Easy Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza

If you’re craving a slice of homemade happiness that’s as easy as it is delicious look no further than this Easy Italian Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza! This rustic artisan pizza recipe is the bomb!!

Picture a golden crust, flavorful Italian sausage, tasty fennel, and gooey cheeses coming together in a symphony of taste.

This recipe is not just about making pizza; it’s about crafting a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort!

Join us as we embark on a journey to pizza perfection that’ll have you savoring every bite. Let’s dive into the joy of creating something extraordinary in the simplest way possible!

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Ingredients for Easy Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza

Hey pizza lovers! Today, we’re diving into a quick and delicious recipe for Italian Sausage Flatbread Pizza.

Picture this: a store-bought flatbread as your canvas, topped with savory goodness.

Start by browning a pound of ground Italian sausage in a skillet until it’s perfectly crumbly. You’ll use 1/3 pound of sausage in this recipe.  Freeze the remaining cooked sausage to use in other recipes!

Purchase a flatbread.  I get mine from Aldi’s, but most grocery stores have their own version of premade flatbreads for purchase.

You’ll need about 3/4 cup of jarred marinara sauce. Any brand works well, I usually get the cheapest jar and it tastes great on this delicious pizza, lol!

Now, let’s talk flavor bombs – adding a dash of fennel seeds for that hint of licorice magic raises the level of flavor in this homemade pizza!!

Don’t forget the cheese – 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for gooey goodness and a 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan for that extra kick.

If you’re feeling fancy, throw on some thinly sliced red onions for a sweet crunch.

Substitute Ingredients for the Easy Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Craving a slice of Italian heaven but missing a few ingredients? No worries – let’s get creative with some tasty substitutes for this flatbread pizza adventure.

If you’re out of ground Italian sausage, try ground beef or turkey for a different protein twist.

No marinara sauce in the pantry? Marinara’s laid-back cousin, tomato sauce, can step in and still bring the tomatoey goodness.

Fennel seeds not your jam? A pinch of Italian seasoning will keep that authentic flavor alive.

Ran out of mozzarella? Cheddar or provolone can jump in for a cheesy rescue.

Parmesan on vacation? Asiago or Pecorino Romano will gladly take its place.

And for our onion-averse pals, skip the red onion or sub it with bell peppers for a burst of color and crunch.

The beauty of homemade pizza is its flexibility, so feel free to dance around with these substitutes and create your own flavor symphony.

Instructions for Making the Easy Sausage and Flatbread Pizza

First up, fire up that oven to the temperature suggested on your flatbread packaging – we’re aiming for golden deliciousness. I usually set the oven to 400 degrees F. which gives me a nicely browned crust and an overall bubbly melted cheese top!

While the oven is preheating, brown the ground Italian sausage until it’s a glorious medley of savory perfection.

Cut the Fat!

Place a paper towel on a plate and let the cooked sausage drain onto the paper towel to remove any grease that was released from cooking it.

Reserve about 1/3 pound of cooked and crumbled sausage for this recipe and freeze the rest to use in the future for another quick homemade pizza!

Now, onto the star of the show – your store-bought flatbread.

Lay it out on a baking sheet or pizza stone like a blank canvas begging for flavor. For ease of clean up you can line your baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any runoff mess!

Channel your inner artist as you spread 3/4 – 1 cup of jarred marinara sauce generously, leaving a bit of room for that delectable crust.

Store and freeze the leftover jarred marinara sauce (measured out) in separate freezer bags to use on future pizzas!

Next, let the sausage crumbles rain down, each bite promising a burst of Italian flavor.

The cheese comes next.  Generously sprinkle the glorious duo of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan over the top to make your pizza dreams come true.

Sprinkle fennel seeds to your heart’s content – it’s the secret weapon for that extra oomph.

Feeling a bit rebellious? Toss on some thinly sliced red onion for a zesty kick!

Into the oven it goes, and as the aroma starts to envelop your kitchen, you know magic is happening.

Wait patiently (or not so patiently, lol) until the cheese is gooey, the edges are golden brown, and the flatbread is a canvas transformed into a masterpiece. I like the cheese to have lightly browned edges and still be a bit white in the middle.

Remove the pizza from the oven and take a moment to bask in the glory of your creation before slicing it up.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Homemade Pizza

First off, let’s talk crust – for an extra crispy base, consider pre-baking the flatbread for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This little trick ensures a perfect balance between a chewy center and a satisfying crunch.

When it comes to the Italian sausage, don’t be shy with the seasoning. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavors and give it that extra kick.

Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different cheeses – a blend of mozzarella and fontina can take your pizza game to the next level.

Now, the fennel seeds – crush them gently before sprinkling to release their aromatic goodness.

And when loading up your masterpiece, layer the toppings strategically. Start with the sausage, allowing it to mingle with the marinara, and finish with the cheeses to create a gooey, cheesy crescendo.

Pro-tip

If you’re short on time, use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, but nothing beats the flavor of freshly grated Parmesan.

Lastly, embrace the imperfections – uneven edges and rustic charm add character to your creation.

 So, fire up that oven, trust your instincts, and let the aroma of homemade goodness fill your kitchen. Remember, pizza-making is an art, and with these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a maestro of flavor.

Not That You Will Have Any, But How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pizza

If, by some miracle, there are slices left, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them into the fridge.

They can cozy up in there for about 3-4 days, but let’s be real, it’s unlikely they’ll last that long.

Now, the grand encore – reheating.

You have a few options here. The oven is the superstar for maintaining that crispy crust and melty cheese. Preheat to 350°F, throw your pizza slices on a baking sheet, and let them dance in there for about 10 minutes or until they reach that perfect reheated glory.

For the speed demons, the microwave works too, but beware, the crust might lose a bit of its crunch.

Pop a cup of water in with it to keep things from getting too rubbery.

Another nifty trick? A hot skillet on medium heat – slap that slice on there, cover it for a few minutes, and watch it transform back into its fresh-out-of-the-oven magnificence.

Now, you’re armed with the knowledge to savor every bite, whether it’s fresh off the press or making a comeback from the fridge. Or…you can eat the leftover pizza straight out of the fridge!  Who doesn’t love cold pizza, lol!

Pizza happiness all around!

What Pairs Well With Sausage Fennel Flatbread Pizza

Let’s talk about the perfect pizza companions! No pizza party is complete without some stellar sidekicks to enhance the experience.

Picture this: a refreshing side salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, providing a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness of your Italian Sausage Flatbread Pizza.

If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, whip up a batch of garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks to dunk in marinara sauce for an extra carb-loaded delight.

And let’s not forget the classic combo of pizza and a cold beverage – whether it’s a frosty beer, a glass of your favorite red wine, or a fizzy soda, the perfect drink can elevate your pizza experience to legendary status.

I love a mild IPA beer with my pizza, but any cold beverage will do!

For a sweet finish, consider serving up some cannoli or gelato for a taste of Italy that rounds out the meal beautifully.

So there you have it – the ideal ensemble for a pizza feast that’ll leave taste buds singing. Cheers to good company, great pizza, and unforgettable flavors!!!

If you love this Easy Sausage and Fennel Flatbread Pizza recipe check out my Hawaiian inspired Pineapple Ham Flatbread Pizza Recipe and my Honey Pear Blue Cheese Flatbread Pizza Recipe to round out your next artisan pizza party!

Buon appetite!