Name: Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 medium Yukon Gold potato (thinly sliced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage (crumbled); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Let me introduce you to a weeknight wonder: Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage. Imagine a piping-hot, golden crust layered with aromatic basil pesto, melting mozzarella, silky ribbons of potato, and hearty crumbles of Italian sausage—all showered with Parmesan and crowned with fresh basil. The flavors are vibrant and bold, and every bite offers a cozy mix of creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying. If you’re looking for a pizza that breaks away from the ordinary, this is your invitation to fall head-over-heels in love with a mash-up that’s as comforting as it is exciting.

Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully uncomplicated by using fresh, colorful ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the umami of sausage to silky potatoes and the brightness of basil pesto, every item has its unique role in making this dish both irresistible and memorable.

1 pound pizza dough: This serves as the delicious base for your pizza; homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
1/2 cup basil pesto: Brings an herby, garlicky punch that infuses the pizza with fresh, fragrant notes.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted mozzarella gives a gooey, stretchy texture and mild, creamy flavor to the pie.
1 medium Yukon Gold potato (thinly sliced): Adds buttery richness and a soft bite—the secret to this pizza’s “wow” factor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and keeps the seasoning balanced.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds the right touch of gentle heat to lift the other flavors.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Ensures the potatoes roast up tender and infuses everything with a Mediterranean sheen.
1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage (crumbled): Savory, spiced sausage takes this pizza from tasty to irresistible—choose sweet or spicy to match your mood.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a burst of salty, nutty sharpness to finish things off right.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma that elevates every slice.

How to Make Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by cranking your oven up to 475°F and place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet inside to heat. This step ensures that you get that coveted crisp and golden base, giving your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage a professional touch and unbeatable texture at home.

Step 2: Roll and Arrange the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a generous 12-inch round. Transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper, which makes moving the pizza to the oven a breeze. The parchment also helps prevent any sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Add the Pesto and First Layer of Cheese

Spread the basil pesto all over the dough, leaving a little border for the crust to puff up. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top. This foundation brings instant aroma, vivid color, and that signature creamy base for all the toppings to hug.

Step 4: Prepare and Layer the Potatoes

Toss the thinly sliced Yukon Gold potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure every slice is coated. Layer the potatoes evenly on the pizza, letting them slightly overlap for a mosaic effect. These will turn soft and silk-like with crisped edges once baked.

Step 5: Top with Sausage and More Cheese

Scatter the crumbled cooked Italian sausage all over, followed by the rest of the mozzarella. This step gives you those classic, golden, gooey pools of cheese and savory sausage that really take the Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage to the next level.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Using the parchment paper, carefully slide the pizza onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and ever-so-slightly browned in spots. The kitchen will smell absolutely magical!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with grated Parmesan and plenty of fresh basil. The heat will coax out even more flavor from both. Slice it up right away and get ready for triumphant cheers at the table.

How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

Garnishes

Shower generous shreds of fresh basil and an extra pinch of Parmesan over your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage. For a little kick, try a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These finishing touches amplify the flavor and lend a chef’s flair to your homemade creation.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of the pizza with a crisp green salad—think arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and maybe a few cherry tomatoes. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade alongside completes the scene for a laid-back meal that feels special but thoroughly relaxed.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage into small squares for a hearty appetizer at gatherings, or bake it as mini personal pies using smaller dough rounds for fun individual servings. Feeling extra creative? Let everyone customize a section with additional toppings like roasted red peppers or caramelized onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover slices of Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to three days. The herby pesto and savory sausage flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making for some truly tasty leftovers.

Freezing

Let your pizza cool completely before wrapping the slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. To avoid soggy bottoms, you may want to thaw the pizza in the fridge before reheating, which helps the crust regain its original crispness.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat slices of Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage in a 400°F oven on a baking sheet until they’re hot and the bottoms have crisped again, usually about 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the potatoes rubbery and the crust chewy.

FAQs

Can I make Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and load your pizza with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or extra cheese. The combination of potatoes and pesto is so satisfying that you won’t even miss the meat.

What’s the best way to get evenly thin potato slices?

A mandoline is your best friend for this task! It makes quick work of slicing and ensures every piece cooks at the same rate. If you don’t have one, use a sharp knife and try to slice as thinly and evenly as possible.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Definitely! Store-bought dough works wonderfully for Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage, saving you time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out for best results.

How can I make the pizza extra crispy?

Baking your pizza on a preheated stone or baking sheet is key. Also, avoid piling on too many moist toppings, and try giving the crust a thin brushing of olive oil before adding your pesto and cheese.

Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. All the toppings and flavors of Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage shine through whether your crust is traditional or gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a slice.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in gathering around a table, sharing slices of freshly baked Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage, and savoring every bite with family and friends. It’s a recipe that brings people together and adds a spark to the ordinary weeknight. I hope you give it a try—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s such a favorite in my kitchen!

Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage recipe combines the flavors of basil pesto, melted mozzarella, thinly sliced potatoes, and savory Italian sausage on a crispy crust. A delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza:

1 pound pizza dough
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Toppings:

1 medium Yukon Gold potato (thinly sliced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface and transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
Add toppings: Spread basil pesto over the dough, sprinkle half of the mozzarella, layer potato slices tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, add crumbled sausage, and top with remaining mozzarella.
Bake: Transfer the pizza on parchment to the preheated stone or sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Finish: Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil, slice, and serve.