Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza

Discover a delightful twist on pizza night with our Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza recipe, featuring a flavorful blend of oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning instead of traditional tomato sauce.

Whether you're planning a cozy reading night at home or hosting your book club for pizza and literary discussion, this recipe promises a deliciously unique take on a classic favorite. Perfect for both kitchen beginners and seasoned cooks, it's sure to impress your fellow book lovers!

Why We Love This Recipe:

This Italian Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza is a game-changer for pizza lovers everywhere. By skipping the traditional tomato sauce and instead opting for a flavorful blend of oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, we create a pizza that's both unique and utterly delicious. Plus, with hearty sausage, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious spinach, this pizza is as satisfying as it is tasty—perfect for those long reading marathons when you need substantial fuel!

Recipe Highlights:

• No Tomato Sauce: A unique twist perfect for those seeking alternative flavors or avoiding acidic ingredients
• Flavorful Base: Olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning create an aromatic foundation
• Bold Flavors: Savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in every bite
• Versatile: Perfect for pizza night, book club gatherings, or casual entertaining
• Easy Preparation: Accessible to cooks of all skill levels with straightforward instructions

Sausage, Mushroom & Spinach Pizza

Creative comfort food perfect for cozy pizza nights with your favorite book

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage links, casings removed (pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, steamed or wilted
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

In my experience, baking pizza on a cast iron pizza pan is as close as you can get to having a wood-burning pizza oven at home. Yet, transferring the pizza dough onto the heated pan can be quite tricky.

The game-changing trick? Parchment Paper. Assemble your pizza on a sheet of parchment paper, then slide it (paper and all) onto your hot pan. No sticking. No stress.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a cast iron pizza pan inside to heat up.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and crumbled, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Roll out the pizza dough on parchment paper to fit the size of your pizza pan.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
5. Once the pizza pan is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven and place the parchment paper with pizza dough on top.
6. Spread the olive oil mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the oil mixture.
8. Layer the cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, and spinach on top of the cheeses.
9. Return the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes.
10. After 8 minutes, carefully remove the parchment paper to allow the crust to crisp directly on the cast iron pan.
11. Continue baking for 12-15 minutes more, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Optional: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
13. Remove from oven, transfer to cutting board, slice, and serve hot.

Safety Note: Be cautious when handling the preheated cast iron pizza pan and parchment paper to avoid burns.

🛒 Pro Tip: For the perfect crispy crust every time — I recommend this Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Pizza Pan for restaurant-quality results at home.

Make-Ahead Tips:

You can save time on busy weeknights (or when you're deep in a good book and don't want to spend long in the kitchen!) by prepping ingredients ahead of time. Cook and slice the sausage, slice the mushrooms, and shred the cheese in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Essential Tools & Equipment:

• Cast iron pizza pan: Creates a perfectly crisp crust
• Parchment paper: Makes transferring pizza easy and safe
• Rolling pin: For rolling out dough to desired thickness
• Small mixing bowl: For combining oil, garlic, and seasoning
• Pizza cutter: Essential for clean, even slices

Easy Substitutions:

Don't have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

• Protein options: Try pepperoni, bacon, grilled chicken, or turkey Italian sausage
• Vegetable swaps: Replace mushrooms with bell peppers, onions, or olives
• Greens alternatives: Use kale, arugula, or any leafy green in place of spinach
• Cheese variations: Experiment with goat cheese, fontina, or provolone

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With its flavorful twist and easy preparation, this Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you're enjoying a quiet reading evening at home, hosting your book club for pizza and discussion, or having a casual dinner with friends, this pizza is guaranteed to impress.

The best part? It's substantial enough to fuel those late-night reading sessions while being sophisticated enough for entertaining. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

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