If you’re craving a slice of something truly unique and bursting with flavor, the Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the crispy edges of golden pizza dough layered with vibrant basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, tender thin potato slices, and perfectly seasoned Italian sausage—this combination elevates every bite to a joyful explosion of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking to surprise your dinner guests or indulge in a comforting homemade meal, this pizza delivers that cozy yet exciting feeling that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the full character of the Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the fresh basil pesto that brightens up the base to the thinly sliced potatoes that bring an unexpected but delightful texture and heartiness to this pie.
- 1 pound pizza dough: A sturdy yet tender foundation to hold all the delicious toppings.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto: Provides fresh, herbaceous flavor that infuses the pizza with brightness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1 medium Yukon Gold potato (thinly sliced): Adds subtle creaminess and a unique twist compared to typical pizza toppings.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick that balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven for delightful texture.
- 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage (crumbled): Brings savory, spiced warmth to every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish right before serving.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A fresh, green pop of color and flavor to brighten the pizza.
How to Make Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dough
Start by heating your oven to 475°F and placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get it sizzling hot. This step is crucial because a super hot surface helps you get that crispy, bubbling crust everyone loves. While the oven warms, roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rough 12-inch circle—don’t worry about perfection here; rustic shapes always taste better!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper for easy maneuvering later. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the surface, but leave about an inch border around the edges free—this ensures the crust can puff up nicely. Next, sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella over the pesto, which will serve as a melty layer that keeps the toppings cohesive.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Sausage
Toss your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure even cooking and seasoning. Layer these slices carefully on top of the mozzarella; this step adds a wonderful tender bite and a subtle creaminess. After the potatoes, scatter the crumbled cooked Italian sausage evenly over the pizza, then finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella to hold everything together once it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Using the parchment paper, carefully slide the entire pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is just golden and cheese bubbles up invitingly. This timing is perfect for making sure the potatoes are tender and the sausage is piping hot.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
When you pull your pizza from the oven, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves to add flavor and visual appeal. Slice, serve, and prepare for the happy sighs that follow each bite.
How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves on top are a must—they not only give a burst of freshness but also add a lovely vibrant color that contrasts with the golden crust and melted cheese. If you want a bit more zing, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also be delightful.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. The acidity in the salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and sausage perfectly. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also balance the heartiness of this pizza beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pizza on a wooden pizza peel or a rustic cutting board for that cozy, homemade vibe. You can even accompany it with small bowls of extra pesto or chili flakes so everyone can customize their slices just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to place parchment or wax paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for later, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month and makes a fantastic quick meal when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in a hot skillet or in the oven at 375°F to bring back crispness to the crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and consider adding flavorful veggies like roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms to keep that hearty satisfaction.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes thinly?
A mandoline slicer works wonders here, providing uniform thin slices that cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the oven.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe and can save you time while still delivering great results.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free pizza dough alternative, just make sure it’s suitable for high-heat baking to maintain the crust’s texture.
How spicy is the sausage in this recipe?
The Italian sausage used here is savory with a mild seasoning—if you prefer more heat, look for spicy sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe enough, especially if you love pizza with a twist and layers of flavors that surprise and comfort you all at once. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try, and get ready to have a new favorite pizza in your recipe rotation!
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Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is a flavorful homemade pizza featuring a crispy crust topped with fresh basil pesto, thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, savory Italian sausage, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines the earthy taste of potatoes with vibrant pesto and hearty sausage.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch round shape. Transfer the rolled dough to a piece of parchment paper to allow easy transfer to the oven.
- Add pesto and cheese: Spread 1/2 cup of basil pesto evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto.
- Prepare and add potatoes: Toss the thinly sliced Yukon Gold potato with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to season. Layer the potato slices evenly on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add sausage and remaining cheese: Crumble the cooked Italian sausage evenly over the potato layer, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves over the top. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute with roasted red peppers or mushrooms.
- Use a mandoline slicer to ensure evenly thin potato slices for uniform cooking.
- Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet is essential for a crisp crust.
