If you love pizza as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat! This Margherita pizza with sausage adn pesto is a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine a crispy crust topped with gooey cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a deliciously herby pesto – it’s the perfect meal for any occasion! So, let’s get cooking and create something delicious together!

Cook Time: 15

Prep Time: 15

Yields: 1

Calories: 480

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto

Creating the perfect Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that come together too make a delightful meal. Here’s what you’ll need to craft this tasty dish:

1 CAULIPOWER® Cauliflower Pizza Crust

A great base that’s gluten-free and loaded with flavor. You can use a regular pizza crust if you prefer.

3 ripe tomatoes, halved and sliced

Fresh tomatoes add juicy sweetness that balances the savory toppings.

⅓ cup prepared pizza sauce

This sauce ties all the flavors together.You can use your favorite brand or even make your own for a personal touch.

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

This classic cheese melts beautifully, giving your pizza that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese,sliced

Adding fresh mozzarella enhances the flavor and creates a delightful,creamy layer.

1 link fully cooked roasted red pepper and Asiago chicken sausage, sliced into thin rounds

This sausage adds a savory kick and pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients.

⅓ cup pesto sauce

pesto brings a burst of flavor. I love using homemade pesto, but store-bought works just fine.

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (Optional)

If you have fresh basil on hand, it adds a gorgeous herbal aroma and extra flavor after baking.

Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a delicious pizza night. Let’s move on to the fun part – making it!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crafting Your Margherita Pizza

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to make this Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This is key for getting that crispy crust!

Prepare the tomatoes by arranging the halved and sliced tomatoes on a few sheets of paper towels. This will help absorb excess moisture,ensuring your pizza doesn’t get soggy.

place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or baking steel. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust,making sure every bite is flavorful.

Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the prepared tomato slices and fresh mozzarella. Don’t be shy with the cheese!

Add the sliced chicken sausage evenly across the pizza. This is where you get that savory goodness.

Drizzle the pesto sauce over the top, creating little pockets of flavor throughout the pizza.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or untill the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.The aroma will be mouthwatering!

Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle torn basil leaves on top for a fresh finish.

and there you have it—your delicious Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto is ready to be enjoyed. Don’t forget to slice it up and serve it hot!

Serving and Storage Information for Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto

Once you’ve crafted your Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto, it’s time to enjoy it! This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. Here’s how to serve and store your pizza:

Serving Suggestions:

Slice It Up: I reccommend cutting your pizza into 8 slices for easy sharing.Serve it hot right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
Pair it With: A fresh side salad or some garlic bread can complement your pizza beautifully. You can also offer a dipping sauce, like homemade marinara or a simple balsamic reduction, to enhance the experience.
Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle extra fresh basil on top right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Storage Tips:

Leftovers: If you have any pizza left over, allow it to cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To keep your pizza longer, slice it and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your pizza can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, reheat it in the oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Using the oven helps retain that crunchy crust.

Following these serving and storage tips will help you get the most out of your delicious Margherita pizza!

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Your Margherita Pizza

making a pizza can seem straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure your Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto turns out perfectly every time.

Recipe Notes:

Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes makes a world of difference in flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Pesto Sauce: If you have the time, try making your own pesto at home. It’s simple and tastes far superior to store-bought versions. Just blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil!
Sausage Alternatives: Feel free to swap the chicken sausage with your favorite type of fully cooked sausage. Italian sausage or a spicy variety can give a nice kick!

Troubleshooting Tips:

Soggy Crust: If your pizza crust turns out soggy, be sure to pat the tomatoes dry before adding them, and bake it long enough to achieve that golden color.
Cheese Not Melting: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Using a pizza stone can also help achieve that perfect melt.
Ingredients Falling Off: to keep your toppings in place, press them down slightly before baking and avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings.

With these notes and troubleshooting tips in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to make the best Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto! Enjoy your cooking journey!