Rectangular Sausage Pizza Recipe

🍕 Rectangular Sausage Pizza Recipe

🌟 Introduction

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes in the world. The rectangular sheet-pan pizza, topped with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and savory sausage, is a comforting classic. Unlike the traditional round Neapolitan pizza, this version is baked on a tray, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. With its crispy edges, soft center, and flavorful toppings, this pizza has been a family favorite across generations.

📜 History

Pizza traces its roots to Naples, Italy in the 18th century, where simple flatbreads with tomato and cheese became a popular street food. Over time, immigrants brought pizza to America, where it evolved into many regional varieties: New York thin crust, Chicago deep-dish, Detroit-style square pizza, and more. The rectangular sheet-pan pizza, like the one pictured, is especially popular in Italian-American bakeries and homes because it’s easy to prepare for gatherings and parties.

🥗 Benefits

Nutritious Balance – Combines carbs from the crust, protein from sausage and cheese, and vitamins from tomato sauce.

Crowd-Friendly – Easy to slice and share in large portions.

Customizable – You can adapt toppings (veggies, chicken, pepperoni, or plant-based sausage).

Homemade Goodness – Avoids preservatives and excess oil often found in frozen or fast-food pizzas.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
• 2 ¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce:

2 cups canned crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp sugar

For the Toppings:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
• Olive oil for brushing

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.

2. Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.

3. Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil.
3. Stretch and press the dough into the pan evenly.
4. Spread tomato sauce over dough.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly.
6. Add cooked crumbled sausage on top.

4. Bake

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
• Cool slightly before slicing into squares or rectangles.

🧩 Formation

This pizza is formed by:

• Base Layer → Dough stretched in a rectangle
• Middle Layer → Tomato sauce spread evenly
• Top Layer → Cheese and sausage sprinkled over
• Cooking Formation → High-heat baking creates a crispy bottom and chewy interior

🥰 Lovers of This Dish

• Families → Great for gatherings and kids’ parties
• Pizza Enthusiasts → A twist on traditional round pizzas
• Home Bakers → Easy to master with minimal equipment
• Comfort Food Lovers → Hearty, cheesy, and satisfying

🍽 Nutrition (Per Slice, approx. 1/12 of pizza)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 20% DV

(Values vary depending on ingredients used)

🏁 Conclusion

This rectangular sausage pizza is more than just a meal – it’s a tradition of sharing, warmth, and flavor. Its roots in Italian-American history, combined with its versatility and nutrition, make it a dish loved worldwide. Whether enjoyed at a family dinner or a casual party, this pizza never fails to satisfy.