Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty thick-crust pizza loaded with savory sausage and melting cheese on a fluffy dough base, perfect for a filling homemade meal. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 100 minutes blends all-purpose flour, warm water, dry yeast into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 80 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 7 g dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 180 ml warm water. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. Mix 300 g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl, then add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Remove casing from 150 g raw pork sausage and crumble it into a skillet. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out dough to about 35 cm diameter and transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread 120 ml tomato sauce evenly, sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Distribute cooked sausage evenly over the sauce, then top with 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-18 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and browned in spots. Slice and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (80 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Thick-Crust Sausage and Cheese Pizza with Tomato Sauce?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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