Italian sausage on pizza is a Chicago tradition, and our version is crafted to complement everything else on the pie.
The Seasoning Blend
Our Italian sausage seasoning starts with fennel seed, which is the signature flavor of Italian sausage and a hallmark of Chicago pizza. We add fresh garlic, black pepper, dried red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and a blend of Italian herbs that echoes the herbs in our 4-generation sauce. The result is a sausage that tastes like it belongs on our pizza.
Fennel: The Key Ingredient
Fennel seed gives Italian sausage its distinctive licorice-like sweetness. It is polarizing for some people, but in the right amount, it adds a warmth and complexity that no other spice can replicate. We use enough fennel to be present without being overpowering.
The Garlic Factor
Fresh garlic is essential. We use real garlic, not powdered or pre-minced, to season our sausage. The natural oils in fresh garlic distribute through the meat during seasoning and release their flavor during baking, creating an aroma that fills the kitchen.
Heat Level
Our sausage has a mild to moderate heat level. The red pepper flakes add warmth without making the sausage spicy. We want the sausage to be enjoyable for everyone, not just heat seekers. For those who want more spice, giardiniera on top is always an option.
Preparation
The seasoned sausage is crumbled and placed on the pizza in chunks rather than thin slices. This creates pockets of flavor throughout the pie and ensures that each bite includes a satisfying piece of well-seasoned meat.
Why In-House Matters
Seasoning sausage in-house means we control the quality of the meat, the freshness of the spices, and the exact flavor profile. Mass-produced sausage from a supplier cannot be customized to complement our specific sauce, cheese, and crust the way ours does.
Taste our sausage on a Chicago thin-crust pizza at 211 N 21st Ave in Hollywood, FL. Call (754) 275-8466.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mad Pizza make their own sausage?
Mad Pizza seasons our Italian sausage in-house using a blend featuring fennel, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. This allows us to customize the flavor to perfectly complement our pizza.
Is Mad Pizza's sausage spicy?
Our Italian sausage has a mild to moderate warmth from red pepper flakes but is not overly spicy. It is designed to be enjoyable for all palates. For more heat, add giardiniera.
What makes Italian sausage taste like Italian sausage?
Fennel seed is the signature ingredient that gives Italian sausage its distinctive flavor. Combined with garlic, black pepper, and Italian herbs, fennel creates the warm, aromatic taste associated with Italian sausage.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Order authentic Chicago thin-crust pizza from Mad Pizza. Every slice supports veterans through our LEGION partnership.