Looking to spice up your pizza toppings? Italian sausage can deliver the extra kick you’re looking for.
Sausage will never be considered a health food, but when it comes to flavour, it’s tough to beat. Sausage meat instantly gives any pizza a whole new taste and texture.
Italian sausage demystified
What exactly is Italian sausage? It's a pork-based sausage that is seasoned with paprika, which is what gives it its distinctive taste. For the spicy version, red pepper flakes are also added to the mix. Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that highlights pasta sauces, lasagna, chili, stew, paella, risotto, and it even makes a great hot dog.
Sausage can also be eaten as a main course and paired with sauerkraut or coleslaw. A great way to prepare it is to pierce the sausages with a fork gently a couple of times and boil them on high heat for five minutes. That way, the sausages won’t swell and burst while cooking. You can then sear them on a skillet for a minute or two to get the nice crisp casing that contrasts so nicely with the moist interior.
For best results, let them cool and then cut them into slices prior to serving. Here is a hint if you’re trying to eat as healthily as possible: the fewer ingredients the sausage has, the better it is for you.
A pizza with bite
Want to add some bite to your all-dressed pizza? Add some Italian sausage to the traditional pepperoni, mushroom, green pepper, and cheese combo. Presto! You've now got an Italian sausage pizza.
Be sure to check with your local pizzeria and ask if they use the mild or spicy versions of Italian sausage on their pizza. Some have more kick than others.
Infinite possibilities
If you’re already a convert to Italian sausage pizza, you may want to think about trying one of these fantastic combinations the next time you’re ordering out.
- Italian sausage pizza with spicy tomato sauce, onions, green peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
- Italian sausage pizza with a naan-style crust, mild tomato sauce, peppers, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese.
- Italian sausage pizza with spicy sausage, Portobello mushrooms, yellow peppers, and sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Italian sausage pizza with red onions, prosciutto, leeks, and provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
- Italian sausage pizza with cherry tomatoes, spinach, artichokes, feta, and olive oil.
