Pizza With Brussels Sprouts Sausage Recipe

I absolutely love this pizza recipe because it’s the perfect fusion of classic comfort and gourmet flair, with the savory sausage and slightly crispy Brussels sprouts complementing the gooey mozzarella to perfection. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating a delicious homemade pie with fresh ingredients that beats any takeout, and it’s a total hit every time I share it with friends!

Unique flavor combinations are my passion, and this Pizza with Brussels Sprouts and Sausage is a perfect specimen. I start with 1 pound of pizza dough, which I roll out to about 14 inches in diameter.

That gives me a sturdy base for my wonderfully rich layer of marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella. But the real stars of this show are the Brussels sprouts and Italian sausage.

Not only do they balance each other (the sprouts have enough green flavor to qualify as a vegetable, while the sausage has enough fat and spice to qualify as a fantastic meat), but they also balance textures.

Ingredients

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Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and put a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to warm up.

2. On a surface that is lightly dusted with flour, roll out the pizza dough until it achieves the thickness you prefer.

3. Evenly distribute the marinara sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small margin for the crust.

4. Spread evenly the sliced mozzarella cheese over the dough that is covered with sauce.

5. In a frying pan over a medium flame, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until it is nicely browned and fully cooked. As it cooks, break it into smaller pieces.

6. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts for 3–4 minutes until they are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

7. Spread the cooked sausage and Brussels sprouts over the mozzarella cheese on the pizza.

8. Gently move the pizza to the stone or baking sheet that you have already put in the oven to preheat and bake it for 10 to 12 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles.

9. Take the pizza out of the oven. Immediately after, grate the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it right on top, along with the fresh oregano leaves.

10. Let the pizza rest for a few moments before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or baking sheet
3. Rolling pin
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Frying pan
7. Stove
8. Spatula or cooking spoon
9. Grater
10. Measuring spoons
11. Flour sifter or shaker (optional for dusting surface)
12. Pizza peel or large flat spatula (optional for transferring pizza)

FAQ

• Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure it’s properly thawed if it’s frozen.
• Do I have to remove the sausage casing? Yes, removing the casing allows you to crumble and evenly distribute the sausage over the pizza.
• How do I prepare the Brussels sprouts? Wash and thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. They should be shredded much like cabbage for coleslaw to ensure they cook evenly.
• Can I use another type of cheese? While fresh mozzarella offers a classic taste and texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Is there a substitute for fresh oregano? If fresh oregano isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano instead.
• How can I make this pizza spicier? To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
• What can I use instead of Italian sausage? Chicken sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative can be used for a different flavor or dietary preference.

Substitutions and Variations

For a low-carb alternative, use a cauliflower crust instead of pizza dough.
Replace marinara sauce with pesto to experience the flavor of a different sauce.
Substitute smoked gouda or provolone cheese for mozzarella for a unique twist.
Substitute chicken sausage for Italian sausage or make it a vegetarian dish by simply leaving the sausage out.
Choose kale over Brussels sprouts for a different texture and taste.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook the Brussels Sprouts Before adding the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with olive oil, lightly steaming them for a couple of minutes can help soften them further and bring out their flavor. Pat them dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

2. Use a Pizza Peel with Cornmeal If you have a pizza peel, sprinkle it with cornmeal or semolina flour before transferring the dough from your work surface to the oven. This will help slide the pizza onto the stone or baking sheet more easily without sticking.

3. Extra Cheese Touch For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a few drops of balsamic reduction on top of the pizza after sprinkling the Parmesan and oregano. The sweetness complements the savory flavors beautifully.

4. Even Toppings Distribution When spreading the sausage and Brussels sprouts on the pizza, make sure to distribute them evenly. This ensures that every slice has a balanced combination of toppings.

5. Experiment with the Cheese Melt If you prefer a slightly caramelized mozzarella topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning.