This Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a tasty mix of spicy sausage, creamy feta, and a drizzle of sweet honey. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
I love how the honey adds a sweet touch to the spicy sausage—it’s like a delicious surprise in every bite! You can’t beat a cozy pizza night with this on the table. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can make homemade dough or buy it pre-made. If you need a gluten-free option, many stores sell gluten-free pizza dough. I often go for store-bought for convenience, especially on busy nights.
Hot Italian Sausage: This gives your pizza a nice kick! If you want a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner option or skip the meat entirely for a veggie version.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for pizzas, while feta adds a tangy twist. If you want to mix things up, try goat cheese or a blend of your favorites. Vegan cheese can be a great substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Honey: This will balance the heat from the sausage nicely. If you’re looking for alternatives, maple syrup works too, just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as it’s sweeter!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The crust can make or break your pizza! For a great texture, follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven to at least 475°F (245°C) and use a pizza stone if you have one. This helps get that crispy crust.
- Roll your dough evenly on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness you like, but remember, thinner crusts can get crispier!
- Brush the dough with olive oil before adding toppings. This helps it brown beautifully.
- Don’t overload your pizza with toppings; too many can make it soggy. A little goes a long way!
Once you have your pizza in the oven, keep an eye on it, especially during the last few minutes. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza recipe takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 12-15 minutes baking it in the oven. Plus, don’t forget to let it cool for a minute before slicing into it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place that in the oven now so it can heat up nicely while you prepare your pizza.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the hot Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it sizzles. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick. Once it’s cooked through, set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your preferred thickness. If you’re using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet that’s been dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Add Olive Oil and Cheese:
Brush the top of your pizza dough with olive oil. This will help it get that beautiful golden brown color in the oven. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.
5. Add Sausage and Feta:
Distribute the cooked sausage evenly on top of the mozzarella. Then, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese all over the sausage for a tangy flavor.
6. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone in the oven, or place it directly on a baking sheet if you’re using one. Bake the pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is nice and bubbly.
7. Add Honey and Serve:
Once your pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and drizzle warm honey over the top while it’s still hot to add a delicious sweet touch. Let it cool for a minute, then slice it into wedges. Top with fresh parsley or basil if you wish, and enjoy your homemade hot sausage feta honey pizza!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hot Italian sausage with other varieties like sweet Italian sausage or turkey sausage, depending on your taste preferences. Just adjust the seasoning if you go with a milder sausage to ensure a flavorful pizza.
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. Both will still add a lovely sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the sausage and cheeses!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Make This Pizza Without Feta Cheese?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, feel free to use more mozzarella or try crumbled goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. You could also skip the feta altogether for a simpler pizza!