National Sausage Pizza Day: 5 Unusual Sausages for Your Pizza

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So you’ve tried mixing up your pizza game with unusual cheeses and unique ways to make pepperoni pizza, but now, it’s National Sausage Pizza Day and time to tackle the last of what are arguably the three most iconic pizza flavors. Here are five unusual and creative sausages you can use to add another layer of complexity to one of the most beloved pizza toppings out there.

Wild game sausage

If you’re an adventurous foodie or a hunter, consider topping your pizza with wild game sausages like venison, wild boar, or elk. These sausages bring a rich and distinctive flavor profile to your pizza, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Mushrooms make the perfect pairing to your choice of wild game sausage, and it’s mushroom hunting season so it’s a perfect time to find wild mushrooms of your own. Just be sure to do your research and know what is and isn’t safe to eat. To finish off your wild game pizza, try adding some caramelized onions.

Smoked or spicy chorizo

You may have already had chorizo sausage on pizza as it’s a somewhat common option at gourmet pizza restaurants, and there’s a reason for that! Pick your favorite smoked or spicy chorizo, and pair the Spanish or Mexican sausage with roasted red peppers, black olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese on red sauce.

Turkey sausage

Maybe you aren’t looking for a huge change in flavor but are just seeking something cheaper or healthier than traditional pork sausage. A perfect stand-in is turkey sausage, which, if seasoned right, can bring a similar flavor profile to the pork sausage you know and love on your pizza.

The key flavors to keep in mind when seasoning ground turkey for sausage are basil, oregano, garlic, parsley, red pepper, and salt. You can use Italian seasoning as a shortcut if you’d like. It typically contains basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, garlic powder, sage, and coriander.

Vegan sausage

Another great option for the health-conscious as well as those who choose not to eat meat is vegan sausage. There are plenty of plant-based sausage substitutes now, many of which include proteins from peas or beans as well as healthy oils like coconut oil or sunflower seed oil to give the sausage the healthy protein content and the juicy feel of pork sausage.

Vegan sausage pairs well with bell peppers, spinach, and, optionally, dairy-free cheese if you’d like to keep the whole pizza vegan.

Andouille sausage

Andouille sausage, known for its bold and smoky flavor, is a perfect sausage to introduce some new flavors into your pizza palate. This spicy sausage, originating from Louisiana Creole cuisine, works fantastically with bell peppers, onions, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. It’s the perfect choice for those who crave a little heat and a lot of flavor.

A Cajun andouille sausage pizza can be made with your classic tomato-based sauce, but it also works really well with a garlic white sauce.