Bushra Griffith
Sausage is a popular pizza topping, but where it should be placed on a pizza is a matter of debate. Some people prefer to put it under the cheese, while others prefer to put it on top. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. For example, putting sausage under the cheese can help to prevent the meat from drying out, but putting it on top allows people to see how much sausage is on the pizza. Ultimately, the decision of where to put sausage on a pizza may come down to personal preference, regional traditions, and the type of pizza being made.
Sausage over or under cheese for pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sausage visibility | Putting sausage over the cheese allows customers to see how much sausage is on the pizza. |
| Type of oven | In a conveyor oven, sausage is placed under the cheese to prevent it from drying out. In a deck oven, sausage is placed over the cheese as the heat comes mostly from below. |
| Type of pizza | For a stuffed pizza, sausage is placed over the cheese. For a thin-crust pizza, sausage is placed under the cheese. For a deep-dish pizza, sausage is placed over the cheese to prevent a soggy crust. |
| Type of sausage | Raw sausage is placed under the cheese to ensure it is thoroughly cooked. Cooked sausage is placed over the cheese. |
| Type of topping | Toppings like pepperoni and cilantro are placed over the cheese for taste, appearance, and tradition. |
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What You'll Learn
Sausage pizza toppings: slices, crumbles, or ground
Sausage is an extremely versatile pizza topping that can be used in many ways. Whether you like your sausage as slices, crumbles, or ground up, there are several methods to prepare this meat for your pizza.
Slices
If you want to use sliced sausage, it is recommended to cook the sausage link first and then slice it. Sliced sausage is similar in shape to pepperoni, and it will be evenly distributed across the pizza, ensuring you get a piece in every bite. When slicing the sausage, it is best to avoid piercing the skin to retain more juices and create a more flavorful slice.
Crumbles
To prepare sausage crumbles, you will need to slice the casing from top to bottom and remove the meat. Place the meat in a pan over medium-high heat and use a spatula to break it up into crumbles as it browns. Once the sausage is fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to your pizza.
Ground
Ground sausage is a quick and easy option for a pizza topping. Simply place the raw ground meat into a heated skillet and use a spatula to break it apart into bite-sized chunks. Once the meat is firm and has stopped releasing liquid, sprinkle it over your pizza. This method is similar to sausage crumbles but will reduce the time needed to prepare your pizza.
Over or Under the Cheese?
There are differing opinions on whether sausage should go over or under the cheese on a pizza. Some people prefer to put the sausage under the cheese, especially for fast baking times, to ensure that the sausage is thoroughly cooked. Others choose to put the sausage on top of the cheese, so that people can see how much sausage is on the pizza. Ultimately, the decision may depend on the type of pizza and oven being used.
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Cooking sausage before putting it on pizza
When it comes to sausage as a pizza topping, there are a few methods you can use to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Firstly, decide whether you want to use sliced sausage or sausage crumbles. For sliced sausage, cook the sausage links whole, then wait a few minutes before slicing them into your desired sizes. Avoid piercing the skin during the slicing process, as this will help retain the juices and create a more flavoursome bite. If you prefer crumbles, slice open the casing and remove the meat, placing it in a pan over medium-high heat. As the meat cooks, use a spatula to break it up into crumbles.
Regardless of your preferred sausage style, it is important to ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before adding it to your pizza. This is especially crucial if you plan to place the sausage under the cheese, as the cheese layer will prevent the heat from reaching the sausage during baking. To avoid undercooked sausage, consider pre-cooking the meat and storing it chilled until you are ready to assemble your pizza. That way, you can ensure the sausage reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking your pizza crust.
If you are short on time or want to avoid the hassle of pre-cooking, there are a few tricks you can use. One option is to use ground sausage, which cooks faster than slices or crumbles. Simply cook the ground meat in a skillet until it is firm and no longer releasing liquid, then sprinkle it over your pizza. Another time-saving technique is to orient the sausage towards the centre of the pizza, where the heat is more concentrated, ensuring it cooks through during baking.
When it comes to placing the sausage on your pizza, there are varying opinions on whether it should go under or over the cheese. Some sources suggest putting the sausage under the cheese to prevent it from drying out, especially when using a conveyor oven or fast baking times. However, others argue that placing the sausage on top allows you to showcase the generous amount of topping and ensures it receives direct heat, resulting in a nicely browned sausage. Ultimately, the decision may depend on the type of pizza you are making, regional preferences, and personal taste.
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How much sausage to put on pizza
The amount of sausage to put on a pizza depends on the size of the pizza and the type of sausage. A general rule of thumb is to use 3 oz of sausage for a 12" pizza and 5 oz for a 14" pizza. However, for a 16" pizza, you might need up to 8 oz of raw sausage.
