Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

Picture this: crispy pizza crust, golden-brown roasted potatoes, savory sausage, and a swirl of vibrant pesto — all baked to melty perfection. This Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s a little indulgent, a little fresh, and totally satisfying. If you’re tired of the same old pizza toppings and want to try something new, trust me, this pizza will blow you away.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in, impressing guests, or looking for a fun twist on pizza night, this dish has something for everyone. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your mood. Prefer chicken over sausage? Go for it. Want to add extra veggies? Be my guest!

Budget-Friendly: Using potatoes as a base ingredient is a great way to make a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: While it may look fancy, it’s super simple to put together. The oven does most of the work!

Customizable: Feel free to go wild with toppings! Add some fresh arugula after baking or sprinkle some chili flakes for an extra kick.

Crowd-Pleasing: This pizza is a real crowd-pleaser — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians (just leave off the sausage for a veggie version).

Ingredients in Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

Here’s how we make this pizza a showstopper with just a few key ingredients:

Pizza Dough: The crispy, chewy foundation of the pizza. Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade, it’s the base that holds everything together.

Pesto Sauce: Fresh, herby, and nutty. Pesto brings a rich and vibrant flavor to the pizza that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.

Potatoes: Thinly sliced, roasted to perfection, and packed with flavor. The potatoes add a savory and satisfying bite that’s the heart of this pizza.

Sausage: The savory star of the show. I recommend using Italian sausage for its flavorful kick, but any type you like will work.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey, and a must-have. It adds that cheesy stretch that makes pizza so irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp, nutty cheese elevates the flavors and gives that perfect finishing touch.

Olive Oil: For roasting the potatoes and drizzling over the pizza before baking.

Garlic: Adds a little extra punch to the pesto and a savory note that works wonders with the potatoes.

Fresh Basil: For garnish — this bright herb adds freshness and color to the finished pizza.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that crispy pizza crust.

Roast the Potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly and toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy on the edges. They’ll become the perfect, savory topping for your pizza.

Cook the Sausage: While the potatoes are roasting, cook the sausage in a pan over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, remove from the heat and set aside.

Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired size. If you’re using store-bought dough, you can skip any rising time and go straight to shaping it.

Assemble the Pizza: Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the pizza dough. Then, layer on the roasted potatoes, crumbled sausage, and a good handful of mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Finishing Touches: Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. A quick drizzle of olive oil can add an extra touch of richness.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice it up, serve, and enjoy the combination of crispy crust, creamy cheese, and vibrant pesto. It’s pizza night, but better.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza.
• Pair it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added freshness.
• A light, chilled white wine or sparkling water will complement the vibrant flavors of the pesto and sausage.
• Serve with some garlic bread for extra indulgence and carbs.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you’re short on time, use pre-made pesto from the store to speed up the process.
• For an extra creamy pizza, add a dollop of ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella.
• If you don’t have sausage, bacon, or ground turkey can make a great substitute.
• For a veggie version, skip the sausage and load up on roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
• Feel free to drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished pizza for an extra sweet and tangy kick.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes, sausage, and pesto the day before. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!

2. Can I use a cauliflower crust?
Absolutely! Cauliflower crust is a great gluten-free option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

3. What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work great for roasting. They crisp up nicely and have a creamy texture.

4. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto can save time while still giving you that delicious flavor.

5. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Be sure to pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. It helps keep the crust crispy.

6. Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes! Freeze the leftover pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

7. Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Definitely! Try adding caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

9. Is this pizza spicy?
Not really, but you can add chili flakes or hot sausage if you like a bit of heat.

10. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Conclusion

Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is a total game-changer when it comes to pizza. With crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and a fresh pesto base, it’s got all the flavors you crave in one slice. Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is simple to make but feels like a special treat every time. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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