Spicy Italian Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Grandma Pizza
Spicy Italian Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Grandma Pizza
Embark on a culinary journey with this Spicy Italian Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper Grandma Pizza, a delightful homage to the beloved Italian-American tradition. The Grandma pizza, often hailed for its rustic charm and approachable baking method, originated in Long Island, New York, as a simple, home-style alternative to its more complex Neapolitan or Sicilian cousins. It's typically baked in a rectangular pan, directly on the thin crust, which emerges from the oven wonderfully crispy and golden. This particular rendition elevates the classic with a vibrant combination of flavors. Imagine a foundation of tangy tomato sauce, generously layered with savory, crumbled spicy Italian sausage that offers a warm, satisfying kick. Sweet and smoky roasted red peppers are scattered throughout, providing a beautiful color contrast and balancing the spice. Finally, a blanket of bubbling fresh mozzarella and a dusting of sharp Parmesan cheese complete this masterpiece, all finished with fragrant fresh basil after baking. It's a comforting yet sophisticated pizza that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any occasion calling for authentic Italian pizza taste and a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-handle crust. Prepare to fall in love with the easy process and irresistible flavor of this Grandma-style pizza, a true testament to simple ingredients yielding extraordinary results.
- Preparation time
- 20 min
- Cooking time
- 25 min
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 8
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- 1In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
- 2Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 3Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Prepare Toppings and Assemble
- 1While the dough rises, brown the spicy Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- 2Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a 9x13 inch rectangular baking pan and spread it evenly.
- 3Gently press the risen dough into the prepared pan, stretching it to fit the corners and edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 minutes, then continue stretching.
- 4Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with the cooked spicy Italian sausage, then scatter the sliced roasted red peppers over the top.
- 5Distribute the fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake and Finish
- 1Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly charred in spots.
- 2Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish generously with fresh basil before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 450 kcal
- Protein
- 19 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Carbs
- 45 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
Tips
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle over the finished pizza before serving.
- If you don't have fresh mozzarella, quality pre-shredded mozzarella will also work, though fresh offers a creamier texture.
- Serve this Grandma pizza with a simple side salad to cut through the richness and complete the meal.