Rise and Shine: Breakfast Sausage & White Cheese Pizza Perfection

Forget sugary cereals and bland toast! Start your day with a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you energized until lunchtime. We’re talking about **Breakfast Sausage & White Cheese Pizza**, a surprisingly delightful combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a perfectly crisp crust. This isn’t your average pizza; it’s a breakfast game-changer!

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily customizable to your liking. Whether you prefer spicy sausage, a blend of cheeses, or a thin and crispy crust, you can tailor it to create your ultimate breakfast pizza masterpiece. And don’t worry, it’s easier to make than you think! We’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips.

## Why Breakfast Pizza?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address the elephant in the room: Why pizza for breakfast? Well, why not? Here’s why breakfast pizza is a fantastic idea:

* **It’s a complete meal:** Pizza provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.
* **It’s customizable:** As mentioned earlier, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
* **It’s a great way to use leftovers:** Got some leftover cooked sausage or vegetables in the fridge? Toss them on your breakfast pizza!
* **It’s fun!** Breakfast pizza is a fun and exciting way to start the day, especially for kids (and adults who are kids at heart).
* **It’s perfect for brunch:** Hosting a brunch party? Breakfast pizza is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

## The Ultimate Breakfast Sausage & White Cheese Pizza Recipe

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the recipe! This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, perfect for sharing (or not!).

**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes
**Total time:** 35-40 minutes

**Yields:** 6-8 slices

### Ingredients:

* **Pizza Dough:** 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough (we recommend using a classic pizza dough recipe, or even a pre-made crust for ultimate convenience).
* **Breakfast Sausage:** 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (choose your favorite flavor – mild, spicy, or sweet).
* **White Cheese Blend:** 1 cup ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated provolone cheese (or use your favorite combination of white cheeses).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish).
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Sliced mushrooms
* Diced onions
* Bell peppers (any color)
* Spinach
* Sun-dried tomatoes
* Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
* A drizzle of maple syrup (for a sweet and savory twist)

### Equipment:

* Pizza stone or baking sheet
* Pizza peel (optional, but recommended for transferring the pizza to the stone)
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin (if using fresh dough).

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Dough (If Using Fresh Dough):**

* If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
* If using homemade dough, follow your recipe’s instructions. Generally, you’ll need to knead the dough and let it rise for at least an hour.

**2. Cook the Sausage:**

* While the dough is resting (or before, if using pre-made dough), cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Break the sausage apart with a spatula as it cooks.
* Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
* Drain any excess grease.
* Set aside the cooked sausage.

**3. Prepare the White Cheese Blend:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and provolone cheese.
* Mix well until all the cheeses are evenly distributed.
* Set aside.

**4. Prepare the Garlic Oil:**

* In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic.
* Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the garlic flavor to infuse the oil.

**5. Preheat the Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
* If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help the stone get nice and hot, resulting in a crispier crust.

**6. Assemble the Pizza:**

* Lightly flour a clean surface.
* Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter).
* If using a pizza peel, dust it with cornmeal or flour to prevent the pizza from sticking.
* Carefully transfer the dough to the pizza peel (or a baking sheet if not using a peel).
* Brush the garlic oil evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
* Spread the white cheese blend evenly over the garlic oil.
* Sprinkle the cooked breakfast sausage over the cheese.
* Add any optional toppings you desire.

**7. Bake the Pizza:**

* Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet with the pizza in the oven).
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Keep a close watch to prevent the crust from burning.

**8. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
* Slice and serve immediately.
* Enjoy your delicious Breakfast Sausage & White Cheese Pizza!

### Tips and Variations:

* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil or sprinkle some on top of the pizza before baking.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Sauté your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers, and add them to the pizza.
* **Go Sweet and Savory:** Drizzle a little maple syrup over the pizza after it comes out of the oven for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of white cheese, such as fontina, asiago, or Parmesan.
* **Make it a Sheet Pan Pizza:** If you’re feeding a crowd, make a sheet pan pizza instead of a round pizza. Simply roll out the dough to fit a large baking sheet and follow the same instructions.
* **Use a Gluten-Free Crust:** For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust.
* **Add an Egg:** Crack an egg on top of the pizza during the last few minutes of baking for an extra protein boost.
* **Pre-Cook Toppings:** Cook any toppings like onions, peppers, or mushrooms beforehand to ensure they are tender and flavorful. This prevents them from releasing excess moisture onto the pizza during baking.
* **Use a Pizza Screen:** If you don’t have a pizza stone or peel, a pizza screen can help prevent the crust from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Adding too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Use a moderate amount of toppings to ensure a crispy crust.
* **Let the Pizza Rest:** Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
* **Reheat Leftovers:** Leftover breakfast pizza can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or skillet. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

## Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on busy mornings, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance:

* **Cook the Sausage:** Cook the breakfast sausage ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Prepare the White Cheese Blend:** Mix the cheeses together and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop any vegetables you plan to use and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

Breakfast pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a cup of coffee or juice.

Here are a few more serving suggestions:

* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes complements the savory pizza.
* **Greek Yogurt with Honey:** A dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess.
* **Smoothie:** A fruit smoothie provides a healthy and energizing boost.
* **Coffee or Juice:** A classic breakfast beverage, such as coffee or orange juice, completes the meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* **Calories:** 350-450 per slice
* **Protein:** 15-20 grams per slice
* **Fat:** 20-25 grams per slice
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40 grams per slice

## Final Thoughts

Breakfast Sausage & White Cheese Pizza is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing. So, ditch the boring breakfast routine and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

What are your favorite breakfast pizza toppings? Share your ideas in the comments below!

This breakfast pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about taking something familiar, like pizza, and reimagining it for a new time of day. It’s about experimenting with flavors and textures, and discovering new combinations that delight your senses. It’s about making breakfast fun and exciting, and starting your day with a smile.

So, go ahead and embrace the breakfast pizza revolution! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.

And don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #BreakfastPizzaPerfection. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Enjoy!