Italian Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza
If you love a pizza that’s packed with rich, savory flavors, this Italian Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza is a must-try! The sweet, golden caramelized onions pair perfectly with the spicy, juicy Italian sausage, all layered over a crispy, golden crust.
With a touch of tangy marinara and gooey melted mozzarella, every bite is an irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and cheesy goodness.
Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a weekend gathering, this homemade pizza is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance – The rich, golden caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory, slightly spicy Italian sausage.
Crispy & Cheesy Goodness – A perfectly golden crust, topped with gooey, melted mozzarella, creates the ultimate satisfying bite.
Easy to Make at Home – With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality pizza without leaving your kitchen.
Customizable & Fun to Make – Swap the sausage for pepperoni, mushrooms, or prosciutto, or add extra toppings like fresh basil or chili flakes to make it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – Whether for family pizza night, game day, or a casual dinner, this pizza is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
Key Ingredients:
Caramelized Onions – Slowly cooked until golden and sweet, they add rich depth and natural sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
Mild Italian Sausage – Juicy, flavorful, and slightly spiced, this sausage brings a bold, meaty bite to every slice.
Pizza Dough – A crispy-yet-chewy base that holds all the delicious toppings together, whether homemade or store-bought.
Marinara Sauce – A tangy, tomato-rich layer that enhances the flavors of the sausage and cheese.
Shredded Mozzarella – The perfect melty, gooey cheese that binds all the ingredients together while creating a deliciously golden top.
Unsalted Butter – Used for caramelizing the onions, adding a buttery richness that enhances their natural sweetness.
Italian Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 sweet onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
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:
Caramelize the Onions:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, stirring to separate them into individual pieces.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown.
Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized.
Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) to ensure a crispy pizza crust.
Cook the Sausage:
In the same skillet, add the Italian sausage and cook over medium heat.
Break it up into small crumbles and cook until fully browned, about 5-8 minutes.
Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough into a 14 to 16-inch round, depending on your baking sheet or pizza stone.
Place the dough onto the prepared baking surface.
Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the oven.
Assemble the Pizza:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and most of the caramelized onions over the sauce.
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese, then top with the remaining onions.
Bake Until Golden & Bubbly:
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the crust is golden brown, and the bottom is crispy.
Slice & Serve:
Remove from the oven, slice into pieces, and enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Sausage & Caramelized Onion Pizza!
Notes:
Caramelize the Onions Slowly – For the best flavor, cook the onions low and slow for at least 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft. Avoid rushing this step!
Use High-Quality Sausage – Opt for fresh, mild Italian sausage (not links) for the richest, most flavorful topping. If you like a little heat, try spicy Italian sausage instead.
Pre-Bake the Crust – Baking the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings helps prevent a soggy crust and ensures it turns crispy and golden.
Don’t Overload the Pizza – A thin layer of marinara and evenly spread toppings will help the pizza cook evenly without becoming too heavy or soggy.
Customize Your Toppings – Add extras like fresh basil, chili flakes, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Use a Pizza Stone for a Crispier Crust – If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking to get that authentic pizzeria-style crust.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1 slice
Calories: ~292 kcal | Protein: ~13.5g | Carbohydrates: ~25.0g | Fiber: ~3.8g | Sugars: ~2.5g | Fats: ~15.7g | Saturated Fat: ~6.3g | Cholesterol: ~54mg | Sodium: ~297mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I prevent my pizza crust from getting soggy?
To keep your pizza crust crispy, pre-bake it for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Also, avoid using too much sauce and make sure your caramelized onions aren’t too watery.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-cook the sausage and caramelized onions up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge.
You can also assemble the pizza ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
If you want to switch up the flavors, try using provolone, fontina, Parmesan, or gouda for a richer, more complex taste.
Can I cook this pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes! A baking sheet works just fine. However, for a crisper crust, place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats, then carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot pan.
How do I store and reheat leftover pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
How do I properly caramelize onions?
Caramelizing onions takes time! Cook them slowly over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To speed up the process, add a pinch of salt or a splash of balsamic vinegar to draw out moisture and enhance the flavor.
Should I cook the sausage before adding it to the pizza?
Yes! Brown the sausage in a skillet first to ensure it’s fully cooked and has a nice, crispy texture before baking on the pizza.
Raw sausage won’t cook evenly in the oven.
How do I get a crispy pizza crust at home?
For the crispiest crust, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and use a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet.
Also, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works great.
Just let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.
What’s the best way to prevent cheese from burning before the crust is done?
If your cheese starts browning too quickly, cover the pizza loosely with foil halfway through baking.
You can also place the pizza on a lower oven rack so the crust cooks faster than the cheese.