This Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It combines spicy sausage with creamy feta and a drizzle of sweet honey for a perfect flavor mix.
Trust me, the hot sausage and tangy feta make every bite exciting! I love adding that honey on top—it really brings everything together like a happy family reunion! 🍕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade gives you control over the flavor. If you’re gluten-free, many stores offer gluten-free pizza crusts. I sometimes use naan or pita bread for individual-sized pizzas!
Hot Italian Sausage: If you prefer a healthier option, try ground turkey sausage or omit it entirely for a veggie version. You can also use sweet Italian sausage if you want less heat while keeping the same great texture.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang, but if you can’t find it, goat cheese works well too. For a vegan alternative, look for plant-based feta. I personally enjoy using a mix of cheeses for deeper flavors!
Honey: Other sweeteners like agave syrup or balsamic glaze can be used! Honey gives a lovely floral note, but maple syrup is also surprisingly delicious. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
How Do I Properly Cook the Sausage for Pizza?
Cooking the sausage correctly is crucial to prevent a greasy pizza. Here’s how:
- Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Crumble the sausage into the pan and let it brown. Stir occasionally for even cooking for about 7-10 minutes.
- Look for no pink bits; it should be fully cooked. If there’s a lot of fat in the pan, drain it to keep the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Enhance flavor by seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick.
How to Make Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. So, in just 25 minutes, you can have a tasty, homemade pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven will help get that perfect crispy crust!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then, crumble in the hot Italian sausage. Cook it, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes until it’s nice and brown. If much fat remains, drain it off, then season the sausage with salt and pepper. If you like things spicy, add the red pepper flakes now and give it a stir.
3. Prepare the Pizza Crust:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza crust to your preferred thickness and shape. Once rolled out, transfer it to a pizza stone or a baking sheet. It’s ready for toppings!
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the rolled-out pizza crust, making sure it’s well-covered. This will be the melty layer of goodness!
5. Layer on the Sausage:
Now, take the cooked sausage and evenly distribute it over the mozzarella cheese. This will give your pizza lots of flavor and heartiness.
6. Add Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the sausage. Feta adds a wonderful tangy flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
7. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake it for about 12-15 minutes. You want the crust to turn golden brown and cheese to become bubbly and delicious!
8. Drizzle with Honey:
When the pizza is done baking, take it out of the oven and immediately drizzle honey all over the top. This sweet touch is key to the flavor!
9. Slice and Cool:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes to make it easier to slice. After that, cut it into wedges to serve.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Then dig in and enjoy your hot sausage feta honey pizza!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of hot Italian sausage, feel free to substitute with mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pizza!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! You can use goat cheese or even ricotta as a substitute. They each bring a different flavor profile, but will still work beautifully on the pizza. Just crumble or dollop it evenly across the toppings!
Can I Make This Pizza Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust. Many grocery stores carry pre-made gluten-free options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour. Just follow the baking instructions on the crust package for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through for that crispy crust again!
