There's something about a classic sausage pizza https://madeinnewyorkpizza.com/that makes it a perennial favorite for pizza lovers worldwide. With its rich, savory flavor, satisfying textures, and the perfect balance of seasonings, sausage pizza brings together simple ingredients that never fail to deliver. If you’re craving a pizza that combines the best of Italian flavors, look no further than sausage pizza made with tomatoes, mozzarella, pecorino, oregano, and sweet Italian sausage. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this pizza so irresistible.
A traditional sausage pizza isn’t overly complicated, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering pizza:
1. Tomatoes (and tomato sauce)
The foundation of every great pizza starts with a good tomato sauce. The bright, tangy flavor of ripe tomatoes serves as the perfect contrast to the richness of mozzarella and sausage. A simple sauce of crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt is all you need to add a touch of freshness and tang. Some variations even include a blend of fresh tomatoes placed directly on the dough before adding the sauce. This gives the pizza an extra layer of natural tomato goodness, making every bite a little more vibrant.
2. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is the quintessential pizza cheese. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor make it the perfect base for any topping. When mozzarella melts, it becomes gooey and golden, adding just the right amount of elasticity and richness. It balances out the sharpness of the sausage, harmonizing the flavors of the pizza and helping everything stick together for the perfect slice.
3. Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino is a hard, salty Italian cheese that packs a punch. Made from sheep's milk, it has a sharp and savory profile that contrasts beautifully with the softer mozzarella. When sprinkled on top of a pizza, pecorino adds an extra layer of depth and richness, enhancing the savory flavors of the sausage and tomato. It's the cheese that takes a pizza from plain to fancy, adding that special Italian flair.
4. Oregano
Oregano is a staple of Italian cuisine and an essential seasoning for any pizza. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor gives pizza a wonderfully aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the sausage and tomato. Whether it’s fresh or dried, oregano is sprinkled on top of the pizza just before baking, helping to bring out the best in the other ingredients. It’s an integral part of what gives sausage pizza its signature flavor.
5. Sweet Italian Sausage
The star of the show! Sweet Italian sausage is what makes this pizza so flavorful. Typically made from pork seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices like fennel, garlic, and paprika, it gives it a distinctive savory, slightly sweet flavor. When crumbled and scattered over the pizza, the sausage releases its juices, infusing the pizza with rich, meaty goodness. The sausage’s natural sweetness also complements the tang of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheeses, creating a balanced and satisfying bite every time.
Sausage pizza is a timeless classic that offers the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and herby flavors. The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, pecorino, oregano, and sweet Italian sausage creates a pizza that feels both hearty and flavorful. Whether you're making it for a casual dinner, a weekend treat, or a pizza party with friends, sausage pizza is always a crowd pleaser.