Fennel and Italian Sausage Pizza
The aromatic anethole in fresh fennel echoes and amplifies the fennel seed already present in Italian sausage, while its crisp texture and slight sweetness contrast the rich, fatty meat.
Fennel and sausage is a pairing rooted in Italian culinary wisdom where the two ingredients have been partners for centuries. Thinly shaved fresh fennel caramelizes in the oven, becoming sweet and silky, while crumbled Italian sausage renders its spiced fat into the cheese below. The fresh fennel amplifies the fennel seed notes already in the sausage while adding a refreshing crunch that lightens the overall richness of the pizza.
Best Sauces for This Pairing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare fresh fennel for pizza?
Remove the tough outer layer and core, then shave the bulb thinly with a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt before scattering on the pizza.
Does fennel taste like licorice on pizza?
Raw fennel has a mild anise flavor that mellows significantly when roasted, becoming sweet and almost caramel-like. People who dislike licorice often love cooked fennel on pizza.