Hot Sausage Feta Honey Pizza

The first time I made this pizza, my kitchen smelled like an Italian pizzeria meets a honey shop. I'd been experimenting with sweet and spicy combinations for months, but something about the way hot honey glistens over bubbly feta just clicked. My roommate wandered in, drawn by the aroma, and we ended up eating both pizzas straight from the cutting board. Now it's the most requested dish at every game night and dinner party I host.

Last summer, I made this for my dad who claims he doesn't like 'fancy' pizza. He took one skeptical bite, eyes went wide, and went back for thirds. The combination of crumbly spicy sausage and cool feta with that sticky honey finish just works somehow. Now he texts me every few weeks asking when I'm making 'that pizza' again.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough: Store-bought works perfectly fine, but homemade gives you that extra chewy texture everyone loves
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Brushing the crust creates that beautiful golden crunch and prevents soggy bottoms
• ½ lb hot Italian sausage: The casings need to come off so you get those perfect crispy crumbles across the pizza
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella: This is your melting base that holds everything together
• ½ cup crumbled feta: Adds those salty, tangy pockets that cut through the rich sausage
• ¼ cup hot honey: The star of the show get the good stuff or make your own with honey and chili flakes
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, but if you love heat like I do, sprinkle them on
• Fresh parsley or basil: A little green freshness makes the whole pizza sing

Instructions

Get your oven screaming hot:

Crank it to 475°F and if you have a pizza stone, let it heat up for at least 30 minutes while you prep

Roll out the dough:

Flour your surface well and stretch the dough into two medium circles, thin enough to crisp but thick enough to hold the toppings

Cook the sausage:

Brown it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until it's cooked through, then drain the excess fat

Build your base:

Transfer dough to your preheated stone or baking sheet, brush with olive oil, then layer mozzarella first so everything sticks

Add the good stuff:

Scatter the cooked sausage and crumbled feta evenly across both pizzas

Bake until bubbly:

Slide it into the hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling like crazy

The magic moment:

Drizzle that hot honey generously over the hot pizza, sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave, and add fresh herbs

Wait, then slice:

Let it rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets up a bit, then cut into slices and watch it disappear

Pinterest

This pizza became my go-to for new neighbors and heartbroken friends alike. Something about that sweet and spicy combination feels like comfort food with a little adventure mixed in. I've had people text me days later saying they're still dreaming about it.

Making It Your Own

Once you master the base, the variations are endless. I've added caramelized onions for extra sweetness, swapped feta for goat cheese when I was feeling fancy, and even made a vegetarian version with plant-based sausage that surprised everyone at the table.

The Leftover Situation

If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days. The honey actually gets better as it sits into the crust. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy magic.

Party Perfect Tips

When I make this for crowds, I prep everything ahead of time. Cook the sausage, crumble the feta, and have the honey in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling. It looks impressive but is secretly so manageable.

• Double the recipe because people always go back for seconds
• Set out extra red pepper flakes so guests can control their own heat level
• Pair with a simple arugula salad to balance the richness

Pinterest

There's something universally wonderful about pizza night, and this version always makes people feel special without being fussy. Enjoy every spicy, sweet, cheesy bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the hot honey special?

Hot honey combines the natural sweetness of honey with chili heat, creating a perfect balance that cuts through the rich cheese and spicy sausage. You can buy it pre-made or infuse regular honey with red pepper flakes.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the hot Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or seasoned tofu. The feta and honey combination remains deliciously satisfying even without meat.

→ Why drizzle honey after baking?

Honey caramelizes and burns quickly at high temperatures. Adding it fresh from the oven ensures the perfect consistency and prevents any bitter burnt flavors from developing.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving, which makes the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze pizza dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before rolling out for best results.

→ What other toppings work well?

Caramelized onions add sweetness, roasted red peppers bring smokiness, or try arugula fresh after baking for a peppery contrast. Goat cheese makes an excellent feta alternative.