Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto

Name: Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Cauliflower Pizza Crust by CAULIPOWER®; 3 tomatoes (halved and sliced); ⅓ cup pizza sauce (already prepared); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced); 1 link of fully cooked roasted red pepper and Asiago chicken sausage (sliced into thin rounds); ⅓ cup pesto sauce; ¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves (Optional)

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Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto

Are you craving a delicious and flavorful pizza? Look no further than the Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto. This mouthwatering combination of classic Margherita pizza ingredients, savory sausage, and aromatic pesto will have your taste buds dancing with joy. In this article, we will dive into the origins of Margherita pizza, explore the unique twist of adding sausage and pesto, and provide answers to frequently asked questions about this delectable dish.

The Origins of Margherita Pizza

Before we delve into the tantalizing flavors of Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto, let’s take a moment to appreciate its rich history. Margherita pizza is named after Queen Margherita of Italy, who visited Naples in the late 19th century. Legend has it that renowned Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created this pizza to honor the queen, using ingredients that represented the colors of the Italian flag – red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves.

Since then, Margherita pizza has become a beloved classic all over the world. Its simplicity and fresh flavors make it a timeless favorite among pizza lovers. But why stop at the traditional Margherita pizza? Let’s explore the delightful addition of sausage and pesto.

The Perfect Combination: Sausage and Pesto

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm Margherita pizza with the added richness of savory sausage and the bold flavors of pesto. The juicy sausage brings an extra layer of flavor and texture to the pizza, complementing the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella cheese.

And then there’s the pesto – a vibrant sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The aromatic and herbaceous notes of the pesto perfectly balance the richness of the sausage and add a delightful complexity to every bite.

Together, the sausage and pesto elevate the Margherita pizza to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. It’s a combination that will make your taste buds sing with joy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any type of sausage for Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Whether you opt for spicy Italian sausage or a milder variety, the choice is yours. Just make sure to cook the sausage before adding it to the pizza for optimal flavor.

2. Can I make my own pesto?

Absolutely! Making your own pesto is a great way to customize the flavors to your liking. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to achieve your desired taste.

3. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, using store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option. Look for pre-made pizza dough at your local grocery store or pizzeria. Alternatively, you can also find dough mixes that only require adding water.

4. How long should I bake the pizza?

The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the pizza dough. As a general guideline, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 475°F (245°C), and bake the pizza for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Can I add other toppings to Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto?

Absolutely! Margherita pizza is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Feel free to experiment with additional toppings such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or even olives. Just make sure not to overload the pizza, as the simplicity of the Margherita base should still shine through.

6. Can I make Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto. Simply omit the sausage and load up on additional vegetables such as roasted peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. The pesto will provide plenty of flavor to make up for the absence of meat.

7. Can I freeze Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto?

While it’s best to enjoy Margherita pizza fresh and hot out of the oven, you can freeze any leftover slices for later enjoyment. Wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the pizza in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mozzarella cheese is the traditional choice for Margherita pizza, you can certainly experiment with other cheeses. Try using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick, or swap out the mozzarella for a more flavorful cheese like Gruyere or Fontina. The choice is yours!

In Conclusion

Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto is a delightful twist on the classic Margherita pizza. The addition of savory sausage and aromatic pesto takes this beloved dish to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just looking to enjoy a delicious meal, this combination is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of Margherita pizza with sausage and pesto for yourself?

Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto

Prep15 min

Total30 min

Servings4

Cauliflower Pizza Crust by CAULIPOWER®
3 tomatoes (, halved and sliced)
⅓ cup pizza sauce (already prepared)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (, sliced)
1 link of fully cooked roasted red pepper and Asiago chicken sausage (, sliced into thin rounds)
⅓ cup pesto sauce
¼ cup torn fresh basil leaves (Optional)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Place a few sheets of paper towels and arrange tomato slices on them to soak up any excess moisture.
Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or baking steel.
Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the crust.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
Add the tomato slices and fresh mozzarella cheese, distributing them evenly.
Place the chicken sausage on top.
Dot the pizza with pesto sauce, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust turns golden brown.
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle torn basil on top.
If you have homemade pesto sauce, that’s great, but store-bought works just as well.
If you can’t find fully cooked sausage, feel free to use your favorite type of sausage instead.