If you are craving a pizza that brilliantly balances hearty, savory flavors with a fresh, slightly bitter green punch, this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe is absolutely going to win your heart. The spicy, lean turkey sausage pairs beautifully with the earthy broccoli rabe, all perfectly melded over a crisp, golden crust with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that salty finish. It’s a delightful twist on classic pizza that feels both comforting and sophisticated, and I just know it will become one of your go-to recipes in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe, each adding its unique charm to the overall deliciousness. From the wholesome dough to the vibrant greens and savory sausage, every component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and flavorful pizza.
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s well-rested and soft for easy stretching and a chewy crust.
- Turkey sausage: Lean and packed with protein, it adds a savory, slightly spicy kick without the heaviness of traditional pork sausage.
- Broccoli rabe: This green introduces a perfect mild bitterness and a fresh, slightly crunchy texture when cooked.
- Olive oil: Divided for sautéing and drizzling, it brings richness and helps soften the garlic and broccoli rabe beautifully.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the pizza a wonderful aromatic depth that wakes up every bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended to add a subtle heat that complements the sausage.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for that gooey, melty layer of indulgence that every pizza deserves.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a sharp, salty finish with a bit of textural contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Cornmeal or flour: Used for dusting your surface so the dough stretches easily and doesn’t stick.
How to Make Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Rabe
Start by trimming and chopping the broccoli rabe into bite-sized pieces. Blanch it briefly in boiling salted water to soften its slight bitterness and then drain well. This ensures it cooks perfectly on the pizza without turning too bitter or tough.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sausage
In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage after removing it from casings, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the rich, savory backbone of your pizza.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Broccoli Rabe
Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the blanched broccoli rabe to warm it through and infuse it with those lovely garlicky flavors.
Step 4: Stretch and Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted surface, stretch your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes and stretch again – patience here will lead to a perfect crust that’s thin yet sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 475°F/245°C). Spread a thin layer of mozzarella over the dough, scatter the cooked turkey sausage, then evenly distribute the garlic-sautéed broccoli rabe. Finish off with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your assembled pizza to a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbling beautifully. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn – that perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey cheese makes all the difference.
How to Serve Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Once your pizza is out of the oven, adding a few fresh garnishes takes it to the next level. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zing, or even a scattering of fresh basil or oregano can brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. For a heartier meal, roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a warm bowl of minestrone soup make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual gathering, consider slicing this pizza into small squares for a party-style presentation. Alternatively, serve alongside small bowls of chili oil or a tangy marinara sauce for dipping. Wrapping leftovers with fresh greens can even double the fun by turning slices into gourmet pizza sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, tasty lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Frozen slices can last up to 2 months, providing convenient quick meals for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to melt the cheese evenly and keep the crust crisp. You can also use a toaster oven or conventional oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful crispness of the crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute broccoli rabe with another green?
Absolutely! If broccoli rabe is hard to find or you prefer a milder taste, kale or spinach can be good alternatives. Just keep in mind they have a softer texture and milder bitterness that will slightly change the profile of the pizza.
Is turkey sausage healthy compared to regular sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is generally leaner and contains less saturated fat than traditional pork sausage, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing the savory flavor that makes sausage so popular on pizza.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough as your base, which you can find in many stores or make at home. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe adapts well for those with gluten sensitivities.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries at all! Simply use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the baking sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it to help achieve a crispier crust.
How spicy is this pizza with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly balances the bitterness of broccoli rabe and the savory sausage. However, you can easily adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe a try – it’s a perfect blend of comforting and adventurous flavors that really brings joy with every bite. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or sharing with friends over a glass of wine, this pizza will not disappoint and will likely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen repertoire. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious slice!
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Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza combining savory turkey sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and melted cheeses on a crispy homemade or store-bought dough. Ready in just 30 minutes, this pizza offers a balanced blend of flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cornmeal or flour (for stretching dough)
Toppings
- 3/4 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly dust your working surface with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape and thickness, ready to be topped.
- Cook the Turkey Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the turkey sausage until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving some rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Broccoli Rabe: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the sausage fat, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli rabe, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper, sautéing until wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), ideally with a pizza stone inside to ensure a crispy crust.
- Assemble the Pizza: Brush the stretched dough lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the surface. Distribute cooked turkey sausage and sautéed broccoli rabe mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza!
Notes
- If broccoli rabe is too bitter for your taste, blanch it in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes before sautéing.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with Italian chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage if preferred.
- Allow the pizza dough to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching for easier handling.
- Using a pizza stone or steel will yield a crisper crust, but a baking sheet works fine if you don’t have one.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
