Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe

This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe is an absolute game changer when it comes to pizza night. Imagine the nutty, herbaceous burst of pesto layered under tender sautéed potatoes and savory Italian sausage, all crowned with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on a perfectly golden crust. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and a little fancy at the same time. Every bite is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to something truly special, making this recipe a new favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe is super straightforward, but each one plays an essential role. From the pillowy pizza dough to the fresh basil garnish, everything comes together to create layers of flavor that feel vibrant and satisfying.

• Pizza dough: Use store-bought for ease or homemade if you want to impress with that fresh-from-scratch flair.
• Olive oil: This adds a lovely richness for sautéing the potatoes and helps the crust develop a golden finish.
• Potatoes: Thinly sliced to cook evenly; their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crisp crust and cheesy toppings.
• Italian sausage: Removes the casing for easy crumbling and provides a hearty, flavorful meat element.
• Pesto: Whether store-bought or homemade, it acts as the vibrant, herbaceous base sauce that ties the pizza together.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey layer we all crave.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that enhances depth and complexity.
• Fresh basil leaves: A final fresh touch to brighten up each bite and add color to your presentation.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to make those flavors pop.

How to Make Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). It’ll help ensure your crust turns out perfectly crispy. Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper to keep things from sticking and to help with easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced potatoes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes until they achieve a slight golden tint but remain tender. This step is key for getting that lovely soft bite in your pizza’s topping layer.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Using the same pan (to keep those wonderful flavors), crumble and cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Breaking it into small pieces helps distribute that savory sausage flavor evenly across your pizza. Drain any excess fat to keep the pizza from getting greasy.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough to your desired thickness. I tend to go for medium thickness to get that golden crust that still holds all the toppings nicely. Transfer the rolled dough onto your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone, ready for assembly.

Step 5: Spread the Pesto

Using about half a cup of pesto, spread it evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust to puff up beautifully in the oven. This herbaceous spread is where your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe really shines.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Sausage

Arrange your sautéed potatoes over the pesto in a beautiful, even layer. Follow up by sprinkling the cooked sausage pieces on top. This layering ensures every slice gets a little bit of those star toppings.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over your toppings, then finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses melt together forming that perfect golden, bubbly finish that makes pizza so irresistible.

Step 8: Bake

Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly – a surefire sign of pizza perfection.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove your pizza from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves for that punch of freshness and vibrant green color. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your delicious labor!

How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are the classic and perfect garnish for this pizza, adding a subtle aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness. You might also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or drizzle a touch of good quality olive oil just before serving to add shine and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the rich flavors. For something heartier, roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans make a lovely side without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe as a sharing platter at your next gathering. Cut into smaller squares for a fun appetizer-style presentation. Or layer some arugula salad on top after baking for a pizza-salad hybrid that adds peppery crunch and extra color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day slices another treat.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping slices individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When properly stored, it can last up to 2 months without losing too much flavor or texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your pizza is in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to revive the crisp crust and warm the toppings without making them soggy. You can also use an oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of thinly sliced ones?

Thin slicing is key because it ensures the potatoes cook through evenly and quickly on the pizza. Thicker cuts might remain undercooked or ruin the texture balance.

Is it okay to substitute sausage with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken sausage works well, and even vegetarian sausage options can be delicious if you want a twist or to lighten the dish.

Can I make the pesto from scratch?

Yes, homemade pesto adds incredible freshness and personal flair. A simple blend of basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil will do the trick beautifully.

What kind of cheese works best for this pizza?

Mozzarella is essential for meltability and stretch, while Parmesan adds that savory punch. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina or provolone if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Preheating the oven well and using a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps. Also, make sure to sauté the potatoes first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pizza.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe that makes it a standout crowd-pleaser. It’s a beautiful mix of rustic and refined elements all baked into one unforgettable pie. Whether you’re feeding friends or just treating yourself, this pizza promises to become a fast favorite that you return to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at pizza the same way!

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