Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's features zesty fennel-seasoned sausage, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese atop a golden, crispy thin crust, delivering a flavorful and satisfying bite with every slice.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (with fennel)
- 1 prepared thin pizza crust
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- All-purpose flour (for rolling dough)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Italian sausage with fennel is key for replicating Papa Murphy's signature spicy flavor, so choose authentic fennel-seasoned sausage for the best taste. Use a prepared thin pizza crust to ensure a crispy, golden base similar to the original. Fresh mozzarella cheese and tangy marinara sauce create the classic gooey and zesty topping profile. Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano to enhance the pizza's spicy and aromatic notes. Your homemade Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu will deliver a satisfying bite with every slice just like the popular original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- If using raw sausage, remove casing and cook sausage in skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough to desired thinness.
- Transfer rolled crust to a floured pizza peel.
- Ladle marinara sauce evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute cooked fennel sausage over the sauced crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over sausage.
- Drizzle olive oil in a thin stream over the pizza.
- Carefully slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet using the pizza peel.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer pizza to cutting board and slice with knife.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's copycat menu combines fennel-seasoned sausage, tangy marinara, and mozzarella on a crispy thin crust for a bold, savory flavor. If Italian sausage with fennel is unavailable, you can substitute with regular Italian sausage and add 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds or ground fennel to mimic the distinctive taste. When rolling out the dough, dust your surface lightly with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking. A pizza stone helps create a crispier crust, but a baking sheet will work as a convenient alternative. You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your personal preference.
Tips
Ensure your pizza oven reaches the full 475degF (245degC) before baking to achieve a crispy crust that holds all the toppings well. When working with Italian fennel sausage, removing the casing and thoroughly browning the sausage enhances flavor and prevents excess grease on your pizza. Lightly flouring your surface and pizza peel prevents dough from sticking, making transferring easier and preserving the crust's texture. You should let the pizza cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making slicing cleaner and safer.
Nutritions
Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's provides a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates essential for energy and muscle repair. The fennel-seasoned Italian sausage offers high-quality protein and fat, while the mozzarella cheese contributes calcium and additional protein. Your pizza crust delivers carbohydrates necessary for fuel, and the marinara sauce adds vitamins A and C from tomatoes, along with antioxidants such as lycopene. The inclusion of herbs like oregano and garlic powder enhances flavor while offering minor anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate within two hours of baking, and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. To reheat, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted, ensuring your pizza retains its delicious texture and taste.
Variation or Alternatives
Try swapping Italian fennel sausage with spicy chorizo or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile. Instead of traditional marinara, use a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce to add richness to your pizza. You can also sprinkle caramelized onions or roasted red peppers on top to introduce a sweet and smoky dimension. For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings and continuing to bake.
Allergies
Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and wheat from the thin pizza crust. The Italian sausage may also contain additives or spices that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or specific spices, it is important to check the ingredient list carefully before enjoying your pizza.
Why this recipe?
Spicy Fennel Sausage Pizza from Papa Murphy's offers a bold flavor profile with its perfectly seasoned fennel sausage, delivering a satisfying blend of heat and aromatic spice. The balance of spicy meat combined with a crispy crust and rich tomato sauce creates a memorable taste experience that keeps customers coming back. Your at-home copycat version lets you customize heat levels and ingredient quality, ensuring you personalize every bite to match your preferences. Recreating this pizza allows you to enjoy a beloved restaurant flavor while experimenting with freshness and flavor intensity in your own kitchen.