Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Pizza

Bold • Smoky • Slightly Spicy

Makes: 1 large 14-inch pizza (2–4 servings)

🛒 Ingredients

🥖 Pizza Dough (Homemade – or use store-bought)

• 3½ cups all-purpose or bread flour

• 1¼ cups warm water (110°F)

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

🍤 Toppings

• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• ½ lb smoked sausage (Andouille preferred), sliced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup green bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or provolone

• ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

🌶 Cajun Seasoning (Homemade)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

Mix together and divide — half for shrimp, half for sausage/veggies.

🥖 Step 1: Make the Dough (If Homemade)

1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, olive oil.

3. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

Punch down and let rest 15 minutes before shaping.

🍤 Step 2: Cook the Toppings

1️⃣ Shrimp

• Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil and half the Cajun seasoning.

• Sauté in hot skillet 1–2 minutes per side.

• Remove (they’ll finish cooking in oven).

2️⃣ Sausage & Veggies

• In same pan, cook sausage slices until browned.

• Add bell peppers, onion, garlic.

• Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning.

• Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

Let mixture cool slightly.

🔥 Step 3: Preheat Oven

• Preheat to 475–500°F (245–260°C).

• Place pizza stone or steel inside while heating (at least 30 minutes).

🍕 Step 4: Assemble Pizza

1. Roll dough into 14-inch circle.

2. Place on floured peel or parchment.

3. Spread thin layer of pizza sauce.

4. Sprinkle half the mozzarella.

5. Add sausage and pepper mixture evenly.

6. Arrange shrimp across top.

7. Add remaining mozzarella + Monterey Jack.

8. Light drizzle olive oil.

9. Optional: sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning lightly on top.

🔥 Step 5: Bake

• Bake 10–14 minutes until:

  • Crust is golden brown

  • Cheese is bubbly

  • Edges slightly crisped

Broil 1–2 minutes at end for extra char (watch closely).

🌿 Finish Like the Photo

• Sprinkle dried oregano or fresh parsley

• Light drizzle of hot honey (optional but amazing)

• Grated Parmesan

• Red pepper flakes if you want heat

Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

🔑 Pro Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning (prevents watery pizza)

• Don’t overload sauce — seafood pizza needs balance

• For crispier bottom: bake directly on preheated stone

• If crust browns too fast, lower rack one level

🔥 Flavor Variations

• Add a thin layer of garlic butter under sauce

• Swap sauce for Cajun cream sauce (heavy cream + Parmesan + Cajun seasoning)

• Add fresh basil after baking

• Add crumbled bacon for extra smokiness