Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

A Flavor-Packed Twist on Pizza That’ll Have You Coming Back for More!

Pizza night just got a major upgrade! Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is a bold, savory creation that combines crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and the vibrant, herby goodness of pesto on a perfectly baked crust. It’s comfort food with a twist, bringing together all your favorite flavors in one delicious bite. The creamy pesto sauce takes the place of traditional pizza sauce, giving each slice a burst of fresh, garlicky flavor, while the thinly sliced potatoes add a hearty, comforting element that pairs perfectly with the richness of the sausage.

This pizza is perfect for anyone who loves trying new combinations or just wants to elevate their usual pizza game. The crispy potatoes give a little extra crunch, the sausage brings the savory kick, and the pesto ties everything together with a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love how these ingredients come together for a unique, satisfying pizza experience!

Why You’ll Love Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

Unexpectedly Delicious: If you love pesto and potatoes, this pizza is a total game-changer. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, crispy, and savory, all on one crust.
Hearty and Satisfying: The thinly sliced potatoes and sausage make this pizza filling, but it doesn’t leave you feeling too heavy. It’s just the right amount of indulgence.
Quick and Easy: Using pre-cooked sausage and a store-bought crust (if you’re in a pinch), this pizza comes together quickly without compromising on flavor.
Versatile: You can customize it by adding extra toppings or swapping out the sausage for another protein, like chicken or bacon.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients in Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

This pizza uses simple yet flavorful ingredients that work together in perfect harmony to create something special. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pizza Dough

Start with a good base! You can either make your own pizza dough or use a store-bought option to save time. Either way, the crust will be the perfect base for all those delicious toppings.

Pesto Sauce

The pesto is the star of the show. It’s fresh, garlicky, and loaded with basil, giving the pizza a burst of bright flavor that you won’t get from a traditional red sauce.

Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes make for a wonderful, hearty topping that adds a creamy, slightly crispy texture once baked. Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds, which hold their shape well.

Sausage

A savory sausage—either spicy or mild, depending on your preference—adds that perfect touch of richness and flavor. Pork sausage works great, but you could also use chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Cheese

Shredded mozzarella is the go-to for any pizza, offering that melty, gooey texture. If you want to elevate it, feel free to add a little Parmesan or goat cheese for extra flavor.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of olive oil on the potatoes and pizza crust before baking helps everything cook to golden perfection and adds that rich, smooth flavor.

Fresh Herbs

To finish it off, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds color and freshness to balance the richness of the sausage and pesto.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is key to getting a crispy, golden crust and perfectly cooked potatoes.

Prepare the Potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes (you can use a mandolin for even slices). Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Sausage

If you’re using raw sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone.

Assemble the Pizza

Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the rolled-out dough. Then, layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the pizza. Top with the cooked sausage and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

Bake the Pizza

Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the potatoes to make sure they crisp up nicely without burning.

Add Fresh Herbs and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage

• Pair with a Salad: A light, fresh salad with greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the pizza.
• Serve with a Side of Garlic Bread: For those extra indulgent days, garlic bread makes the perfect sidekick to this pizza.
• Add a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: For a little extra zing, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.

Additional Tips

• Use Thin Potato Slices: The thinner the potatoes, the crispier they’ll get in the oven. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness for the best results.
• Switch Up the Sausage: Feel free to swap the sausage for your favorite protein. Chicken sausage, bacon, or even ground beef are great alternatives.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it a hearty vegetarian option.
• Make the Pesto Ahead: If you want to save time, make the pesto ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It also makes a great dip for breadsticks!
• Use a Pizza Stone for Extra Crispiness: If you have a pizza stone, use it for an extra crispy crust. Just preheat the stone in the oven before baking the pizza.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A1: Yes! Sweet potatoes would add a nice, subtle sweetness to the pizza. Just slice them thinly and follow the same instructions.

Q2: Can I use store-bought pesto?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto will work perfectly if you’re short on time. But homemade pesto is always the best choice if you can swing it.

Q3: Can I freeze this pizza?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked pizza. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the freezer (it may need a few extra minutes).

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Definitely! If you love a stronger cheese, try adding some goat cheese, feta, or Parmesan on top of the mozzarella for extra flavor.

Q5: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A5: No problem! You can use a baking sheet instead. Just make sure to grease it or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Q6: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A6: Yes! Pre-cooked sausage is a great time-saver. Just crumble it over the pizza before baking, and you’re good to go.

Q7: How can I make this pizza gluten-free?
A7: Use a gluten-free pizza crust, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe!

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the pizza?
A8: Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make the pizza even more flavorful and nutritious.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q10: How can I make the potatoes cook faster?
A10: To speed up the cooking process, you can parboil the potato slices for a few minutes before putting them on the pizza. This will make them cook faster in the oven.

In Conclusion

Pesto Potato Pizza with Sausage is an incredibly satisfying dish that will leave everyone at the table talking. The crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant pesto sauce come together in a way that’s completely irresistible. It’s a fun twist on traditional pizza, and whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or sharing it with friends, this pizza is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

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