Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza

Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza is a savory delight that combines the rich flavors of sweet caramelized onions, savory Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. This recipe begins with tender caramelization of sweet onions in butter, followed by browning and cooking of Italian sausage for added depth.

The toppings are then generously layered over marinara sauce on a pre-baked crust, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza is a satisfying choice for pizza night or any casual gathering. Follow these simple steps to create a homemade pizza that will surely become a family favorite.

Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 sweet onion peeled, halved, and sliced thin

½ pound Mild Italian Sausage not links!

½ recipe Homemade Pizza Dough or store-bought

½ cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion slices; stir to separate the slices into individual pieces. Cook until onions just begin to brown – about 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until onions are tender and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove to a bowl; set aside.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Using the same skillet, add Italian sausage and return heat to medium. Cook until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain; set aside.

Roll out pizza dough to a 14 to 16″ round {depending on your baking sheet/pizza stone size}, and place on baking sheet or pizza stone.

Bake dough for 5 mins. Carefully remove crust from oven.

Top with a thin-ish layer of marinara to within 1/2-inch of the dough edge.

Then top with sausage and almost all the onions. Sprinkle pizza evenly with cheese, and the remaining onions.

Bake for another 8 to 12 minutes until cheese is bubbly, crust edges are golden brown and the bottom is crispy. Remove from oven, slice, and eat!

Notes:

Caramelizing Onions:

Take your time to caramelize the onions slowly over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and be patient, as this process brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of the pizza.

Choosing Italian Sausage:

Opt for mild Italian sausage that is not in links. This allows you to easily crumble and evenly distribute it over the pizza. Cook the sausage until it’s fully browned for maximum flavor.

Pre-baking the Pizza Dough:

Pre-baking the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding toppings helps ensure a crispy crust, especially when using a homemade or store-bought dough. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

Evenly Spread Marinara Sauce:

Use a thin layer of marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the pre-baked pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This ensures every bite has a balanced amount of sauce without overwhelming the toppings.

Layering Toppings:

Layer the toppings evenly to ensure each slice has a combination of sausage, caramelized onions, and cheese. Start with the sauce, followed by the sausage and most of the onions, then top with cheese and the remaining onions for a flavorful balance.

Choosing Cheese:

Use shredded mozzarella cheese for its meltability and classic pizza flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for additional depth of flavor.

Baking Temperature and Time:

Preheat your oven to a high temperature (500°F or 260°C) to ensure the pizza cooks quickly and evenly. Bake the pizza for 8 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust edges are golden brown and crispy.

Allow to Rest Before Slicing:

Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut without the toppings sliding off.

Customize to Taste:

Feel free to customize the pizza with additional toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Ensure any additional toppings are sliced thinly and evenly distributed for even cooking.

Serve Hot and Fresh:

Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza is best enjoyed immediately after baking when the crust is crispy and the cheese is gooey. Serve it hot with optional extras like a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 slices | SERVING SIZE: 1 slice

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?

It’s best to use raw Mild Italian Sausage that isn’t in link form for this recipe.

Cooking it fresh allows the flavors to meld with the onions and ensures it cooks evenly on the pizza.

How can I speed up caramelizing the onions?

While caramelizing onions takes time, you can speed up the process slightly by cooking them over medium heat initially to brown them faster.

Just be careful not to burn them.

Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Warm them slightly before adding to the pizza.

Do I need to pre-bake the pizza dough?

Yes, pre-baking the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings helps ensure a crispy crust, especially when dealing with toppings that release moisture like marinara and caramelized onions.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

How do I know when the pizza is done baking?

The pizza is done when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.

The edges of the crust should also be golden and crispy.

What can I serve with this pizza to make it a complete meal?

Serve a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing alongside the pizza for a balanced meal.

It complements the richness of the pizza well.

Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza slices. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

How can I make this pizza vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage or substitute it with vegetarian sausage crumbles or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.

What is the best way to reheat leftover pizza?

The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy again and the cheese is melted.