The aroma of freshly baked Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash wafts through the air, awakening your senses and enticing your taste buds. This pizza, with its crispy crust and a medley of savory sausage and sweet squash, feels like a warm hug on a chilly autumn evening. For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew recipe.
Imagine gathering around the table with friends and family, laughter bubbling over as you slice into this vibrant dish. The colors dance on your plate, while the flavors harmonize in perfect symphony. Whether it’s game night or a cozy dinner at home, this pizza is bound to steal the show, making you the culinary hero of the season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pizza combines hearty sausage with sweet squash for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Visually stunning with its autumnal colors, it’s sure to impress any guest.
- Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite toppings!
Ingredients for Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought for convenience or go homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Italian Sausage: Choose spicy or mild based on your preference; both add delightful flavor.
- Butternut Squash: Peel and cube it for sweetness that complements the savory sausage beautifully.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for creaminess that melts perfectly over your pie.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle some on top before baking to enhance the flavors and achieve a golden crust.
- Fresh Sage: Add chopped sage leaves for an earthy aroma that screams fall.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it heats up nicely.
Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash
While the oven is heating up, peel and cube about two cups of butternut squash. Toss these cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 3: Roast the Squash
Pop those squash cubes into your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they are tender and caramelized. Keep an eye on them; we want them beautifully roasted, not burnt to a crisp!
Step 4: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook one pound of Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat before mixing it with roasted butternut squash in a bowl.
Step 5: Roll Out Your Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into your desired shape—round or rectangular if you’re feeling rebellious. Aim for about half an inch thick so it gets nice and crispy!
Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza
Transfer your rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Spread out your sausage-squash mixture evenly over the base. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter them generously atop the filling. Finally, sprinkle chopped sage leaves all over like confetti.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with olive oil for the perfect finishing touch.
This Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash is more than just food; it’s an experience that wraps you up like your favorite sweater as you dive into each delicious bite! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors.
- The sweet squash pairs beautifully with savory sausage, creating a symphony that dances on your taste buds.
- Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing dinner guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve pizza perfection, start by roasting the squash to bring out its sweetness. While that’s happening, sauté the sausage until it’s perfectly browned. Then, roll out your dough and assemble your masterpiece while preheating the oven.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or even a plant-based option for a lighter vibe. You can also add some caramelized onions or fresh herbs like sage to elevate those flavors. Make it yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it directly on the oven rack at 350°F for about 10 minutes for that crispy crust we all love.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh sage or thyme – they complement the squash beautifully.
- Make sure your pizza stone is preheated to achieve that perfect crust.
- Don’t rush the roasting process; caramelization is key for maximum flavor.
Sometimes I think about the first time I made this Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash. My friends were skeptical about squash on pizza, but after one bite, they were hooked!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash?
To make Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash, you’ll need pizza dough, Italian sausage, butternut squash, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, garlic, fresh sage, and salt. The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful dish that captures the essence of autumn. try this sweet potato casserole You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra richness. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, offering a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
How long does it take to prepare Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash?
Preparing Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes the time required for chopping vegetables and cooking the sausage. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, the process is even quicker. Baking the pizza itself will take around 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can have this comforting fall meal ready in under an hour, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Can I use other vegetables in my Fall Pizza?
Yes! While butternut squash is a star ingredient in Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash, you can customize your toppings based on your preferences. Other great options include roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, or spinach. roasted Brussels sprouts side dish Feel free to experiment with different combinations to suit your taste while keeping the autumn theme intact. Just ensure that any additional veggies are pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
Is Fall Pizza suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare individual components ahead of time—like roasting the squash and cooking the sausage—then assemble them when you’re ready to bake. This makes it easy to enjoy a homemade meal during busy weeks without sacrificing flavor or quality. Leftovers also reheat well in the oven or microwave, maintaining their deliciousness.
Conclusion for Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash:
In summary, Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash combines seasonal flavors into a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare. With its simple ingredients like sausage and butternut squash, this recipe captures autumn’s essence perfectly. enjoy a comforting chili Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, this pizza offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Try making it today to celebrate the flavors of fall!
Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Fall Pizza with Sausage and Squash is a delightful autumn dish that perfectly combines savory Italian sausage and sweet roasted butternut squash. With a crispy crust topped with creamy mozzarella and aromatic sage, this pizza is ideal for cozy gatherings or lively game nights. Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall while impressing your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside if you have one.
- Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss it in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the squash for about 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired shape.
- Assemble the pizza by spreading the sausage-squash mixture on the dough, topping with mozzarella and sage.
- Transfer to the baking sheet or preheated stone; drizzle with olive oil before baking for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
