Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza

Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza — Easy, Crispy, and Loaded with Flavor

Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for pizza lovers who want all the flavor of a classic pizza without the fuss of individually stretching dough or waiting for a pizzeria-style bake. By using a sheet pan, this recipe gives you a perfectly crispy crust, evenly melted cheese, and hearty toppings all in one pan.

This style of pizza is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply enjoying a hassle-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Unlike traditional pizzas baked on a pizza stone or round pan, the sheet pan method ensures even baking and a golden-brown crust with minimal effort.

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Why Sheet Pan Pizza Works

Sheet Pan Pizza has gained popularity for several reasons:

Convenience:
You can assemble the pizza on the pan and bake it in the oven without needing specialized pizza stones or tools.

Even Cooking:
The flat, wide surface of a sheet pan ensures the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy without burning.

Customizable:
Toppings can be adjusted to your preference. This recipe features sausage as the star, but you can mix in vegetables, herbs, and multiple cheeses.

Family-Friendly:
It’s a crowd-pleaser and easy to slice into squares for serving, making it perfect for kids, parties, or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

To make one large sheet pan sausage pizza, you’ll need:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone or cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), cooked and sliced or crumbled
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
• Fresh basil, for garnish

These ingredients provide a hearty, flavorful pizza that combines savory sausage, gooey cheese, and a crisp, golden crust.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). A hot oven is key to achieving a crispy crust while keeping the cheese perfectly melted.

2. Prepare the Dough

Roll or press your pizza dough into a rectangle or square that fits your sheet pan. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to relax the gluten, then continue shaping. Brush the surface lightly with olive oil to enhance browning.

3. Cook the Sausage

Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Crumble or slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that the sausage is cooked through before baking, so it doesn’t release too much grease onto the pizza during baking.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Spread a thin layer of pizza or marinara sauce over the prepared dough. Sprinkle mozzarella and optional provolone or cheddar evenly over the sauce. Top with cooked sausage, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Finish by sprinkling dried oregano or Italian seasoning for added flavor.

5. Bake Until Golden

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

6. Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice into squares or rectangles directly on the sheet pan for casual serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza

Pre-Cook Meats:
Always cook sausage or other meats before adding them to the pizza. This ensures proper cooking and prevents excess grease from pooling on the dough.

Crispier Crust:
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5–7 minutes before adding toppings. This prevents sogginess and gives a firm base for the toppings.

Even Cheese Distribution:
Spread cheese evenly across the pizza so every bite has a perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and toppings.

Don’t Overload Toppings:
Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and make the pizza soggy. Stick to moderate amounts for the best texture.

Sheet Pan Choice:
A rimmed sheet pan works best. Lightly grease the pan or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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Variations and Ideas

Vegetable Lovers:
Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or artichokes for a vegetable-packed sheet pan pizza.

Spicy Sausage:
Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

Cheese Blend:
Mix mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor.

Mini Sheet Pan Pizzas:
Cut dough into smaller rectangles for individual sheet pan pizzas, perfect for kids or customizable portions.

BBQ Sheet Pan Pizza:
Swap traditional tomato sauce for barbecue sauce and top with cooked chicken and red onions for a BBQ twist.

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Serving Suggestions

Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A fresh green salad for a lighter accompaniment
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for extra indulgence
• Dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter
• Iced tea, soda, or wine depending on the occasion

Because of its simple serving style (cutting into squares), it’s perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

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Storage and Reheating

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, until warmed and cheese is melty
• Skillet: Medium heat for 3–5 minutes with a lid to prevent drying
• Microwave: Quick, but crust may soften slightly

For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for best results.

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Why Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza Works

This recipe works because it balances flavor, convenience, and texture:

• Pre-cooked sausage provides savory, flavorful bites
• Moderate cheese melts evenly without creating a soggy pizza
• Sheet pan ensures a golden, crispy crust
• Balanced toppings prevent the pizza from becoming too heavy or greasy

The result is a pizza that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is simple enough to make at home, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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Final Thoughts

Sheet Pan Sausage Pizza is a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines convenience with classic pizza flavors. Its golden crust, melted cheese, and savory sausage make it a satisfying and fun meal for the whole family.

Whether you stick to this classic version or experiment with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses, the sheet pan method ensures perfect results every time. This pizza is quick to assemble, easy to serve, and fun to enjoy, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

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Notes

1. Pre-cook all meats to avoid soggy toppings.
2. Moderate cheese for balanced texture.
3. Pre-bake dough if you prefer a crispier crust.
4. Sheet pan choice matters: rimmed pans prevent spilling.
5. Customize toppings freely for your favorite combination.