Harvest Delight: Savory Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage – Your Ultimate Fall Recipe

Experience the quintessential tastes of autumn with our Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage. This isn’t just a pizza; it’s a celebration of fall flavors, meticulously crafted into a delightfully crispy, satisfying meal that will become a staple in your seasonal rotation.

As the days grow shorter and a crispness enters the air, there’s a certain nostalgia that washes over me, especially for the vibrant autumns of New England. Despite the many years that have passed since I called it home, the spirit of fall continues to inspire my culinary creations. Even on a warm, sunny Florida beach day, my heart yearns for those comforting, hearty flavors. This desire recently culminated in a brand new pizza creation that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the season.

And oh, how wonderfully it turned out! This pizza is a testament to the unexpected harmony found in a simple combination: the earthy sweetness of squash paired with the robust, savory notes of sausage. It’s a duo that truly shines, complemented by the delicate crunch of crispy sage and a subtle hint of cinnamon that elevates the entire experience to something truly extraordinary. It’s a flavor profile that feels both gourmet and deeply comforting, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

Why This Squash and Sausage Pizza Will Become Your Fall Favorite

There’s something uniquely enchanting about fall ingredients. Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and creamy texture, forms the perfect canvas for a pizza that’s anything but ordinary. When combined with flavorful bulk sausage, you get a savory depth that balances the squash beautifully. The crispy sage leaves are a revelation – they add an aromatic, almost ethereal crunch that brightens every bite, while a whisper of cinnamon ties all these autumnal elements together in a symphony of taste. This pizza isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a journey through the best flavors autumn has to offer, all on a perfectly crisp crust.

While this recipe is designed for convenience with a premade pizza crust, crafting your own dough can elevate the experience even further. If you’re eager to try your hand at homemade pizza dough, I highly recommend checking out my recipe for Sam Adams Beer Pizza Dough for a truly unique flavor base. For those who prefer to make every component from scratch, my Homemade Pizza Sauce with wine and garlic provides a rich and robust foundation that pairs wonderfully with these fall toppings. However, a quality store-bought crust works beautifully to simplify your preparation and get this delicious meal on the table faster!

Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage

5 from 2 votes

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Authur: Erica

Equipment

pizza stone

Ingredients

1 small ~1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and chopped. For best flavor, choose a firm squash without blemishes.
½ t sugar (optional, to enhance squash sweetness)
½ lb bulk sausage (cooked and crumbled – mild or spicy Italian sausage works beautifully)
8-10 large sage leaves (fresh is key for crispy sage)
1 T extra virgin olive oil (for frying sage)
1 thin precooked pizza shell (Choose a high-quality crust. “The Pizza Gourmet, Wood Grilled Pizza crusts” are excellent, but any preferred thin crust will work well to achieve a crispy base.)
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully)
kosher salt fresh cracked pepper, and ground cinnamon (just a pinch for that amazing fall aroma)

Instructions

Begin by preparing your butternut squash. Peel, seed, and chop the squash into uniform pieces. Steam these pieces until they are fork-tender, which usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Once tender, drain the squash thoroughly to remove any excess water – this is crucial for a non-soggy pizza topping. Transfer the cooked squash to a bowl and mash it with a potato masher until smooth. Season lightly with a pinch of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Taste the mashed squash; if your squash is on the less sweet side (often true for early-season varieties), you can add up to ½ teaspoon of sugar to enhance its natural sweetness. This creates a beautifully balanced base for your pizza.
Next, prepare the crispy sage. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the large sage leaves, ensuring they lay flat in a single layer. Fry the sage leaves for about one minute, flipping them once, until they become wonderfully crispy and slightly darkened. Be careful not to burn them, as they can turn bitter quickly. Promptly transfer the crispy sage leaves to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. They will become even crispier as they cool.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack of your oven before preheating. This allows the stone to heat up gradually and thoroughly, which is key for achieving a perfectly crispy crust. Once the oven reaches the target temperature, allow the pizza stone to continue heating for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it’s fully scorching hot. A properly preheated stone makes all the difference in pizza texture.
Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven using oven mitts. Place your precooked pizza crust directly onto the hot stone. Now, it’s time to layer your delicious toppings. First, spread an even layer of the mashed butternut squash over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bulk sausage evenly over the squash. Follow with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, scatter the crispy sage leaves over the top. For that special autumnal touch, finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon – a little goes a long way to enhance the fall flavors. Return the pizza stone with the assembled pizza to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and toasty. Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve immediately to enjoy this warm, savory, and aromatic fall pizza!

