Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The savory richness of the sausage pairs beautifully with the slight sweetness and softness of roasted squash. It’s an excellent way to use fall or winter squash in a creative, family-friendly dish. Plus, the customization options are endless—you can switch up the cheese, add herbs, or try different types of sausage. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- Butternut squash or delicata squash (peeled and cubed)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh thyme or sage (optional)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Roast on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic evenly.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese, roasted squash, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large pizza, serving about 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth.
- Swap mozzarella for fontina or goat cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Use acorn squash or kabocha squash instead of butternut.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the sausage and adding mushrooms.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispiness of the crust.
FAQs
What type of sausage is best for this pizza?
Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, works best. You can also experiment with flavored varieties like fennel or garlic sausage.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the squash and cook the sausage in advance. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the best results.
Can I use frozen squash?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before roasting to prevent sogginess.
What’s the best cheese combination for this pizza?
Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for a salty kick work well, but feel free to add fontina, ricotta, or goat cheese for variety.
Is this pizza spicy?
That depends on the sausage. Use mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat, or spicy if you like a kick.
Can I use pre-made pizza crust?
Absolutely. A pre-baked crust or store-bought flatbread will save time and still taste great.
What herbs go well with squash and sausage?
Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary pair beautifully with both sausage and squash.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza dough. Be sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
Yes, grill the dough on one side first, flip, then add toppings and continue grilling until the cheese melts and the crust is crisp.
Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, acorn, delicata, or kabocha squash all work well as substitutes for butternut squash.
Conclusion
Pizza with Sausage and Squash is a flavorful and creative way to elevate your pizza nights. With its hearty toppings, savory-sweet balance, and endless variation possibilities, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether served for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together, it delivers big on taste and satisfaction.
PrintPizza with Sausage and Squash
A hearty and flavorful pizza topped with savory Italian sausage and roasted squash, perfect for a comforting yet fresh twist on classic pizza night.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 4)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 cup butternut or delicata squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or sage (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Roast on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet or pizza peel.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic evenly.
- Layer with mozzarella cheese, roasted squash, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or sage if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Caramelized onions add extra sweetness and depth.
- Try fontina or goat cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding mushrooms.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
