Can I Get a Sausage and Mushroom Pizza? Everything You Need To Know

Pizza is one of the most universally loved foods. The irresistible combination of a crisp, chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese and favorite toppings is hard to beat. While pepperoni and cheese are typical pizza orders, venturing into more unique topping territory can pay off. One such winning combination is sausage and mushrooms.

This classic pairing adds hearty, savory meatiness along with earthy, umami mushroom flavor. The mix of textures and tastes takes pizza to the next level. Below we will cover everything you need to know about getting a sausage and mushroom pizza, from ideal ingredients to cooking methods.

Why Sausage and Mushrooms Make an Excellent Pizza Topping

There are several reasons why Italian sausage and mushrooms are fantastic pizza toppings

• Complementary flavors – Savory sausage and earthy mushrooms balance each other out The pork and spice flavors pair well with the subtle umami taste of mushrooms

• Interesting textures – You get the soft, sliced mushrooms and the crumble of browned sausage. This makes each bite appealing.

• Protein and veggies – The sausage provides protein while the mushrooms add nutrients like B vitamins and potassium.

• Customization – Choose from mild, sweet or spicy sausage. Pick your favorite mushroom types like white, portobello, shiitake.

• Crowd-pleaser – Even picky eaters will likely enjoy this classic, flavorsome topping combination.

Tips for Making Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

Making pizza with sausage and mushrooms is satisfying but does require some technique:

• High-heat cooking – Use a pizza stone or steel to crisp the crust nicely. Crank your oven to 500°F or higher.

• ** Brown the sausage** – Be sure to cook the sausage fully until nicely browned. This renders fat and builds flavor.

• Sauté mushrooms – Cook mushrooms until tender and moisture has evaporated to prevent a soggy pizza.

• Blot grease – Dab sausage and mushrooms with paper towels before topping pizza to prevent excess grease.

• Don’t overdo toppings – Use a light hand so the balance of crust, sauce and cheese still shines through.

Delicious Sausage and Mushroom Pizza Recipes

To get you started, here are some tasty recipe ideas for sausage and mushroom pizza:

Classic Sausage Mushroom Sheet Pan Pizza

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb fresh pizza dough
• 3⁄4 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil

Roll out dough on an oiled sheet pan. Bake at 500°F for 5 minutes. Top with sauce, sausage, mushrooms and cheese. Bake 10 more minutes until browned and bubbly. Finish with fresh basil.

Sausage Mushroom Alfredo Pizza

• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz sliced portobello mushrooms
• 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust
• 1 cup alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• Dried parsley

Spread crust with alfredo. Top with mushrooms, sausage and cheese. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with dried parsley.

White Garlic Sausage Pizza

• 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust
• 3⁄4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, sliced
• Sliced white mushrooms
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Chopped chives

Blend ricotta, olive oil and garlic. Spread on crust. Top with chicken sausage, mushrooms and mozzarella. Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes. Finish with chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best mushroom to use on pizza?

Cremini, portobello and white mushrooms all work well. For more flavor, try wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster or chanterelle.

Should I cook the sausage and mushrooms first?

Yes, you want to cook both components before topping the pizza so that you don’t end up with a soggy crust.

What if I don’t like pork sausage?

Try a pre-cooked chicken Italian sausage instead. Turkey sausage also works well. Or opt for a veggie sausage.

Can I use jarred pizza sauce?

Absolutely. Use your favorite prepared pizza sauce or marinara sauce. Homemade sauce is great too.

What cheese is best on sausage mushroom pizza?

Mozzarella is the standard but provolone, fontina, asiago and cheddar also taste great. Go for a cheese blend if you like multiple flavors.

The Verdict on Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

Without a doubt, savory Italian sausage and hearty mushrooms make for an outstanding pizza topping combination. The complementary flavors and mix of textures are hard to beat. Just be sure to brown the meat and veggies first before topping the pizza to prevent sogginess. Using high-heat cooking methods like a pizza stone or steel will result in a crispy, browned crust with melted, gooey cheese.

Feel free to get creative with sausage variety, mushroom type, sauce and cheese choice based on your tastes. Homemade dough is fantastic but a pre-made crust works too for convenience. Serve slices of your freshly baked sausage and mushroom pizza on game day, movie night or anytime you need a hearty, crave-worthy meal. This flavorful pizza never disappoints!