Sausage and Peppers Pizza Recipe: Classic Homemade Flavor

Rich seasoned meat, crisp vegetables, and gooey cheese meld into a flavor-packed slice.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 16, 2025

Rich seasoned meat, crisp vegetables, and gooey cheese meld into a flavor-packed slice.

Introduction to Sausage and Peppers Pizza

Sausage and peppers pizza is a time-tested favorite, combining the hearty flavors of Italian sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers and a tangy kick from pickled banana peppers for a memorable meal. This recipe walks you through every step—from preparing the dough to layering on bold toppings and baking to golden perfection—ensuring a pizza that rivals even the best pizzerias. Whether you’re entertaining or looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please.

What Makes This Pizza Special

The combination of sweet Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, sweet baby bell peppers, and pickled banana peppers creates a balance of flavors and textures that is hard to beat. The sausage provides a savory, meaty foundation, while the peppers add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. A finishing sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together, and serving with a simple green salad rounds out the meal perfectly.

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) can tomato puree – Forms the base for the sauce.
1/2 tsp dried oregano – Adds Italian flair to the sauce.
1 garlic clove, grated – For a subtle, savory note.
1/2 tsp kosher salt – Enhances flavors throughout.
1/8 tsp black pepper – Adds mild spice.
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for cooking and coating.
12 ounces sweet Italian sausage – The star of the pizza.
8 ounces baby bell peppers, thinly sliced into rings – Sweet and colorful.
2 pounds refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature – For the crust.
8 ounces fresh whole-milk mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced – For melty goodness.
1/4 cup sliced pickled banana peppers – For a tangy bite.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The finishing touch.
Green salad, for serving – Balances the meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 500°F. In a medium bowl, combine tomato puree, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink (about 4–5 minutes). Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside.
Toss the Peppers: In a separate bowl, toss the baby bell peppers with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
Prepare the Dough: Spread the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Stretch the pizza dough on the baking sheet to reach the edges. Make sure the dough is at room temperature so it stretches easily.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread the tomato puree mixture on the dough. Top with the sliced mozzarella, cooked sausage, baby bell peppers, pickled banana peppers, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown around the edges and the cheese has melted and started to brown, about 20–22 minutes.
Serve: Let the pizza sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza

Room Temperature Dough: If the dough is too cold, it will be difficult to stretch and may shrink during baking.
Even Topping Distribution: Spread the toppings evenly to ensure every slice is packed with flavor.
High Heat: Baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crisp, golden crust. If your oven doesn’t go to 500°F, use the highest available setting.
Customize to Taste: Swap sausage for a different protein, add mushrooms or olives, or experiment with cheese varieties.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe was crafted for ease, flavor, and visual appeal. The use of ready-made pizza dough saves time without sacrificing quality, and the combination of fresh and pickled peppers adds both sweetness and tang. The balance of mozzarella and Parmesan ensures a rich, gooey center and a crispy, flavorful edge—hallmarks of excellent pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Homemade Dough?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for refrigerated pizza dough for convenience, homemade dough can be used for an even more authentic experience. Just ensure it’s at room temperature for easy stretching.

Can I Substitute the Sausage?

If you prefer chicken, turkey, or a plant-based sausage, feel free to substitute. The cooking method remains the same, but the flavor will change accordingly.

What If I Can’t Find Baby Bell Peppers?

Regular bell peppers, cut into thin strips, make a fine substitute. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or in a skillet to preserve the crust’s crispness.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate dietary needs. The flavor profile will be different, but the pizza will still be satisfying.

Nutrition and Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves 6–8 people, depending on appetite. Each slice offers protein from the sausage and cheese, vitamins from the peppers, and carbohydrates from the crust. The olive oil adds healthy fats. For a lighter meal, serve with a green salad on the side.

Variations and Creative Twists

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, olives, and artichokes.
Different Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a blend for a unique flavor.
Caramelized Onions: Sauté onions until golden and add to the toppings for sweetness.

Conclusion

This sausage and peppers pizza recipe is a foolproof way to bring restaurant-quality pizza into your kitchen. With a crisp crust, savory sausage, sweet and tangy peppers, and gooey cheese, each bite is a celebration of classic Italian-American flavors. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special game-day treat, this pizza is sure to become a household favorite.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb