best results:
- Prepare the dough:
- If using homemade dough, follow your recipe instructions.
- If using store-bought, remove it from the packaging and shape it into a 12-inch circle. Lightly flour your pizza pan and transfer the dough.
- Preheat the oven:
- Place a rack in the lower-middle position and preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Assemble the pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage, onions, and peppers evenly over the sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Add finishing touches:
- Drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle with crushed red pepper for extra heat.
- Let the pizza cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Sausage Pizza
- Control the heat: Skip the chili oil and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder pizza.
- Enhance flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like sage or oregano just before serving.
- Balance flavors: The onions and peppers soften in the oven and bring natural sweetness that complements the spicy sausage.
- Extra spicy option: Mix some chili oil directly into the marinara sauce for an extra layer of heat.
With these tips, you can customize your pizza to suit your taste while keeping it full of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens
It also works well as a party food. Slice it into smaller pieces for easy sharing, or keep it as large slices for a hearty family dinner.
Homemade Spicy Sausage Pizza That Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 32 min
Ingredients
½ pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup marinara sauce
12 ounces spicy sausage, cooked and crumbled
¼ cup thinly sliced onion (yellow, red, or white)
¼ cup thinly sliced mini sweet peppers (or bell peppers)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chili oil (optional)
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the dough:
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If using homemade dough, follow your recipe instructions.
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For store-bought dough, remove it from the packaging and shape into a 12-inch circle. Lightly flour and spray a pizza pan with non-stick spray, then transfer the dough.
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Preheat the oven:
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Place a rack in the lower-middle position and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
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Assemble the pizza:
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Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
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Evenly distribute the cooked sausage, onions, and peppers over the sauce.
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Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings.
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Bake the pizza:
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Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rotate halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
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Finish and serve:
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Drizzle with chili oil and sprinkle crushed red pepper for added heat, if desired.
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Allow the pizza to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Notes
- Adjust the spiciness: Use regular Italian sausage and omit the chili oil and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder pizza.
- Extra flavor: Sprinkle fresh sage, oregano, or basil on top before serving.
- Sweetness balance: The peppers and onions naturally soften and become sweet during baking, which complements the spicy sausage.
- Extra kick: For a spicier version, mix 1 tablespoon of chili oil directly into the marinara sauce before spreading it on the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 17 min
