Italian Sausage
Fennel-spiced Italian sausage adds a hearty, aromatic richness to any pizza.
Italian sausage is a coarsely ground pork sausage seasoned with fennel seed, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Crumbled across the pizza before baking, it renders out savory juices that mingle with the sauce while the edges develop a satisfying caramelized crust.
Flavor Profile
Season: all year
Best Sauces
Pairs Well With
Pizzas with Italian Sausage
The Meatball Sub
San Marzano Red Sauce
“Everything you love about a meatball sub, flattened into pizza form.”
Pesto Sausage Fennel
Classic Basil Pesto
“Sweet Italian sausage meets shaved fennel and roasted peppers on a pesto base.”
Vodka Sausage Pepper
Vodka Cream Sauce
“A sausage and peppers hero sandwich reimagined on a vodka cream pizza.”
Brown Butter Sausage Apple
Brown Butter-Sage Sauce
“Sausage and caramelized onion on brown butter sage — Thanksgiving on a pizza.”
The Banana Pepper Classic
San Marzano Red Sauce
“Layered with Banana Pepper, Italian Sausage, and Red Onion atop San Marzano Red sauce, this traditional pie delivers hearty satisfaction for year-round enjoyment.”
Smoked Mozzarella Supreme
San Marzano Red Sauce
“This bold and meaty pizza starts with San Marzano Red sauce and tops it with Smoked Mozzarella, Roasted Red Pepper, Italian Sausage, and Fresh Basil, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience suited to year-round enjoyment.”
Calabrian Smoked Sausage
Calabrian Chili Oil Base
“Calabrian Chili Oil sauce meets Smoked Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, Roasted Red Pepper, and Oregano in this rustic, bold and meaty pizza. A standout choice for any occasion.”
Vodka Banana Pepper & Sausage
Vodka Cream Sauce
“A carnivore-worthy, timeless creation that pairs Vodka Cream sauce with Banana Pepper, Italian Sausage, Caramelized Onion, and Parmesan. Best enjoyed during any occasion.”
Vodka Fennel & Sausage
Vodka Cream Sauce
“A comforting Vodka Cream-based pizza bringing together Fennel, Italian Sausage, Red Onion, and Pecorino for a carnivore-worthy masterpiece. Perfect for harvest season warmth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you cook sausage before putting it on pizza?
You can place raw crumbled sausage directly on the pizza before baking. The high oven heat will cook it through while developing a flavorful crust on the outside.
What is the difference between sweet and hot Italian sausage?
Sweet Italian sausage features fennel and mild spices, while hot Italian sausage adds crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Both work beautifully on pizza.