This Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a fun twist on your classic pizza night! With spicy sausage, creamy feta, and a drizzle of sweet honey, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Honestly, the combination of spicy and sweet makes it hard to resist! I love making it for a cozy movie night. Just one slice and you’ll be hooked! 🍕❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough gives you more control over texture and thickness. If gluten-free, consider a gluten-free pizza base. I love a thicker crust, but a thin crust is great for a crisp bite too!
Hot Italian Sausage: This is key for flavor! If you want a milder option, swap it for sweet Italian sausage. For a vegetarian alternative, use mushroom-based sausage or crumbled tempeh seasoned with Italian spices.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy bite. If it’s hard to find, goat cheese or a crumbled queso fresco can work well too. Personal tip: adding a bit of ricotta can enhance creaminess and flavor!
Honey: For sweetness, honey is perfect. You could substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you like things spicier, try a chili-infused honey for a unique twist!
How Do I Properly Cook the Sausage?
To get perfectly cooked sausage for your pizza, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks, which ensures even browning. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding to the pizza.
Cooking the sausage this way helps to enhance its flavor and makes it easier to spread over the pizza!
How to Make Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pizza base:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cheeses:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Topping:
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) or follow the instructions on your pizza dough package. A hot oven will give your pizza a delicious crispy crust!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the hot Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer the dough onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. This will be the gooey, cheesy layer!
5. Layer on the Sausage:
Distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the mozzarella layer. Make sure you get plenty of sausage in each bite!
6. Top with Feta and Honey:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the sausage. This will add a lovely tangy flavor to the pizza. Now, drizzle the honey evenly over the entire pizza for a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the sausage.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
8. Slice and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly as directed in the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! If you’re out of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy texture. Grated Parmesan also works well, though it will offer a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the quantity to your taste.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop slices back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the crust crispy!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and assemble the pizza ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it; it may need an extra minute or two in the oven if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
