Description
This Spicy Sausage and Pepperoncini Thin Crust Pizza features a crisp thin crust topped with savory spicy Italian sausage, tangy sliced pepperoncini peppers, melted mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this Italian-American pizza offers a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 ball thin crust pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ pound spicy Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- â…“ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (drained)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while it heats to ensure a crisp crust.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on whether you are using a pizza pan or stone. Aim for an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Prepare the Base: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or onto a pizza peel if using a stone. Brush the edges of the dough generously with olive oil to promote a golden crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce.
- Top with Sausage and Peppers: Distribute the cooked and crumbled spicy Italian sausage evenly over the cheese. Scatter the sliced pepperoncini peppers on top. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano for an added kick and herbal note.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven (on the stone if using, or the baking sheet) and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, slice into quarters, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, par-bake the crust for 3–4 minutes before adding your toppings.
- Try adding sliced red onions or roasted red peppers for additional flavor layers.
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so adjust the spice level to your preference.
