Easy Pizza in a Pinch

1 . Stage

To make the sauce, combine tomato sauce, garlic, 3 teaspoons herbs, paprika, salt and pepper in a sauce pan over medium-high heat.

2 . Stage

When sauce bubbles, reduce to a low simmer and stir. Cover and allow to simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes.

3 . Stage

Crumble Italian sausage in a pan and cook over medium heat until no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Drain over paper towels. Set aside.

4 . Stage

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

5 . Stage

Mix olive oil, garlic and 1 teaspoon herb blend in a small bowl.

6 . Stage

Open hot dog buns and arrange on sheet pans covered in foil.

7 . Stage

Separate buns in halves along the folds if you want to make 16 appetizers; leave whole if you want to make 8 pizzas.

8 . Stage

Brush the buns with the olive oil mixture.

9 . Stage

Toast buns in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until edges begin to brown.

10 . Stage

Remove pan from oven and spread each of the buns with the warm tomato sauce.

11 . Stage

Top with browned Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

12 . Stage

Return pan to the oven and bake at 400 degrees F for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheeses are bubbling.

13 . Stage

Serve garnished with fresh oregano leaves and crushed red pepper, if desired.