Growing up, pizza night was the best night of the week. My family would crowd around the table, everyone picking their favorite toppings. It was always a mix of classics like pepperoni and mushrooms, but there was something special about the ones that added a twist. One such twist came from a recipe I stumbled upon years ago: Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza. It wasn’t just a regular pizza-he brought an incredible, rustic flavor that blew my mind. The savory sausage combined with fresh ingredients felt like a culinary celebration. Since then, I’ve made it countless times, and every time, it brings a smile to my face.
Jamie Oliver’s take on pizza isn’t just about the food. It’s about an experience-getting your hands a little messy while creating something delicious. It feels a lot like his approach to cooking: simple, fun, and always full of flavor. In this post, we’ll dive deep into his sausage pizza recipe, how to make it, and why it works so well.
Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza isn’t just any pizza. It’s one where the star of the show is the sausage. I remember the first time I made it-everything about it felt easy and approachable. From the crispy, homemade base to the juicy sausage topping, it felt like a celebration of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your household.
- Flavor-packed sausage: Ground sausage, with its spicy, herb-infused flavor, serves as the perfect topping.
- Simple dough: Jamie uses a basic, no-fuss dough recipe. No need for fancy tools, just a little elbow grease and patience.
- Fresh toppings: Sweet onion, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili heat create a well-balanced pizza.
- Perfect cheese combo: A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan gives a stretchy, creamy texture while adding depth.
I first tried making this on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and it immediately became a comfort food staple. You don’t need to be a chef to pull it off, but it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create Jamie’s sausage pizza from scratch:
-
For The Dough
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 7g dried yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 300ml lukewarm water
-
For The Topping
- 4 sausages (preferably high-quality, with a good mix of spices)
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves
- 150g mozzarella cheese
- 50g Parmesan cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh chili (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
This list of ingredients is simple, but the combination creates an explosion of flavors that work together perfectly.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza
When I first made this pizza, I was a little intimidated by the dough-making process. But Jamie’s instructions made it all come together effortlessly. Here’s how you can recreate the magic:
Prepare The Dough
- Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Gradually add lukewarm water, stirring until a dough forms.
- Add olive oil and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare The Sausage Topping
- While the dough rises, remove the sausage meat from the casing and crumble it in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and onions and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili if using.
Assemble The Pizza
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (250°C/475°F) with a pizza stone inside if you have one.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions. Roll out each portion into a thin pizza base.
- Place the bases on a baking tray or stone, then top with the sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Garnish & Serve
- Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the pizza.
- Slice it up and enjoy!
The best part? You can smell the sausages cooking and the dough rising in the oven. It’s like the anticipation makes each bite taste even better.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this pizza brings something essential to the table. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Sausage: Sausage is fatty and flavorful, with herbs and spices that enhance the pizza’s overall taste. The fats melt into the crust and create a savory base for the cheese to adhere to.
- Dough: The dough serves as the foundation, offering a slightly chewy texture with a crunchy outer layer. The yeast creates air pockets, giving it that light, bubbly feel.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that perfect stretch. Parmesan adds sharpness and depth, balancing the richness of the sausage.
- Fresh Basil and Onion: The fresh basil provides a fragrant herbaceous kick, while the onion softens as it cooks, offering a sweet contrast to the savory toppings.
All these ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced, flavor-packed pizza that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Expert Tips
- Sausage Variations: You can experiment with different types of sausage-Italian sausage for a more traditional taste, or even chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, use a pizza stone. It helps achieve a crispier crust, mimicking the effect of a traditional pizza oven.
- Resting the Dough: Don’t rush the dough. Give it enough time to rise. The longer it rests, the better the texture.
- Pre-cook the Sausage: Don’t skip browning the sausage before adding it to the pizza. This step locks in the flavors and ensures the meat is fully cooked.
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s sausage pizza is versatile and can be customized in many ways:
- Vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for roasted vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a creamy touch.
- Spicy: Add some chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to kick things up.
- Smoky: Try using smoked sausage for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Different cheeses: If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute some of the mozzarella with ricotta or blue cheese for a tangy twist.
You can make this pizza as traditional or as adventurous as you like.
Final Words
This sausage pizza is so much more than just a meal. It’s a chance to connect with your kitchen, your ingredients, and even your family and friends as they gather around for a delicious slice. What I love most about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a more traditional flavor, Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza will always be a crowd-pleaser.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza Different From Other Recipes?
Jamie Oliver’s recipe stands out with its homemade dough, fresh ingredients, and a flavorful sausage topping that’s seasoned to perfection.
Can I Use Store-bought Pizza Dough For This Recipe?
Yes, you can. But the homemade dough in Jamie’s recipe really adds to the flavor and texture.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Sausage Pizza From Scratch?
It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long you let the dough rise.