If you’ve ever wanted a quick, satisfying pizza dinner without the fuss of rolling out individual crusts or babysitting multiple pans, this Sheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is an absolute game changer. Layered with savory Italian sausage and gooey mozzarella, all baked on one convenient sheet pan, it’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together faster than you’d expect. Whether it’s a family weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this pizza hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to unlocking the magic of this recipe. Each plays an essential role — from the rich sausage that adds a hearty punch to the mozzarella that blankets the pizza in melty goodness. The basics are straightforward but deliver on all fronts: taste, texture, and appealing color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps crisp up the crust and sausage.
- Ground sweet or mild Italian sausage (3/4 pounds): Brings savory meatiness with a delicate spice that’s perfect for pizza.
- Pizza dough (16 ounces): Your canvas — soft, airy, and perfect for stretching to fit the sheet pan.
- Cornmeal (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled on the pan to give the crust a slight crunch and prevent sticking.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): The vibrant tomato base that brightens and balances the rich toppings.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded, divided): The star cheese, creamy and gooey in just the right amount.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks into small pieces. Let it brown evenly, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the pizza from getting greasy, then set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sheet Pan and Dough
Grease your 13×9-inch sheet pan with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle the cornmeal evenly over the surface to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough, stretching it gently to fit the pan’s dimensions. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax gluten strands, then try again for an easy-to-handle dough base.
Step 3: Layer the Sauce and Cheese
Spread the pizza sauce in an even layer over the stretched dough, leaving a small border around the edges for a lovely crust. Next, sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella right on top of the sauce, ensuring you get good coverage so each bite will be cheesy and rich.
Step 4: Add Sausage and Finish with Cheese
Distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the first cheese layer, making sure every slice will have a hearty portion of that flavorful meat. Then, top everything off with the remaining mozzarella cheese to create a beautifully gooey blanket of melty goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the sheet pan pizza into your preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly, starting to brown slightly, and the crust is golden and cooked through, it’s ready. Let it cool about 5 minutes before slicing — this rest time helps keep the cheese intact when you serve.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pizza experience with fresh garnishes like torn basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These touches add color, a hint of freshness, and a subtle kick that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Simple sides complement this hearty pizza beautifully. Consider crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to lighten the meal while still keeping it satisfying. Garlic knots or a bowl of soup also pair wonderfully for a full dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Sheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe can be as casual or elegant as you like. Cut into squares for easy sharing at parties, or place slices on individual plates with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs for a cozy family dinner. Even offering dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara elevates the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, giving you quick lunches or dinners with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep your sheet pan pizza longer, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese regains its melty charm. This approach keeps the crust crispier than microwaving, which can sometimes make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage adds a wonderful kick if you love a bit of heat. Just keep in mind it will change the overall flavor profile, so adjust other seasonings accordingly.
Is store-bought pizza dough okay to use?
Definitely! Using store-bought dough makes this recipe even easier without compromising on taste. Just let it come to room temperature before stretching for best results.
Can I add extra toppings to this sheet pan pizza?
Of course. Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives. Add vegetables after the sausage is cooked to keep everything flavorful and well-cooked.
What if I don’t have cornmeal for the pan?
Cornmeal is great for texture and preventing sticking, but you can skip it or use flour sparingly instead. Just make sure the pan is well oiled.
How thick should the dough be stretched?
A thickness of about 1/4 inch works perfectly for this recipe — thin enough to get crispy edges but thick enough to hold the toppings and still be soft inside.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is truly a wonderful find for anyone craving homemade pizza with minimal hassle. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and again. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the joy of baking your own perfect pizza right on a single sheet pan!
PrintSheet Pan Pizza with Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
This Sheet Pan Pizza recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade pizza in just 35 minutes. Featuring a delicious combination of Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce atop a crispy crust, it’s perfect for feeding a family with minimal effort. Using store-bought dough and sauce simplifies the process, making it a convenient weeknight meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 3/4 pounds ground sweet or mild Italian sausage
Dough & Base
- 16 ounces pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for the pan
Sauce & Cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the pizza to a crispy, golden finish.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and break it into small pieces, cooking until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat and set cooked sausage aside.
- Prepare the Sheet Pan: Grease a 13×9-inch sheet pan with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle an even layer of cornmeal across the pan to prevent the dough from sticking during baking.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough and gently stretch it to fit the sheet pan. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5 minutes and then stretch again to the pan’s edges.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Evenly layer the cooked sausage on top of the cheese, then finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is thoroughly cooked and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade sheet pan pizza!
Notes
- Store leftover sheet pan pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allowing the dough to rest if it resists stretching helps achieve an even crust.
- Use mild or sweet Italian sausage according to your flavor preference.
- You can add extra toppings like vegetables or different cheeses if desired.
