Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 1 Large Pizza Dough
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil (divided)
- 1 Tbs Cornmeal
For the Toppings
- 1 Pound Italian Sausage
- 2 Tbs Italian Seasoning (divided)
- 1-1.5 Cups Marinara/Pizza Sauce
- 1/4 – 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Prepare the Pizza Base: Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto a sheet pan and sprinkle the pan evenly with cornmeal. Stretch the pizza dough into a rectangular shape and place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the center of the oven for 6 to 7 minutes until the crust just begins to brown.
- Cook the Sausage: In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and season the sausage with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
- Add Sauce and Initial Toppings: Remove the slightly baked dough from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the surface, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. Lightly sprinkle garlic powder over the sauce, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add most of the cooked sausage, reserving about a quarter cup for later.
- Add Cheese and Finish Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, then add the remaining sausage. Season the pizza with the last tablespoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Return the pizza to the center rack of the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crispy and golden brown.
- Slice and Serve: Using a pizza slicer, first slice the pizza horizontally, then cut it into four equal vertical slices to make six servings. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade lunch pizza!
Notes
- Use fresh pizza dough for best texture or good-quality store-bought dough to save time.
- Cornmeal on the baking sheet helps achieve a crispy and non-stick crust.
- Adjust marinara sauce quantity depending on how saucy you like your pizza.
- The Italian sausage can be substituted with turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier pizza, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Make sure to pre-bake the crust slightly to avoid sogginess from the sauce and toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American