Delight your taste buds with the perfect medley of meats on a delicious homemade pizza. This meat lover's sheet pan pizza is a sure hit recipe, loaded with smoky Italian sausage, succulent ham, and crispy pepperoni, all nestled under a blanket of gooey mozzarella atop a fresh and crispy pizza crust. It's the ultimate indulgence for meat lovers and pizza fans alike!
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your kitchen, you might not commonly have Italian sausage or pizza dough on hand. Italian sausage is often found in the meat section of most supermarkets or you can even make your own. As for the pizza dough, it can be found in the refrigerated section of your local supermarket, often near the biscuits and dinner rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also make your own dough at home.
Ingredients for Meat Lovers' Sheet Pan Pizza
Italian sausage: This is the star ingredient that gives the pizza its meaty and smoky flavor.
Pizza dough: This forms the base of your pizza. It crisps up in the oven and holds all your toppings.
Pizza sauce: The tangy component that brings all the flavors together.
Mozzarella cheese: This gives the pizza its iconic, gooey and melty texture.
Ham: Adds another layer of meaty flavor and a different texture.
Pepperoni slices: These contribute a slightly spicy and crispy element to the pizza.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly bitter flavor that balances out the richness of the meats.
Dried parsley: It adds an earthy and slightly peppery flavor.
Salt and pepper: These are essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the pizza.
One reader, Grazia Jerome says:
This meat lovers' sheet pan pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of Italian sausage, ham, and pepperoni creates a burst of flavors. The crust is perfectly crispy, and the cheese is gooey and delicious. It's a hit with my family every time!
Key Techniques for Making Meat Lovers' Sheet Pan Pizza
How to cook Italian sausage: Cook the Italian sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat until it’s cooked through, about eight minutes. Break up the sausage as it cooks.
How to shape the pizza crust: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly the size of your quarter-sheet pan. Then lift and transfer it to the pan, and press it into the sides of the pan firmly to form a lip of dough.
How to top the pizza: Once the dough is in the sheet pan, add the sauce in a thin layer, followed by the cheese and all the toppings. Finish the pizza with big sprinkles of dried parsley and season with salt and pepper.
How to bake the pizza: Bake the pizza for 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F. It’s done when the crust around the edges is puffed and a deep tan color. The center should be bubbling hot, and some of the cheese may have even browned a bit in spots.
How to cool and serve: Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting and serving. Slice into square-ish shaped pieces. Leftovers will keep for about a week. It’s best to reheat them in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
How To Make Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza
This easy sheet pan pizza is every meat lover’s dream. It’s loaded with pepperoni, ham, and sausage and then popped in the oven until deliciously savory.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozitalian sausage
- 2lbspizza dough,room temperature
- ½cuppizza sauce,(homemade or store bought)
- 1lbmozzarella cheese,grated
- 4ozham
- 4ozpepperoni slices
- 1red bell pepper,sliced thin
- dried parsley,garnish
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Cook sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it’s cooked through. Break up the sausage as it cooks.
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Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle roughly the size of a quarter-sheet pan. Then lift and transfer it to the pan, and press it into the sides of the pan firmly to form a lip of dough.
-
Once the dough in the sheet pan, add the sauce in a thin layer. Add more sauce for a saucier pizza. Add the cheese followed by all the toppings. Finish the pizza with big sprinkles of dried parsley and season with salt and pepper.
-
Bake the pizza for 20 to 25 minutes. It’s done when the crust around the edges is puffed and a deep tan color. The center should be bubbling hot and some of the cheese may have even browned a bit in spots.
-
Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting and serving. Slice into square-ish shaped pieces. Leftovers will keep for about a week. It’s best to reheat them in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 370.07kcal
- Fat: 18.38g
- Saturated Fat: 8.32g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.02g
- Carbohydrates: 32.84g
- Fiber: 2.17g
- Sugar: 1.46g
- Protein: 17.30g
- Cholesterol: 50.65mg
- Sodium: 945.13mg
- Calcium: 234.17mg
- Potassium: 222.20mg
- Iron: 2.37mg
- Vitamin A: 72.14µg
- Vitamin C: 11.74mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Your Meat Lovers' Pizza
When shaping your pizza dough on the sheet pan, don't be afraid to use your fingers to press and shape it. This not only helps in achieving the desired shape but also helps in creating those beautiful, puffy edges that everyone loves in a pizza. If the dough tears, simply pinch it back together - it will bake just fine. Remember, the charm of a homemade pizza lies in its imperfections.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Sheet Pan Pizza
Prep ahead: Prepare the pizza dough and cook the sausage a day in advance to save time on the day of making the pizza.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
Multi-task: While the pizza is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen and prepare the dining area for serving.
Pre-cut toppings: Purchase pre-sliced pepperoni and pre-diced ham to cut down on prep time and make assembling the pizza quicker.
Invest in quality tools: Use a pizza cutter for slicing the pizza quickly and efficiently, saving time during serving.
Streamline the process: Organize your ingredients and tools in a way that minimizes movement and maximizes efficiency during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe
Italian sausage - Substitute with plant-based sausage: Plant-based sausages offer a similar savory and flavorful profile to traditional Italian sausage, making them a great substitute for a meatless option.