When it comes to the type of sausage, you can use slices, crumbles, or ground sausage. If you're using slices, cook the sausage link first and then slice it. This will ensure that you get a piece of sausage in every bite. If you're using crumbles or ground sausage, you'll need to cook the sausage and break it up into bite-sized pieces before adding it to your pizza.
You can also use raw sausage on your pizza, which some people believe adds more flavor. If you choose to use raw sausage, make sure to cook your pizza long enough so that the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature.
In addition to the amount and type of sausage, the placement of the sausage on your pizza is also important. Some people prefer to put the sausage under the cheese, especially if they are using a conveyor oven or baking their pizza for a short time. Others prefer to put the sausage on top of the cheese, especially if they are using a deck oven or want to showcase how much sausage is on the pizza. Ultimately, the decision of how much sausage to put on your pizza and where to place it comes down to personal preference and the specific pizza you are making.
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Where to put sausage on Chicago-style pizza
When it comes to Chicago-style pizza, there are a few key things to consider when deciding where to put the sausage. The first is the type of pizza you're making. If you're going for a deep-dish style, you'll want to start with a layer of cheese, typically mozzarella, on the bottom. Then, you can add your sausage, either as small bits connecting to form a loose web or as crumbles, followed by the sauce. This order of ingredients ensures a crisp crust and allows the cheese to melt and ooze optimally.
However, if you're making a thin-crust Chicago-style pizza, the assembly may vary. Some people opt to put the sausage under the cheese to prevent it from drying out in a conveyor oven, while others put it on top so the amount of sausage is visible. In a deck oven, where the heat comes mostly from below, putting the sausage on top of the cheese is preferable.
Another factor to consider is whether you want to cook the sausage before adding it to the pizza. While some people choose to cook the sausage first, others believe that raw sausage cooks just fine in the high-temperature oven and contributes better flavor to the pizza. If you do decide to cook the sausage beforehand, you can simply slice the cooked links or create crumbles by removing the casing and frying the meat.
Lastly, the amount of sausage you use will depend on the size of your pizza. For a 12" pizza, a typical portion is 3-5 oz of sausage, while a 14" pizza might call for 5-8 oz. Remember, when it comes to Chicago-style pizza, sausage is a favorite, so don't skimp on the toppings!
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How to make sausage visible and the pizza aesthetically pleasing
There are a few things to consider when making sausage visible and aesthetically pleasing on a pizza. Firstly, the type of sausage used can impact its visibility and presentation. Sliced sausage, for instance, can be evenly distributed across the pizza, ensuring a piece in every bite. This method provides a similar appearance to pepperoni, a topping that is traditionally placed on top of the cheese to enhance the pizza's appearance. To achieve evenly sized sausage slices, allow the cooked sausage to rest for a few minutes before slicing, and avoid piercing the skin to retain moisture and flavour.
Another option is to use sausage crumbles or ground sausage, which can be cooked and prepared similarly. However, ground sausage is quicker and easier to prepare, making it ideal for a faster pizza night. When using crumbles or ground sausage, it is essential to cook the meat thoroughly before placing it on the pizza to avoid food safety issues.
The placement of the sausage in relation to the cheese is also a critical factor in making the sausage visible. While some pizza styles, such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, typically place the sausage under the cheese, this may lead to customer complaints about the amount of sausage used. To address this concern, consider placing the sausage on top of the cheese, especially if you are confident about the quantity and quality of your sausage. This approach ensures the sausage is visible and can enhance the overall appearance of the pizza.
Additionally, the type of oven and baking time can influence your decision. For a conveyor oven, placing the sausage under the cheese can prevent it from drying out. In contrast, a deck oven, which applies heat from below, may be better suited for sausage placed on top of the cheese. If you are using a reel-type oven for thin-crust pizzas, baking for under 30 minutes, or a deck oven with a longer bake time, placing the sausage on top of the cheese is a viable option.
Finally, consider combining sausage with other toppings to create visually appealing combinations. For example, on an "Upside-Down Pizza" or Tomato Pie, placing all the toppings, including sausage, on top of the cheese and sauce can be a unique presentation. On a standard pizza, placing the pepperoni on top of the cheese, or even sticking it to the sausage so it protrudes, can make the sausage more noticeable. Ultimately, the decision to place sausage over or under the cheese depends on your specific pizza style, oven, and desired aesthetic.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting sausage under the cheese can prevent the meat from drying out, and is a good option for raw sausage to ensure it cooks thoroughly. It is also the traditional placement for sausage on a pizza.
Putting sausage over the cheese allows people to see how much sausage there is, and can make the pizza look more visually appealing. It is also a good option for cooked sausage, to prevent overcooking.
The type of pizza oven being used may affect the decision, as the heat comes from below in a deck oven, but from above in a conveyor oven. The type of pizza may also be a factor, as some varieties such as "Upside Down pizza" or "Tomato Pie" have all toppings placed over the cheese.
