Grilled Sausage and Peppers Pizza
This Grilled Sausage and Peppers Pizza combines smoky grilled vegetables, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy cheeses on a crispy homemade pizza crust. Topped with pesto and fresh basil, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weekend dinner or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus dough resting time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas (serves 2-4 people)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
1 pound pizza dough (divided into 2 balls)
3 tablespoons pesto
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 yellow onion, peeled and root intact
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeds removed, and cut into quarters
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeds removed, and cut into quarters
2 links spicy Italian chicken sausage (cooked)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). While the grill heats, divide the pizza dough into two balls and let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling it out.
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Grill the vegetables: Brush the onion halves and bell pepper quarters with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and tender. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool slightly, then slice them into thin strips.
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Grill the sausage: Slice the cooked spicy Italian chicken sausage and grill the slices for 2-3 minutes to get a char. Set aside.
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Prepare the pizza crusts: Roll each dough ball out to your desired size on a lightly floured surface. If using a grill-safe pizza stone, preheat it on the grill for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can grill the pizza directly on the grates.
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Assemble the pizzas: Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of pesto on each pizza dough base. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese, then scatter the grilled vegetables and sausage slices on top.
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Grill the pizza: Place the assembled pizzas on the preheated pizza stone or directly on the grill grates. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden, crispy, and the cheese is melted.
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Garnish and serve: Remove the pizzas from the grill, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetarian version: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant for a hearty veggie-packed pizza.
Cheese options: Swap ricotta for goat cheese or feta, or add Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
Extra toppings: Top with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
