Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Pizza al Taglio

Spicy Sausage and Ricotta Pizza al Taglio

Experience the authentic taste of Rome with this vibrant Pizza al Taglio. This rectangular slice features a crisp, airy crust perfect for holding generous toppings. Crumbled spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey combine for a symphony of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. The dough, which requires time for a slow fermentation, develops a complex flavor and a delightful chew, offering a rustic yet refined eating experience. It's baked on a steel for ultimate crispness. This recipe elevates the humble pizza into a show-stopping centerpiece, ideal for gatherings or a special weeknight meal. Its unique combination of textures and bold flavors makes it a memorable dish that stands out from traditional pizzas.

Preparation time
45 min
Cooking time
25 min
Total time
1 hr 10 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach (ideally 500-550°F or 260-290°C) with a pizza steel or stone inside for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This is crucial for the classic Pizza al Taglio crisp crust.
  2. 2In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Cook the crumbled spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
  3. 3Lightly oil a rectangular baking pan (approximately 13x9 inches or similar). Gently stretch the cold-fermented pizza dough into the pan, pressing it to the edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then continue stretching. Aim for an even thickness.

Assembly and Baking

  1. 1Drizzle a little olive oil over the stretched dough and sprinkle lightly with salt. Distribute the cooked spicy Italian sausage evenly over the dough.
  2. 2Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the sausage. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the pizza, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
  3. 3Carefully transfer the baking pan with the pizza onto the preheated pizza steel or stone in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Finishing

  1. 1Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately drizzle liberally with hot honey and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  2. 2Let the Pizza al Taglio rest for 5 minutes before slicing into rectangular portions and serving warm. Enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories
451 kcal
Protein
18 g
Fat
23 g
Carbs
40 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories451 kcal
Protein18 g
Fat23 g
Carbs40 g

Tips

  • Use a high-hydration pizza dough for an airier, crispier crust, characteristic of true Pizza al Taglio. Cold fermentation enhances flavor development.
  • A preheated pizza steel or stone is essential for a perfectly crisp bottom crust. Don't skip this step for authentic results.
  • Slice into rectangular pieces for traditional Pizza al Taglio presentation. This pizza is excellent warm, perfect for sharing.

By Chef Michael Ilin