Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hand-stretched pizza topped with spicy Italian sausage, roasted bell peppers, and melted mozzarella baked in a wood-fired style. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 32 minutes pairs pizza dough, Italian sausage, casing removed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for 45 minutes to mimic wood-fired heat.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until peppers soften but retain some crunch. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  4. Step 4: Roll out 12 oz pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12-inch diameter. Spread 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough.
  5. Step 5: Scatter cooked sausage, sautéed peppers, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Transfer pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with 6 fresh basil leaves torn over the top. Slice and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza?

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 Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza?

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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