This Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a fun mix of spicy sausage, creamy feta, and a touch of sweet honey. It’s a flavor party that everyone will love!
I mean, who could resist that cheesy goodness with a drizzle of honey on top? It’s like sweet and spicy got together for a delicious date. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own at home if you have time. If you’re gluten-free, there’s no shortage of gluten-free pizza dough available at most grocery stores.
Hot Italian sausage: If you’re looking for a milder option, sweet Italian sausage works well. For a healthier twist, use ground turkey or chicken sausage, or even non-meat alternatives made from plant-based proteins.
Feta cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can use ricotta or goat cheese as alternatives. Just remember that goat cheese has a stronger flavor.
Honey: If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar makes a great substitute. They’ll still give you that lovely contrast to savory flavors.
Red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat level to your taste! If you like a milder pizza, skip the flakes, or try black pepper for a different kick.
How Do I Get the Crust Just Right?
Getting your pizza crust perfect is key to a great pizza experience. Here are a few tips:
- Use a mix of flour and cornmeal on your surface to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
- Stretch the dough gently; avoid using a rolling pin to keep those air bubbles intact for a fluffier crust.
- Preheating your oven (and the pizza stone, if you have one) is crucial! A hot oven creates a crispy crust in no time.
How to Make Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, so you’ll need around 35 minutes in total. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it can heat up while you prepare the pizza.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and crumbled hot Italian sausage. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once done, set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. It’s okay if it’s not perfect! Once ready, transfer the dough to a baking sheet that you’ve dusted with cornmeal, or onto a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the pizza base, covering it nicely.
5. Add the Sausage:
Next, distribute the browned hot sausage evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Make sure every slice will have some sausage goodness!
6. Crumble the Feta:
Crumble the feta cheese on top of the sausage and mozzarella. Don’t worry about it being perfect; just make sure there are dollops of feta scattered around for that creamy flavor.
7. Drizzle with Honey:
Drizzle honey over the entire pizza. This will give it a sweet contrast to the spicy sausage. If you like some extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake the Pizza:
If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza to the stone. If you’re using a baking sheet, just pop it right into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then slice it up and enjoy your Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for something milder, sweet Italian sausage works well. For a different twist, you can even use chicken sausage or turkey sausage as a healthier alternative. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pizza.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. Ricotta cheese can also work, but keep in mind it will create a different taste experience—just dollop it on top in small spoonfuls.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, which helps to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance! After making it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using, and bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
