It was during a snow storm that my family decided they wanted pizza. Living in the country especially during a snow storm, it’s not easy to run to the store for supplies. Searching through my pantry and refrigerator, it was simple to put together this sausage and tomato pizza. Making homemade dough, pizza sauce, and then topping it with things you have on hand makes pizza making easy, flexible, and it’s great for game day too. You can use any toppings that you like; however, for this one I used Italian sausage, Roma tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses I had in the fridge. Here’s how to make it:
Start by making the pizza dough. Store-bought pizza dough can also be used but you will need 2 of them to cover a 12×17 inch sheet pan. In a stand mixer with the hook attachment or by hand, mix 4 cups of all-purpose unbleached flour and 1 1/4 tsp. salt. In a cup or small bowl, mix 1 envelope of active dry yeast with 1/2 cup warm water and 1/2 tsp. of sugar and stir until dissolved, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Once the yeast is bubbly, add it to the dry mixture along with 1 cup of warm water, 4 Tbl. olive oil, and mix until dough comes together. Mix the dough for 3-4 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead the dough on a floured surface until dough is smooth.
When dough is smooth, rub some olive oil all over the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to sit in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 20-30 minutes. If you are using store-bought pizza dough, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before using because it makes it easier to work the dough.
While the dough is resting, make the pizza sauce. Open a 6 oz. can of basil, oregano, and garlic tomato paste, place it in a bowl or cup and add a 1/2 can of water and stir until well combined and the sauce is done. Add more water if you like it thinner.
Next, get you toppings together. In my case I had a blend of cheeses available such as mozzarella, Colby, and Jack cheeses as well as grated parmesan. There was also a pack of Italian sausage and some roma tomatoes that I used for toppings. The nice thing is that you can use whatever you have available such as ham, pineapple, bacon, green bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, whatever you like. The key is to dry the vegetables or fruit very well before placing on the pizza to avoid making it soggy.
If using sausage, remove the casings from the meat and brown in a nonstick pan and drain off any grease.
If using tomatoes, slice them thinly about 1/4 inch thick and press dry between paper towels.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 12×17 large sheet pan by sprinkling the pan with corn meal.
Once dough has doubled in size, place on the sheet pan and working from the center of the dough, press with fingers outward to stretch the dough to the edges and corners of the pan. If using store-bought dough, combine 2 of them together and press toward the edges of the pan.
After the dough is spread out on the sheet pan, cover with the prepared sauce.
Next, sprinkle 4 cups of grated cheese all over the sauce (I had a mix of Mozzarella, Colby, and Jack). Then, sprinkle on a 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese all over.
Top the cheeses with cooked, drained sausage and arrange the sliced tomatoes over the top.
Bake in a 400 degree preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
This recipe makes 12 medium slices of pizza and making two Sheet Pan Pizzas can feed a crowd. Sheet Pan Pizza is great for game day, parties, or anytime. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Prep Time: 30-40 min (less if using store-bought pizza dough)
Cooking Time: 400 degree oven for 25-35 min
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Makes 12 med slices
You will need: 12×17 inch sheet pan 400 degree preheated oven
Ingredients:
For the dough: Note* If using store-bought dough you will need 2
4 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 envelope active dry yeast mixed with 1/2 cup warm water & 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 cup warm water
4 Tbl. Olive oil plus more to grease the dough
For the sauce: (You can purchase store-bought sauce is you wish)
1 6 oz. can basil, oregano, & garlic tomato paste
1/2 can of water (more if you like a thinner sauce)
Toppings: (Use whatever toppings you like, the following are what I used)
1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed, browned & drained
4 Roma tomatoes thinly sliced & dried on paper towels
4 cups of grated cheese such as mozzarella, Colby, Jack, or whatever you have on hand.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Corn meal to sprinkle on sheet pan