There’s nothing like the sizzle of Italian sausage mingling with bubbling mozzarella on a crispy whole wheat crust.
This Whole Wheat Italian Sausage Pizza is my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special.
The blend of spicy sausage, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Balanced nutrition – Whole wheat crust adds fiber, while chicken or turkey sausage keeps it lean.
Flavor-packed – Spicy red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning bring authentic Italian taste.
Quick assembly – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to oven finish.
Customizable toppings – Swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Hot Italian poultry sausage for bold, smoky flavor
Whole wheat Boboli pizza crust for a chewy, fiber-rich base
Pizza sauce as a tangy foundation
Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
Shredded mozzarella for gooey melt
Dollops of ricotta for creamy richness
Fresh basil for bright herbal notes
Italian seasoning to tie all the flavors together
Pro Tips Before You Start
Preheat thoroughly: A 450°F oven ensures a crisp, golden crust.
Drain excess sausage fat to prevent a soggy pizza.
Even cheese distribution: Sprinkle mozzarella first, then dot ricotta so it melts uniformly.
Use a pizza stone if you have one—preheat it to help achieve that pizzeria-quality bottom.
Watch the bake time closely—whole wheat crust can darken quickly under high heat.
How to Make Your Pizza
Step 1: Preheat & Cook Sausage
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Step 2: Assemble the Crust
Place the whole wheat pizza crust on a foil-lined baking sheet, pizza stone, or directly on the oven rack.
Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses & Toppings
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce.
Top with shredded mozzarella, then use a spoon to place ricotta dollops evenly across the surface.
Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles and chopped fresh basil, and finish with a light dusting of Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust edges turn golden brown.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
Slice into wedges and serve warm.
What to Serve It With
Arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for peppery contrast
Garlic knots for extra garlicky goodness
Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers
Antipasto platter with olives, artichokes, and marinated peppers
Variations / Substitutions
Cheese swap: Try fontina or provolone in place of mozzarella.
Protein twist: Use crumbled chorizo or ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs.
Veggie boost: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or roasted eggplant.
Gluten-free: Substitute a gluten-free pizza crust.
Herb infusion: Mix fresh oregano or thyme with basil for an extra flavor layer.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store cooled pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in a toaster oven to crisp the crust.
Freeze: Flash-freeze individual slices, then transfer to a freezer bag; reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage from the grocery store?
Yes—simply crumble and distribute it evenly after warming in a skillet.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Drain sausage on paper towels and use a hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
Is it okay to bake directly on the oven rack?
Yes—this method crisps the bottom crust, but handle carefully to avoid spills.
Can I make this pizza ahead and freeze it?
Assemble without baking, wrap tightly in foil, freeze up to 1 month, then bake from frozen at 450°F for 12–15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Whole Wheat Italian Sausage Pizza proves that weeknight dinners can be both quick and gourmet.
With its vibrant toppings and balanced crust, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Gather around, slice it up, and enjoy a taste of Italy any night of the week.
