Cafeteria-Style Sausage Pizza

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Cafeteria-Style Sausage Pizza: A Taste of Nostalgia!

Get ready to recreate a beloved classic with this Cafeteria-Style Sausage Pizza! This recipe delivers that perfect nostalgic experience: a satisfyingly thick crust, rich pizza sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and savory, browned Italian sausage. It’s comfort food at its finest, bringing back memories of school days or your favorite local pizza joint, but with the delicious freshness of a homemade meal.

This pizza isn’t about fancy toppings or gourmet flair; it’s about robust, straightforward flavor and a wonderfully satisfying texture. The substantial crust provides the perfect base for the hearty sausage and cheese, making every slice a truly fulfilling bite. It’s perfect for a fun family dinner, a casual get-together, or when you just crave a slice of simple, cheesy, meaty pizza goodness!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, thick style recommended)
  • ¾ cup smooth pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (for best melt and stretch)
  • ½ lb mild Italian sausage (crumbled and browned)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
  • Optional: a sprinkle of dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor

Equipment:

  • 12-inch round pizza pan or a large baking sheet
  • Large skillet (for browning sausage)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ½ lb mild Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease and set the crumbled sausage aside.

  2. Prepare the Pizza Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease your 12-inch round pizza pan or large baking sheet with the 1 tbsp olive oil. Press or roll out the pizza dough directly onto the greased pan, stretching it to fit and creating a slightly thicker crust, reminiscent of cafeteria style. If the dough is too springy, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then continue stretching.

  3. Assemble the Pizza:

    • Spread the ¾ cup smooth pizza sauce evenly over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
    • Evenly sprinkle 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
    • Distribute the cooked and drained crumbled Italian sausage over the cheese.
    • Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.

  4. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sausage is heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and dough thickness.

  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the Cafeteria-Style Sausage Pizza from the oven. Let it cool on the pan for 5 minutes before carefully sliding it onto a cutting board. Slice into squares or wedges and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious taste of nostalgia!

Tips & Variations:

  • Dough Thickness: For that true cafeteria feel, don’t roll the dough too thin. A slightly thicker crust stands up well to the toppings.
  • Cheese Blend: While whole milk mozzarella is classic, you can add a sprinkle of provolone or a pinch of grated Parmesan for a different cheesy kick.
  • Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce.
  • Vegetable Additions: For a more complete meal, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or onions (sautéed with the sausage) before baking.
  • Make Ahead: You can brown the sausage ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ready to use when assembling the pizza.

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