Mushroom Sausage And Arugula Pizza Recipe

This pizza recipe is my ultimate favorite because it perfectly marries the savory flavors of Italian sausage and mushrooms with the freshness of arugula, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own pizza masterpiece at home, where you can totally customize each bite to be as cheesy and saucy as your heart desires!

A photo of Mushroom Sausage And Arugula Pizza Recipe

I enjoy making flavorful pizza at home, and my Mushroom Sausage and Arugula Pizza truly delights. It’s built on a base of pre-made pizza dough (don’t get me wrong—I love making my own dough, but I’ve found that many pizzas can be equally delicious when you go the semi-homemade route).

Then it’s topped with oh-so-satisfying Italian sausage, with earthy mushrooms, and then finished with fresh arugula right before serving. Top-shelf nutrition might not be associated with the classic pie, but when you can use delicious, nutrient-dense ingredients like these, why not?

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Mushroom Sausage And Arugula Pizza Recipe

Pizza Dough:
Crust of the pizza, supplies carbohydrates, for energy.

Italian Sausage:
Contributes protein and savory flavor that boosts the pizza’s richness.

Mushrooms:
With few calories and a rich supply of fiber and antioxidants, they make satisfying snacks.

Arugula:
High in vitamins A, C, and K; with a freshness and a taste that is peppery.

Olive Oil:
Fat that is good for you, makes food taste great, and helps your body absorb nutrients.

Oregano:
Contributes to flavor and aroma.

Provides antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cornmeal or flour for dusting

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to preheat. Position a baking sheet or pizza stone inside your oven to allow it to heat up along with the oven.

2. Sprinkle a clean surface with cornmeal or flour and roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness.

3. Gently move the piped dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.

4. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

5. Evenly sprinkle the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Equal parts of the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage go on top of the cheese.

7. Place the sliced mushrooms over the pizza, laying them out evenly.

8. Distribute the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the whole pizza to taste.

9. Pour the olive oil over the arugula, toss to combine, and set aside.

10. Transfer the pizza with parchment paper onto the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven, which is now preheated. Bake for something close to 10-12 minutes, but watch the pizza closely. It should be bubbly and have a nicely browned, not burnt crust. Remove from the oven and top with the salad. Slice and serve.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or pizza stone
3. Rolling pin
4. Parchment paper
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Pizza cutter or sharp knife
7. Mixing bowl
8. Spoon or spatula for spreading sauce
9. Cutting board
10. Knife

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, other cheeses can take the place of mozzarella, such as provolone, fontina, or any blend of your favorite cheeses, which can yield a unique flavor.
  • What type of mushrooms work best for this pizza?Mushrooms such as cremini, button, or shiitake are excellent choices. Just be certain to cut them very thinly for even cooking.
  • Can I use a different kind of sausage?Of course! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegan sausage alternative can be used.
  • Is there an alternative to arugula?Spinach or baby kale can be used as substitutes for arugula. They will give you a milder taste than arugula.
  • How do I prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the pan?Before placing the dough on the pan, dust it with cornmeal or flour. This will keep the dough from sticking and will add a delightful texture to the finished loaf.
  • Can I cook the pizza on a grill?Certainly! The pizza gets a smoky flavor from the grill. Cooking it on a preheated grill and placing it directly on the grates yields the best results.

Substitutions and Variations

Pizza sauce: Use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of pizza sauce for a different taste.
When it comes to mozzarella cheese, mixing in provolone or fontina will result in something different in terms of both texture and flavor.
Spicy chorizo or turkey sausage makes a great lean alternative when it comes to Italian sausage.
Replace mushrooms with bell peppers or zucchini slices for an alternate vegetable topping.
Arugula: You can substitute something similar for the fresh, green topping—spinach or basil, for example.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: For a crispy crust, ensure your pizza stone or baking sheet is preheated thoroughly. This step helps the dough cook evenly from the bottom, giving you a beautifully crisp crust.

2. Par-Bake the Crust: Before adding the sauce and toppings, consider baking the pizza dough by itself for 3-5 minutes. This technique helps prevent a soggy crust, especially when using ingredients with high moisture content such as mushrooms.

3. Sauté Mushrooms First: To enhance their flavor and prevent excess moisture from making the pizza soggy, sauté the sliced mushrooms briefly in a little olive oil before adding them to the pizza.

4. Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place heavier ingredients, like sausage, closer to the crust with cheese on top which acts like an adhesive layer. Distribute the toppings evenly to avoid an overly heavy center that may lead to an uneven cook.

5. Finish with Fresh Arugula: To prevent the arugula from wilting too much, ensure to top the pizza with the arugula just after it comes out of the oven. This helps maintain its fresh, peppery flavor and crisp texture.

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Mushroom Sausage And Arugula Pizza Recipe

My favorite Mushroom Sausage And Arugula Pizza Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet or pizza stone
3. Rolling pin
4. Parchment paper
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Pizza cutter or sharp knife
7. Mixing bowl
8. Spoon or spatula for spreading sauce
9. Cutting board
10. Knife

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if preferred)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cornmeal or flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to preheat. Position a baking sheet or pizza stone inside your oven to allow it to heat up along with the oven.

2. Sprinkle a clean surface with cornmeal or flour and roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness.

3. Gently move the piped dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.

4. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

5. Evenly sprinkle the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Equal parts of the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage go on top of the cheese.

7. Place the sliced mushrooms over the pizza, laying them out evenly.

8. Distribute the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the whole pizza to taste.

9. Pour the olive oil over the arugula, toss to combine, and set aside.

10. Transfer the pizza with parchment paper onto the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven, which is now preheated. Bake for something close to 10-12 minutes, but watch the pizza closely. It should be bubbly and have a nicely browned, not burnt crust. Remove from the oven and top with the salad. Slice and serve.