Description
This Italian Sausage & Pepperoni Garlic Bread Pizza features crispy garlic butter toasted bread topped with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and a hint of spicy chili flakes. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or whenever you crave pizza night without the delivery wait.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf Italian bread or French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened, for richness and flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, for signature garlic bread taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, adds brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, extra garlic depth
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, a subtle kick of heat
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce, your favorite brand works well
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded melts better
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, bulk sausage or removed from casings
- Pepperoni slices, as much as you'd like
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, dried blend
- Extra chili flakes, to taste for heat lovers
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing
- Optional toppings, hot honey or fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
- Mix the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and chili flakes until well blended.
- Prepare the Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the sliced bread.
- Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the garlic butter coated bread on the sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over both halves of the toasted bread. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly.
- Layer Toppings: Add cooked Italian sausage and pepperoni slices evenly across the bread. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and extra chili flakes on top.
- Bake Until Melted: Return to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of hot honey if desired. Slice and serve warm while the cheese is still crispy and gooey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes