Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cook the sausage on a baking sheet in the oven to an internal temperature of 155 degrees using a thermometer. Then set aside to cool. Slice thin once cooled.
Prepare the dough according to the directions on the package or if using home made dough refer to the recipe directions.
Clean and dry the counter well (make sure your hands are dried well before working with the dough). Sprinkle the counter with flour, place the dough on top of the flour, coating each side so the dough doesn't stick.
Begin rolling out the dough using a rolling pin to stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet or pan you are using. Make sure it is being stretched evenly and avoid creating thin spots (if the dough starts to stick while stretching it, sprinkle flour to prevent it from sticking).
Gently place the dough on a baking sheet, pan or stone. (Use nonstick spray when you are using the baking sheet/pan or semolina flour if using the pizza stone to prevent sticking.)
Evenly ladle and spread a layer of sauce on the dough, leaving about an inch of dough without sauce around the edge.
Evenly distribute the mozzarella over the sauce and top with the sausage.
Bake the pizza in the oven for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted (approximately 10 minutes or more if needed).
Let the pizza sit for 2 to 3 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and basil.
Enjoy with lemonade.