Pin The first time I made this pizza, my kitchen smelled like an Italian pizzeria and my roommate wandered in asking what restaurant I'd ordered from. That sizzling sausage and bubbling cheese create an aroma that's impossible to resist.
Last summer I made these for a backyard get-together and people literally hovered around the pizza stone waiting for each one to come out. Now my friends request this every time they come over.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Store-bought works perfectly fine, but let it come to room temperature for easier stretching
- Olive oil: Brushing the crust prevents soggy bottoms and creates that gorgeous golden edge
- Hot Italian sausage: Removing casings lets you crumble it into bite-sized pieces that distribute heat evenly
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded melts better and faster than fresh slices for this application
- Feta cheese: Its tangy saltiness cuts through the rich sausage and sweet honey beautifully
- Hot honey: If you cant find it, mix regular honey with red pepper flakes and warm slightly
- Red pepper flakes: Optional extra heat for those who really love spice
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end
Instructions
- Get your oven screaming hot:
- Preheat to 475°F with your pizza stone inside if you have one, giving it at least 30 minutes to get thoroughly heated
- Prep your dough like a pro:
- On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll the dough into two rounds, letting it rest if it keeps snapping back
- Cook the sausage right:
- Crumble and brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through, then drain off the excess fat
- Build your pizza base:
- Transfer dough to your preheated stone or baking sheet, then brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sogginess
- Layer like a master:
- Start with mozzarella as your foundation, scatter the cooked sausage evenly, then crumble feta over the top for those tangy pockets
- The honey moment:
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle hot honey all over while the pizza is still piping hot
- Finish with flair:
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using, scatter fresh herbs on top, then let rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly
Pin My dad tried this recipe and immediately called me to ask how I got such perfect restaurant-quality results at home. Now he makes it every Sunday for football.
Getting The Crust Right
I've learned that letting dough come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes makes it so much easier to stretch without fighting back. If it keeps springing, just walk away for 10 minutes and try again.
Balancing The Heat
Not everyone loves spicy food, so I sometimes serve extra honey on the side. The beauty is that each person can customize their perfect level of sweet-heat balance at the table.
Make It Your Own
This pizza base is incredibly forgiving and welcomes all kinds of creative twists. Caramelized onions add sweetness, bell peppers bring crunch, and even arugula tossed on after baking creates a fresh, peppery finish.
- Try swapping feta for goat cheese if you want a creamier tang
- Vegetarian sausage actually works beautifully here too
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze alongside the honey creates incredible depth
Pin There's something deeply satisfying about pulling this out of the oven and watching everyone's eyes light up. That first bite of crispy crust, spicy sausage, and sweet honey is absolute perfection.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the sweet and spicy combination work?
The hot honey provides sweetness that tempers the sausage heat, while creamy feta bridges the flavors. Crispy crust adds texture that ties everything together beautifully.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare toppings in advance and store separately. Assemble and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well for 3 days in the refrigerator.
- → What's the best way to achieve maximum crispiness?
Use a preheated pizza stone if possible. Roll dough thinly and brush with olive oil before baking to create that perfect golden crunch.
- → Is there a vegetarian version available?
Substitute plant-based sausage or skip meat entirely. The feta and honey combination delivers plenty of flavor on its own.
- → Why drizzle honey after baking?
Honey can burn and become bitter under high heat. Adding it fresh from the oven preserves its sweetness while creating that perfect glaze.