This Sweet and Spicy Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza. With spicy sausage, creamy feta, and a drizzle of sweet honey, it has the perfect mix of flavors!
Each bite is like a little party in your mouth! I love how the sweetness of the honey really makes the spicy sausage shine. It’s great for a casual dinner or game night!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or make your own if you have the time. If gluten is a concern, consider gluten-free dough or a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.
Sausage: The sweet and spicy hot sausage adds great flavor. However, you can use regular Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian alternative.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese offers a tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese or ricotta for a different twist!
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances the spice. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a substitute if you want a different flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Drizzling olive oil helps achieve a crispy crust. If you prefer another flavor, try using garlic-infused olive oil or even a flavored oil.
How Do I Roll Out Pizza Dough Effectively?
Rolling out the pizza dough can sometimes be tricky. Here are some helpful steps:
- Start with room-temperature dough as it rolls out more easily. If it’s cold, let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour your surface and your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough into a disk with your hands and then use the rolling pin to roll outward from the center. This helps keep an even thickness.
- For a round shape, keep turning the dough as you roll to maintain a circular form.
- If you want a crispy pizza, aim for a thin crust. But if you prefer it fluffy, leave it a bit thicker!
How to Make Sweet And Spicy Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 pound sweet and spicy hot sausage (Italian sausage works well)
- 1/4 cup honey
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza stone or baking sheet)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake. You’ll have the perfect sweet and spicy pizza ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it into the oven to heat up. This will help create a nice, crispy crust!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the sweet and spicy hot sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off and set the sausage aside.
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface or some parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough to your desired shape, usually round or rectangular works best!
4. Get the Baking Surface Ready:
If you’re using a pizza stone, sprinkle some cornmeal on your pizza peel or baking sheet. If you’re using a baking sheet, just lightly grease it with olive oil.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared peel or baking sheet. Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a little bit of space around the edges for the crust. Then, distribute the cooked sausage pieces over the mozzarella, followed by a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
6. Drizzle with Honey:
Now, it’s time to add some sweetness! Drizzle the honey all over the pizza, making sure it gets between the sausage and cheese for that delicious flavor combination.
7. Optional Spiciness:
If you love a kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place your baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you like, drizzle a bit more honey on top, then slice it up and enjoy your sweet and spicy pizza!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While sweet and spicy hot sausage adds great flavor, you can use any sausage you enjoy, such as mild Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning in the recipe accordingly, especially if your sausage is less spicy!
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get the crust crispy again, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time! If using homemade dough, let it rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to ensure it’s easier to handle.
What Alternatives Can I Use for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a creamy texture or ricotta for a milder flavor. Alternatively, try a sharp cheddar or a vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just be mindful of the flavor profile each will bring!