If youโve never thought of combining pesto, potatoes, and sausage on a pizza, trust meโyouโre in for a treat. This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is everything you never knew you needed. Picture crispy, golden potatoes nestled between savory sausage and fresh, fragrant pesto, all piled on top of a deliciously chewy pizza crust. Itโs comforting, hearty, and just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, itโs super easy to make, which means you can impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Ready to dive in?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Youโll Love Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage
This pizza isnโt just any pizza. Itโs an experience. The layers of flavor come together perfectly, from the crispy potatoes to the richness of sausage and the brightness of pesto. Trust me, itโs a game-changer for your dinner table. Hereโs why this dish is a winner:
Versatile: Perfect for casual family nights or impressing friends at a get-together. Whether youโre craving a comforting dinner or serving it up at a party, this dish fits the bill.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy or expensive ingredients. You likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen, and it all comes together in a way that feels like a treat.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You can skip the complicated steps and still enjoy something that feels like a total flavor explosion.
Customizable: Make it your own! Add a dash of chili flakes for heat or swap the sausage for a vegetarian option. The beauty of this pizza is that itโs flexible to whatever youโre in the mood for.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether itโs for picky eaters or your biggest foodies, everyone loves this pizza. The combination of pesto, sausage, and potatoes is irresistible to all.
Ingredients in Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage
Hereโs the magic behind this pizzaโitโs made with simple ingredients, yet it tastes like something special. Letโs break it down:
Pizza Dough: The base that holds everything together. Feel free to use store-bought dough if youโre short on time, but homemade is always a treat.
Pesto Sauce: This is where the flavor pops! Fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil blend together to create a sauce that brings life to every bite.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced and roasted to golden perfection, these potatoes add a savory, comforting texture.
Italian Sausage: Crumbled and cooked until crispy, the sausage adds richness and a touch of spice to balance the potatoes.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy factor that everyone loves in a pizza.
Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle on top gives it that perfect finishing touch, adding depth and a little salty bite.
Olive Oil: For brushing the dough, helping it turn golden and crispy in the oven.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into how to make this delicious pizza:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475ยฐF (245ยฐC). This high heat ensures the crust gets nice and crispy, just the way we want it.
Prepare the Potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly and roast them with a little olive oil until theyโre golden and crispy. This step brings out the sweetness and texture that will make each bite pop.
Cook the Sausage: While the potatoes are roasting, cook the sausage in a skillet. Crumble it as it cooks, so it crisps up beautifully. The savory sausage will add an irresistible layer of flavor.
Assemble the Pizza: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce on the dough, then top it with the roasted potatoes, cooked sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle a little Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake to Perfection: Slide the pizza into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice, serve, and get ready to dig in!
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage hot out of the oven. Itโs the perfect meal on its own or paired with a side salad for some freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Insert prep time]
Cook Time: [Insert cook time]
Total Time: [Insert total time]
How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage
This pizza pairs beautifully with a few tasty sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pizza. Try arugula with lemon dressing for a peppery contrast.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra pesto or cheesy goodness. Garlic bread is a great option!
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy contrast.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a vibrant, healthy addition to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this pizza is hearty enough to enjoy all on its own. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley will finish it off perfectly.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Slice your potatoes and cook the sausage ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge to speed up the pizza-making process.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. It adds a nice kick!
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the sausage for mushrooms or another plant-based protein.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Double the Batch: Make extra pizzas for a crowd or freeze one for later. This pizza freezes beautifully!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes?
A1: Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a subtle sweetness and different texture, which is equally delicious.
Q2: Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare everything ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.
Q4: Can I freeze this pizza?
A4: Absolutely! Freeze it after baking and wrap it tightly. When youโre ready, reheat in the oven.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat this pizza?
A5: Reheat it in the oven at 350ยฐF for about 10 minutes to get the crust crispy again.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe is easy to double. Just use a larger baking sheet or divide into two smaller pizzas.
Q7: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A7: Yes! Feel free to try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage.
Q8: Can I make the pesto from scratch?
A8: Absolutely! Fresh pesto made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan is perfect for this pizza.
Q9: What other toppings would be good?
A9: Try adding caramelized onions, arugula, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Q10: How do I prevent the pizza dough from getting soggy?
A10: Pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings. This helps it hold up better when you add the sauce and toppings.
Conclusion
This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish thatโs sure to impress. Whether youโre serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it solo, every bite is a delicious combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant pesto. Donโt be surprised if it becomes your new go-to pizza! Happy cooking, and trust meโthis oneโs a keeper.
Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage combines crispy, golden pizza dough with layers of pesto, thinly sliced creamer potatoes, savory breakfast sausage, and a blend of mozzarella cheesesโbaked to bubbly perfection for a unique, hearty twist on pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 pound prepared pizza dough (I use Bobโs Red Mill)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3โ4 tablespoons pesto (I use truffle pesto)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced small yellow creamer potatoes (paper-thin slices)
- 1 package breakfast sausage
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 slices fresh mozzarella, torn into shreds
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC).
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns golden brown. Set aside.
- Drizzle olive oil in a 9ร13 cake pan. Place the prepared pizza dough in the pan and gently press to stretch it to all four sides. Use a fork to prick the dough to allow airflow.
- Spread pesto evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto, followed by a layer of thinly sliced potatoes. Sprinkle potatoes with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Top with fresh mozzarella and another 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add the browned breakfast sausage, followed by the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Place the pizza on the bottom rack of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheeses are golden and bubbly.
- If desired, drizzle with hot honey for extra flavor. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a more decadent version, add a drizzle of olive oil over the crust before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, use a larger baking pan or stretch the dough less.
- Truffle pesto gives this pizza a luxurious flavor, but any pesto will work just fine.
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a pizza stone.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg