Name: Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, room temperature); ½ lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow or green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup pizza sauce (or crushed tomatoes); 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded provolone or Parmesan (optional for extra flavor); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional); Salt and black pepper (to taste); Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

This Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza transforms the classic Italian-American sausage and peppers dish into a flavorful, hearty pizza perfect for holidays or gatherings. Sweet or spicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and gooey cheese atop crisp crust create a festive, crowd-pleasing meal in about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this recipe because it captures the comforting, robust flavors of traditional Italian sausage and peppers—juicy, savory sausage with sweet caramelized bell peppers and onions—in a fun, shareable pizza format.

It’s a delightful twist on a holiday classic, blending hearty Italian-American roots with the irresistible appeal of melted cheese and crispy crust. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for festive occasions like Christmas Eve or New Year’s, it uses simple ingredients that deliver big, bold taste.

The combination is nostalgic, satisfying, and endlessly craveable—perfect for family dinners, game days, or holiday entertaining where everyone wants seconds!

Yield: 8 slices

Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza Recipe

Hearty Italian sausage, colorful peppers, onions, and melty cheese on crispy crust—a festive twist on a classic!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, room temperature)
½ lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow or green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup pizza sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded provolone or Parmesan (optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Get everything ready and preheat! Crank your oven to 475-500°F (or as high as it goes) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up—this ensures that perfect crispy bottom every time. Gather your toppings for smooth sailing!
Cook the sausage to perfection. In a skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully done (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease on paper towels and set aside—your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Sauté those vibrant veggies. In the same skillet (or a new one), add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 6-8 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized—sweet, tender magic!
Shape your dough like a pro. On a floured surface (or parchment), stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. If it springs back, let it rest a few minutes. Transfer to parchment or a cornmeal-dusted peel for easy sliding.
Sauce it up! Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for that golden crust. Don't overload—keep it light for crispiness.
Layer on the cheesy goodness. Sprinkle about 1½ cups mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Add the optional provolone or Parmesan for extra gooey, flavorful depth.
Pile on the stars of the show. Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles, then the beautiful sautéed peppers and onions over the cheese. Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat, and the remaining mozzarella.
Into the oven for bubbly perfection. Slide the pizza (on parchment) onto the hot stone/sheet. Bake 12-18 minutes until the crust is golden, cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are crisp—watch closely for that perfect char!
Rest and finish with flair. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with a little olive oil, scatter fresh basil if desired, and add a final sprinkle of Parmesan or seasoning.
Slice, serve, and enjoy the compliments! Cut into wedges and dig in—this festive pizza is best hot and shared with loved ones. Buon appetito!

Notes

Pre-cook toppings to avoid sogginess. Adjust spice with sausage type. For holiday vibe, garnish with extra basil or serve with marinara dip.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 529Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 14gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 76mgSodium 1022mgCarbohydrates 34gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 28g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the best flavor, pre-cook the sausage fully and sauté the peppers and onions until slightly caramelized—this prevents a soggy pizza and intensifies sweetness.
Use a pizza stone or steel preheated in the oven for an extra-crispy crust; if unavailable, a baking sheet works but flip it upside down for better airflow.
Pat toppings dry to avoid excess moisture; drain sausage grease well.
Add a sprinkle of cornmeal under the dough for easy sliding and extra crunch.
For even baking, rotate the pizza halfway through.
Let the pizza rest 5 minutes before slicing to set the cheese and make clean cuts.

Ingredients Notes

High-quality Italian sausage (sweet or hot) is key—choose fresh links with good fennel seasoning for authentic flavor; remove casings and crumble for even distribution. Bell peppers (mix red, yellow, green) add vibrant color, natural sweetness, and crunch—roast or sauté them first to mellow bitterness and enhance taste.

Onions (yellow or red) caramelize beautifully, providing depth and mild sweetness. Use low-moisture mozzarella for melty stretch without sogginess, and consider adding provolone or Pecorino for sharpness.

Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) should be room temperature for easy stretching. Pizza sauce—simple marinara or crushed San Marzano tomatoes—keeps it classic; a drizzle of olive oil post-bake adds richness. Fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes elevate the savory profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it milder with sweet sausage or spicier with hot varieties; try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Swap bell peppers for roasted red peppers from a jar for quicker prep and smoky depth.

Add sliced mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni for extra toppings. Go cheese-heavy with four-cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, Parmesan) or dollop ricotta for creaminess. For a Sicilian-style thick crust, use a sheet pan version; opt for thin crust or grilled pizza for lighter fare.

Vegetarian? Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like zucchini. Gluten-free? Use GF dough. For low-carb, try cauliflower crust. Enhance with fresh basil post-bake or balsamic glaze drizzle for holiday elegance.

Storage Options

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness (avoid microwave to prevent sogginess). Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.