Ingredient Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Fall Pizza

Each component of this Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage plays a crucial role in its overall deliciousness. Let’s delve a little deeper into why these specific ingredients work so well together:

Butternut Squash: This versatile winter squash is prized for its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. It offers a healthier, vibrant alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauces. When steaming and mashing, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid a watery pizza. Adjusting its sweetness with a pinch of sugar, as mentioned in the recipe, can truly bring out its best qualities, especially if the squash isn’t fully ripe.
Bulk Sausage: The choice of sausage can significantly impact the final flavor profile. A mild Italian sausage provides a rich, savory counterpoint to the sweet squash without overpowering it, while a spicy Italian sausage can add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Cooking and crumbling it beforehand ensures even distribution and perfect texture on every slice.
Crispy Sage: This is arguably the secret ingredient that elevates this pizza from good to gourmet. Fresh sage leaves, quickly fried in olive oil, transform into delicate, aromatic crisps. Their slightly bitter, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the squash and sausage, adding a sophisticated layer of flavor and an irresistible crunch. Don’t skip this step – it’s worth the effort!
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, opting for a good quality, whole milk mozzarella will yield the best melting consistency and creamy texture. Its mild flavor allows the squash, sausage, and sage to truly shine, while binding all the ingredients together beautifully.
A Hint of Cinnamon: This might seem unconventional for a savory pizza, but a very light dusting of ground cinnamon is the perfect autumnal embrace. It doesn’t make the pizza taste sweet, but rather enhances the warm, earthy notes of the squash and sage, providing an unexpected depth of flavor that is truly captivating.

Tips for Achieving Pizza Perfection

Making great pizza at home is all about a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage turns out perfectly every time:

Preheat Your Pizza Stone Thoroughly: As detailed in the recipe, a super-hot pizza stone is essential for a crispy crust. Don’t rush this step. The intense heat instantly sets the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy and giving you that desirable crispiness. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy-duty baking sheet preheated in the oven will also work, though results may vary slightly.
Don’t Overload the Toppings: While it might be tempting to pile on the squash, sausage, and cheese, an overloaded pizza can lead to a soggy crust and uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts to allow each ingredient to cook properly and contribute to the overall balance of flavors and textures.
Mind the Moisture: Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the steamed squash after mashing. Excess water can make your pizza crust soggy.
Fresh Sage is Best: For truly crispy sage, fresh leaves are non-negotiable. Dried sage won’t achieve the same texture or intense flavor when fried.
Even Spreading: Ensure an even layer of squash and then cheese across the pizza. This helps with consistent cooking and flavor distribution.

Customizing Your Fall Pizza Experience

This recipe for Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage is fantastic as is, but it also lends itself beautifully to customization. Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Alternate Squash Varieties: While butternut squash is ideal, feel free to experiment with other winter squashes like delicata, acorn, or even pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Cheese Variations: Instead of, or in addition to, mozzarella, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese for a tangy kick, smoked provolone for depth, or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a salty umami boost.
Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a handful of fresh spinach can be wonderful additions to this pizza. Just be sure to cook them down beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the pizza before baking will add a pleasant warmth.
Herbaceous Twists: Beyond sage, a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary could also complement the squash and sausage nicely. Add them in moderation.
Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and perhaps add some roasted chickpeas, cannellini beans, or a plant-based sausage alternative to maintain a hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Pizza Night

This Squash and Sausage Pizza with Crispy Sage is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza. For something a bit more substantial, a bowl of warm, creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil soup would make an excellent accompaniment. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite fall beverage – perhaps a hard cider, a robust red wine, or even a spiced apple cider for a non-alcoholic option. Enjoy this perfect autumn pie with friends and family!