Sausage Feta Honey Pizza Recipe
Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, tangy feta cheese, and a sweet honey drizzle atop a crispy homemade pizza crust. Perfectly balanced with caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh basil, this pizza offers a unique flavor combination that is both comforting and gourmet.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 medium pizzas (12-inch each) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Pizza Dough
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
Topping
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust with flour or water to get the right dough consistency—slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, turning to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Use one half immediately and store the other properly for later use.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook until soft and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, careful not to burn it.
- Season Topping: Remove skillet from heat; season the sausage and onion mixture with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone or baking steel in oven if available for a crispier crust.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll or stretch the dough portion into a 12-inch circle or your preferred shape.
- Transfer Dough: Move the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel if using a stone.
- Oil Crust: Brush the dough surface lightly with olive oil to keep crust crisp and flavorful.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread the sausage and onion mixture over the dough, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Bake Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Add Honey Drizzle: Remove the pizza from the oven and generously drizzle with honey to balance savory flavors with sweetness.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh chopped basil and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is fresh and water temperature is between 105-115°F for proper activation.
- You can freeze the unused dough half for up to 1 month.
- Use a pizza stone or steel for a crispier crust if possible.
- Adjust honey amount based on your sweetness preference.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice subtle heat.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to set the toppings before slicing.
Keywords: pizza, sausage pizza, feta cheese, honey drizzle, homemade pizza dough, caramelized onions, Italian sausage, savory pizza