Whether or not you should pre-cook sausage for pizza depends on the type of sausage you are using and your personal preference.
Raw sausage: If you are using raw sausage, like fresh or uncooked sausage, it is generally recommended to pre-cook it before adding it to the pizza. Pre-cooking the sausage ensures that it reaches a safe internal temperature and cooks evenly on the pizza. You can pan-fry, grill, or bake the sausage before slicing or crumbling it over the pizza.
Cooked sausage: If you have cooked sausage, such as pre-cooked smoked sausage or fully-cooked Italian sausage, you may not need to pre-cook it before adding it to the pizza. Since the sausage is already cooked, it will heat up and infuse the pizza with its flavor as it bakes in the oven.
Pre-cooking the sausage also has the added benefit of reducing excess moisture on the pizza, preventing it from becoming soggy. However, if you prefer a juicier texture and don't mind the extra cooking time, you can add raw sausage directly to the pizza, and it will cook during the baking process.
Regardless of whether you pre-cook the sausage or not, always ensure that the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to prevent any risk of foodborne illness. This temperature is particularly important if you are using raw sausage and adding it to the pizza without pre-cooking.
Ultimately, the decision to pre-cook sausage for pizza is up to you and your taste preferences. Both methods can work well, so feel free to experiment and see what suits your pizza best.