Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto is a quick, flavorful dinner featuring a gluten-free cauliflower crust topped with pizza sauce, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, chicken sausage, pesto, and fragrant basil.
Combining classic Margherita flavors with savory sausage and herbaceous pesto, this homemade pizza makes a satisfying meal for busy weeknights.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe yields four servings from one pizza. Baking the crust at 425°F (220°C) helps melt the cheese and develop a golden finish, while blotting the tomatoes with paper towels beforehand helps prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 1 pizza
- Oven Temperature: 425°F (220°C)
- Cooking Method: Oven-baked
- Dietary Information: Gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza Base and Sauces
- 1 CAULIPOWER® cauliflower pizza crust
- ⅓ cup prepared pizza sauce
- ⅓ cup pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
Cheese and Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 3 tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 link fully cooked roasted red pepper and Asiago chicken sausage, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Conventional oven
- Baking sheet or baking steel
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon for spreading sauces
- Pizza cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, wash the tomatoes and cut them in half. Slice each half into thin, even pieces to help them cook consistently.
Spread several layers of paper towels over a clean work surface and arrange the tomato slices in a single layer. Gently blot the tops with additional paper towels to absorb excess liquid.
This preparation step is especially important when using a cauliflower crust, which can soften when exposed to too much moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Place the cauliflower pizza crust on a baking sheet or baking steel, following the crust package instructions if they specify any additional preparation.
Make sure the crust sits flat and has enough room for the toppings. Having the crust ready before adding the sauces makes the assembly process easier and helps prevent spills.
Step 3: Add the Pizza Sauce and Shredded Cheese
Spoon the prepared pizza sauce over the crust and spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid using excessive sauce, as too much moisture can affect the final texture.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce in an even layer. Distributing the cheese uniformly helps create a consistent melted topping and provides a base for the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Arrange the Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, and Sausage
Arrange the blotted tomato slices over the shredded cheese, spacing them evenly across the pizza. Slice the fresh mozzarella into pieces of similar thickness and distribute them among the tomatoes.
Cut the fully cooked chicken sausage into thin rounds and place them across the surface. Spreading the toppings evenly helps every slice receive a balanced combination of cheese, vegetables, and sausage.
Step 5: Finish with Pesto
Use a spoon to distribute small dollops of pesto sauce over the assembled toppings. Spread the pesto lightly where needed, taking care not to disturb the other ingredients.
The pesto adds a fresh basil and garlic flavor that complements the tomato, mozzarella, and roasted red pepper sausage. An even distribution ensures that its flavor reaches every portion of the pizza.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, checking toward the end of the cooking time.
The pizza is ready when the cheeses have melted, the toppings are heated through, and the crust has developed a golden-brown finish.
Baking time can vary depending on the crust brand, oven, and thickness of the toppings, so follow the package instructions if they differ.
Remove the pizza carefully from the oven and allow it to rest briefly before slicing.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and scatter them over the hot pizza immediately after baking. The residual heat releases the basil’s aroma without cooking away its fresh flavor.
Slice the pizza into four portions using a pizza cutter. Serve while warm, when the mozzarella is melted and the crust is at its crispest.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Remove Excess Tomato Moisture
Fresh tomatoes contain considerable water, which can make a cauliflower crust soft during baking. Blotting the sliced tomatoes with paper towels before assembling the pizza helps control this moisture and supports a firmer crust.
Avoid Overloading the Crust
Although generous toppings are tempting, adding too many ingredients can make the pizza difficult to bake evenly. Keep the toppings distributed in a relatively even layer and avoid piling them too heavily in the center.
Choose the Right Pesto
Both homemade and store-bought pesto work well in this recipe. Prepared pesto is convenient for quick dinners, while homemade versions allow you to adjust the amount of garlic, herbs, and oil to your taste.
Slice the Sausage Thinly
Thin sausage rounds heat quickly and distribute easily across the pizza. Since the sausage is already fully cooked, it only needs to warm through during baking.
Follow the Crust Package Instructions
Cauliflower crusts can differ in thickness, texture, and recommended baking methods. Check the package directions before cooking and adjust the baking time if necessary to avoid undercooking or overbrowning.
Ingredient Variations
Substitute the Chicken Sausage
If roasted red pepper and Asiago chicken sausage is unavailable, use another fully cooked chicken sausage variety. Italian-seasoned or herb-flavored sausage can also complement the pesto and mozzarella.
For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the sausage. The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, and basil still provides plenty of flavor.
Make It with Homemade Pesto
Homemade pesto can be prepared using fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Blend the ingredients until they form a spreadable sauce, then adjust the consistency to your preference.
If you use store-bought pesto, check its ingredient label to confirm that it meets your dietary requirements.
Adjust the Cheese
The combination of shredded and fresh mozzarella creates a mixture of melted cheese and soft, creamy pieces. You can adjust the proportions to suit your preference, but keep the total amount of cheese moderate to help the crust bake properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pizza hot as a main course for lunch or dinner. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing side dish, while roasted vegetables can add variety to the meal.
For a casual family dinner, cut the pizza into four generous portions and serve it directly from the baking sheet or transfer it to a serving board. A little additional fresh basil can be added just before serving if desired.
Nutrition Facts
The following estimated nutrition information is provided per serving, assuming the pizza is divided into four equal portions.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 480 | — |
| Total Fat | 29g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 62% |
| Cholesterol | 84mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 790mg | 34% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 13% |
| Total Sugars | 5g | — |
| Protein | 26g | 51% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 662mg | 51% |
| Iron | 2mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 367mg | 8% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutrition values may vary depending on the specific crust, sausage, cheese, pesto, and pizza sauce brands used.
Final Thoughts
Margherita Pizza with Sausage and Pesto is a convenient way to enjoy classic pizza flavors with a cauliflower-based crust.
The combination of melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, savory chicken sausage, and aromatic pesto creates a satisfying meal without requiring lengthy preparation.
With careful tomato preparation and balanced topping distribution, this simple oven-baked recipe can become a practical option for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a quick homemade pizza night.