Pizza dough - Substitute with cauliflower pizza crust: For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower pizza crust provides a nutritious and gluten-free base for the pizza.
Pizza sauce - Substitute with pesto: Pesto adds a deliciously herby and nutty flavor to the pizza, offering a unique twist to the traditional pizza sauce.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with vegan mozzarella: Vegan mozzarella cheese provides a dairy-free alternative that melts and stretches similarly to traditional mozzarella, perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
Ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey offers a lean and flavorful alternative to ham, adding a delicious smoky taste to the pizza.
Pepperoni slices - Substitute with sliced mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor, making them a great vegetarian alternative to pepperoni.
Red bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, as well as a satisfying crunch, making it a great substitute for red bell pepper.
Dried parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a vibrant and aromatic flavor, elevating the dish with its fresh herbal notes.
Salt and pepper - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning blend provides a flavorful mix of herbs and spices, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Your Homemade Pizza
Elevate the pizza dough: Gently stretch and shape the pizza dough to fit the sheet pan, ensuring an even thickness throughout. The dough should be carefully handled to maintain its structure and texture.
Artfully arrange the toppings: Place the cooked Italian sausage, ham, and pepperoni slices on the pizza, ensuring an even distribution of each ingredient. The red bell pepper should be sliced and arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner to add color and visual appeal.
Create a harmonious flavor profile: Layer the pizza sauce in a delicate, thin layer to avoid overpowering the other flavors. The mozzarella cheese should be evenly spread, ensuring it melts and blends seamlessly with the other toppings.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle dried parsley over the pizza for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Present with precision: When serving, ensure each slice is cut with clean, precise lines, and presented on a sophisticated platter or board. The presentation should reflect the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating the pizza.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Sheet Pan Pizza
Let the pizza cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the crust from getting soggy and the toppings from sliding off.
To store leftover pizza in the fridge, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the pizza will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza:
- Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure there's no air between the pizza and the wrap.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen pizza will maintain its best quality for about 1-2 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may start to lose its texture and flavor.
To reheat refrigerated pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.
To reheat frozen pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the pizza slices from the freezer and unwrap them.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Note that reheating time may vary depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings used.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
For a quicker reheat, use a skillet on the stovetop. Place a single layer of pizza slices in a large skillet and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the crust is crispy. This method helps to create a crispy crust while gently steaming the toppings.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat individual slices of pizza quickly and efficiently. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the slices to prevent burning.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover pizza into a breakfast treat. Cut the slices into bite-sized pieces and heat them in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil or butter. Crack a few eggs over the pizza pieces and scramble until the eggs are cooked through. Serve this pizza and egg scramble with a side of hot sauce or salsa for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover pizza slices to perfection. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is quick, easy, and results in a perfectly crispy crust.
Interesting Trivia About Meat Lovers' Pizza
The meat lovers' sheet pan pizza is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a variety of meats on a single pizza. It's a great option for feeding a crowd or for a fun family dinner. This recipe can be easily customized with your favorite meats and toppings, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option. Plus, the sheet pan method makes for easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Is Making Sheet Pan Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?
This sheet pan pizza recipe is quite cost-effective for a household, as it uses simple and affordable ingredients like pizza dough, sausage, mozzarella, and vegetables. The versatility of the toppings allows for customization based on budget and preferences. With an approximate cost of $15-$20 for a household of 4, this recipe offers great value. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious flavors.
Is the Meat Lovers' Sheet Pan Pizza Healthy or Unhealthy?
This meat lovers' sheet pan pizza recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe includes Italian sausage, ham, pepperoni, and a large amount of mozzarella cheese, all of which are high in saturated fat. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Processed meats: Pepperoni and ham are processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other health problems when consumed regularly.
- Refined carbohydrates: Depending on the type of pizza dough used, it may be made with refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Low in vegetables: While the recipe includes red bell pepper, the overall vegetable content is relatively low compared to the amount of meat and cheese.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of meat and cheese used, or opt for leaner meat options like chicken or turkey sausage.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, spinach, or tomatoes. This will increase the fiber and nutrient content of the pizza.
- Use a whole grain or cauliflower-based pizza crust to boost the fiber content and reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates.
- Experiment with plant-based cheese alternatives or use a smaller amount of regular cheese to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Add herbs and spices like basil, oregano, or garlic to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of meat and cheese.
Editor's Opinion on the Meat Lovers' Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe
As a culinary expert, I find this meat lovers' sheet pan pizza recipe to be a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of Italian sausage, ham, and pepperoni provides a rich and savory taste, while the addition of mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce adds a classic touch. The simplicity of shaping the pizza crust in a sheet pan makes this recipe accessible for home cooks, and the baking process ensures a crispy yet tender crust. Overall, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a meaty and satisfying pizza, perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in.
Enhance Your Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for all meat lovers. The combination of savory Italian sausage, flavorful pepperoni slices, and succulent ham creates a mouthwatering experience. The use of premium mozzarella cheese and homemade pizza sauce ensures a rich and authentic taste. The addition of fresh red bell pepper adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color. With carefully selected ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this sheet pan pizza promises to deliver a satisfying and indulgent dining experience.
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