Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza

There’s something undeniably satisfying about making your own pizza from scratch. The aroma of fresh dough rising, the sizzle of toppings in the oven, and the anticipation of pulling a bubbling pie out of the oven create an experience that’s hard to beat. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza, a delightful combination of savory sausage and earthy mushrooms that will have everyone around your table asking for seconds.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

This Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza is a hit for several reasons. First, the crust is perfectly chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal canvas for toppings. Second, the combination of seasoned sausage and sautéed mushrooms creates a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Lastly, this recipe is flexible—you can easily adjust the toppings to suit your family’s preferences or use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.

The Essentials

To make the perfect Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups bread flour, plus more for kneading and rolling
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 envelope instant yeast (I use Red Star Platinum Yeast)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl and drizzle
• Your choice of Italian sausage, crumbled
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

To ensure your pizza-making adventure goes smoothly, gather these essential tools:

• Large mixing bowl – for combining the dough ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper – for mixing and kneading.
• Rolling pin – to roll out your pizza dough to the desired thickness.
• Baking sheet or pizza stone – for baking your pizza.
• Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Skillet – for cooking the sausage and mushrooms.
• Oven – preheated to the right temperature for baking.

Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 envelope of instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add 1 ½ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Cook the Sausage and Mushrooms

While the dough is rising, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add your choice of crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and add sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing until tender.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Step 7: Shape the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas, or keep it whole for a larger pizza. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness.

Step 8: Assemble the Pizza

Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or onto a preheated pizza stone. Spread marinara sauce over the surface, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, and mushrooms evenly on top.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil on top if desired. Slice and serve hot!

Year-Round Variations

This Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza is versatile, allowing you to switch things up based on the season or your preferences. Here are some delicious variations:

• Swap the sausage for spicy pepperoni or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
• Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, gorgonzola, or goat cheese for a gourmet touch.
• For a unique twist, try a barbecue sauce base instead of marinara for a smoky flavor.

What I Learned Testing

Through testing this Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza recipe, I discovered a few key tips:

• Using bread flour gives the crust a delightful chewiness that all-purpose flour simply can’t match.
• The quality of your sausage matters—choose a brand that you enjoy eating on its own for the best flavor.
• Don’t rush the rising process; a well-risen dough will yield a lighter, airier crust.
• Preheating your baking surface is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza, don’t worry! Here are a few ideas for storage and meal prep:

• Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• You can freeze unbaked pizza dough; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Make mini pizzas using the same dough recipe for easy meal prep; they freeze beautifully and can be topped with any ingredients you have on hand!

Ask the Chef

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour, the texture will be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives the crust a chewier texture. If you’re after that classic pizza crust, stick with bread flour.

How do I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy crust, be sure to pre-bake your dough for a few minutes before adding sauce and toppings. Also, avoid overloading your pizza with toppings, as excess moisture can lead to sogginess.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices; just wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

If you’re hungry for more delicious recipes and tips, check out these favorites:

Hungry for More?

If you enjoyed this Homemade Sausage Mushroom Pizza, I invite you to explore more of my recipes that celebrate the joy of cooking. From sweet treats to comforting dinner options, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t forget to share your pizza-making adventures with friends and family, and enjoy the delicious results of your labor!