Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza: Easy, Delicious & Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Introduction

Oh, friends, gather ’round the kitchen! There are some flavors that just instantly transport you to a happy place, and for me, this Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza is absolutely one of them. It’s that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and a little bit of a kick that makes every single bite a pure delight. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it your new go-to for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even just a cozy night in with your favorite movie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, this pizza comes together in a flash.
• Easy: Even if you’re new to pizza-making, you can totally nail this one.
• Giftable: Imagine sharing a warm, homemade pizza with a neighbor or friend – pure thoughtfulness!
• Crowd-pleasing: The combination of flavors is universally loved. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

Let’s get our mise en place ready! This is what you’ll need to create this flavor explosion:

• 8 oz Hot sausage: This is where the savory, spicy magic begins! Feel free to adjust the “hotness” to your preference.
• 1 cup Fresh arugula or spinach: A little bit of green adds a fresh, peppery finish that cuts through the richness.
• 1/4 cup Honey: This is the sweet surprise that balances everything out beautifully. Don’t skip it!
• 1/4 cup Tomato sauce or pizza sauce: Your classic pizza base.
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: For that authentic pizza aroma and flavor.
• 1 Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): Whatever makes your life easier! Store-bought is a lifesaver.
• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes: For an extra little warmth and zing, if you dare!
• 1 tbsp Olive oil: To give our crust that lovely golden sheen.
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese: That tangy, crumbly goodness that pairs so well with honey.
• 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese: The melty, bubbly essential for any pizza.

How to Make It

Alright, apron on, let’s get cooking! This is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven nice and hot! Check your pizza dough packaging for the best temperature, but usually, somewhere between 425-475°F (220-245°C) is perfect.
2. Cook the sausage: Brown your hot sausage in a skillet according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy pizza, right?
3. Prep your dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness. I like a slightly rustic, hand-stretched look!
4. Olive oil goodness: Brush the pizza dough all over with olive oil. This helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
5. Sauce it up: Spread your tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a little bit of space around the edges for that perfect crust.
6. Cheese, please!: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
7. Sausage time: Now, distribute that delicious cooked sausage evenly over the mozzarella.
8. Feta flourish: Add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the sausage. Oh, the anticipation!
9. Season and spice: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes over your toppings.
10. Honey drizzle: This is the fun part! Drizzle the honey all over the entire pizza. Don’t be shy; it’s what makes this pizza so special.
11. Into the oven: Carefully transfer your pizza to the preheated oven. A pizza peel is super handy here, but a sturdy baking sheet works too!
12. Bake to perfection: Let it bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it!
13. Fresh finish: Once it’s out of the oven, scatter the fresh arugula or spinach over the hot pizza. The residual heat will wilt it just perfectly.
14. Slice and enjoy: Slice it up immediately and dig in! This pizza is best served warm and fresh.

Substitutions & Additions

While this pizza is pretty amazing as is, we can always get a little creative! Here are some ideas:

• Sausage Swap: If hot sausage isn’t your jam, try mild Italian sausage, chorizo, or even crumbled plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Changes: Goat cheese can be a delicious tangy alternative to feta. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth.
• Veggie Boost: Want more greens? Add some finely chopped red onion, bell peppers, or mushrooms before the sausage.
• Spice Level: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a swirl of sriracha before baking.
• Herb Heaven: A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano after baking adds another layer of fresh flavor.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to make your pizza experience even smoother:

• Hot Oven is Key: A very hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, too many can make your pizza soggy. Stick to the amounts listed, or adjust slightly with lighter toppings.
• Draining Grease: Really make sure to drain that sausage grease well. It makes a big difference in the final texture of your pizza.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the sausage a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembly even faster!
• Pizza Stone/Steel: If you have a pizza stone or steel, preheating it in the oven will give you an incredibly crispier crust.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I find a quick blast in a hot oven or a toaster oven gives you the best texture, bringing back that lovely crispiness. You can also reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Got a question? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use pre-made pizza crust? Absolutely! Pre-made crusts are a fantastic time-saver and work wonderfully for this recipe. Just follow the baking instructions on the package.
• Is this recipe spicy? It has a mild to moderate kick from the hot sausage and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by choosing a milder sausage or omitting the red pepper flakes.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Swap the hot sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage crumbles or add extra veggies like mushrooms and onions for a delicious meatless option.