Dad’s Delicious Breakfast Pizza: The Ultimate Weekend Treat

Breakfast pizza is the ultimate weekend indulgence. It’s a fun, customizable, and satisfying way to kick off the day, especially when Dad’s in charge! This recipe is designed to be easy enough for even the most novice cooks (or enthusiastic kids helping out) and delicious enough to impress the whole family. Forget the cereal; this is breakfast royalty.

## Why Breakfast Pizza?

Think about it: pizza is universally loved. Breakfast is essential (or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves). Combining the two is a stroke of genius! It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, get creative with flavors, and make breakfast a truly memorable occasion. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing, making it an ideal centerpiece for family brunches or lazy Sunday mornings.

## The Dad Factor

Let’s face it: Dads often have a knack for making simple things extraordinary. Whether it’s grilling burgers to perfection or whipping up a surprisingly good batch of pancakes, they bring a certain *je ne sais quoi* to the kitchen. This breakfast pizza is designed to tap into that Dad-like culinary magic, offering a straightforward recipe with plenty of room for personalization and improvisation. Dads, this is your chance to shine (and maybe earn some extra points with the family).

## The Ultimate Dad’s Breakfast Pizza Recipe

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow sections, covering everything from the crust to the toppings. Feel free to adjust it based on your family’s preferences and what you have on hand. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process!

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes

### Ingredients:

**For the Crust:**

* 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious! See alternative recipe below.)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Optional: Cornmeal for dusting

**For the Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Toppings:**

* 8 ounces breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 6 large eggs
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Optional: Hot sauce for serving

**Alternative Homemade Pizza Dough (if you’re feeling adventurous):**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

### Equipment:

* Large baking sheet or pizza stone
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
* Pizza cutter or large knife

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Crust:**

* **Store-bought dough:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza stone with olive oil. If using, sprinkle a little cornmeal on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. Stretch or roll the pizza dough to fit the baking sheet. You want it to be relatively thin, but not so thin that it tears easily. Crimp the edges slightly to create a rim.
* **Homemade dough:** If using homemade dough, start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Once risen, punch down the dough and proceed as described above for store-bought dough, preheating the oven to 450°F (232°C) and rolling/stretching the dough.

**2. Cook the Sausage:**

* While the oven is preheating (or the dough is rising), cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.

**3. Prepare the Ricotta “Sauce”:**

* In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture creates a creamy and flavorful base for the pizza that’s much more interesting than traditional pizza sauce.

**4. Assemble the Pizza:**

* Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the ricotta mixture.
* Distribute the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sausage.
* Scatter the chopped red bell pepper and green onions over the cheese.

**5. Bake the Pizza:**

* Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**6. Cook the Eggs:**

* While the pizza is baking, prepare the eggs. There are a few ways to do this, depending on your preference:
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Whisk the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the same skillet you used for the sausage (no need to clean it!). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are set but still slightly moist. Remove from heat.
* **Fried Eggs:** Fry the eggs in a separate skillet with a little butter or oil. Cook to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over easy, etc.).
* **Baked Eggs (Alternative Method):** If you prefer, you can bake the eggs directly on the pizza. After adding the cheese and other toppings, carefully crack the eggs directly onto the pizza. Be sure to leave some space between each egg. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. This method requires a bit more precision and attention to ensure the eggs cook evenly.

**7. Finish and Serve:**

* Remove the pizza from the oven. If you cooked the eggs separately, arrange them on top of the pizza. If you baked the eggs directly on the pizza, they should already be cooked and ready to go.
* Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra kick.

## Variations and Tips

* **Crust:** For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust. You can also experiment with different types of crust, such as cauliflower crust or even a French bread loaf cut in half.
* **Sausage:** Use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage. You can also use bacon or ham instead of sausage.
* **Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or onions. Just be sure to cook them before adding them to the pizza.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle them on top of the pizza for a little extra heat.
* **Leftovers:** Breakfast pizza is great for using up leftovers! Feel free to add any leftover cooked vegetables, meats, or cheeses you have on hand.
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the crust and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the pizza just before baking.
* **Egg Doneness:** The cooking time for the eggs will vary depending on your oven and your desired doneness. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Preventing a Soggy Crust:** To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, avoid adding too many wet toppings. Also, be sure to drain any excess grease from the sausage.

## Homemade Pizza Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide

While store-bought pizza dough is a perfectly acceptable option, making your own pizza dough is surprisingly easy and rewarding. Here’s a detailed guide to help you create a perfect homemade crust:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. The sugar helps to feed the yeast and get it started. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or inactive, and you’ll need to start with a fresh packet.

2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for the flavor and texture of the dough.

3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Start by stirring in the center of the bowl and slowly working your way outwards.

4. **Form the Dough:** Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will likely be sticky at this point, but that’s okay. Don’t add too much extra flour, as this can make the dough tough.

5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the dough its structure and chewiness. To knead, push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, then fold it back over itself. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and springy.

6. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. This prevents the dough from drying out during the rising process. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising time will vary depending on the temperature of your environment. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal.

7. **Punch Down the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and creates a more even texture in the final product.

8. **Shape the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough to your desired shape and thickness. If the dough is too elastic and keeps shrinking back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.

9. **Add Toppings and Bake:** Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Add your desired toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked.

## More Dad-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

If breakfast pizza isn’t quite your style, or you’re looking for some other Dad-approved breakfast recipes, here are a few ideas:

* **Dad’s Famous Pancakes:** A classic for a reason! Get creative with toppings like chocolate chips, blueberries, or even bacon crumbles.
* **Breakfast Burritos:** Customizable and portable! Fill them with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and your favorite veggies.
* **Overnight Oats:** A healthy and convenient option for busy mornings. Prepare them the night before and grab them on your way out the door.
* **Breakfast Sandwiches:** A quick and easy way to get a protein-packed breakfast. Use English muffins, bagels, or croissants.
* **Frittatas:** A great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats. Plus, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd.

## Making Memories with Breakfast

Breakfast isn’t just about fueling up for the day; it’s also a chance to connect with your family and create lasting memories. Taking the time to prepare a special breakfast, like this Dad’s Breakfast Pizza, shows your loved ones that you care. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! You might just discover a new family tradition.

## Conclusion

This Dad’s Breakfast Pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to unleash your inner chef, get creative with toppings, and bring your family together around the table. So, go ahead, give it a try! We guarantee it will be a breakfast that everyone will remember.

Happy cooking, and happy breakfast!