If you are looking for a pizza that brings together bold flavors and a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh greens, the Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe is an absolute winner. This pizza combines the rich, lean taste of turkey sausage with the slight bitterness and crunch of broccoli rabe, all melted under a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a gourmet-style pizza at home without hours of fuss. Once you try this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture in this pizza. Every item on this list is easy to find and brings something special to the table, from the spicy kick of the turkey sausage to the fresh vibrance of broccoli rabe.
- Pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra personal touch and perfect crust.
- Turkey sausage: Casings removed for easier cooking and to mix well with toppings while keeping it lean yet flavorful.
- Broccoli rabe: Trimmed and chopped, this green adds a wonderful slightly bitter contrast that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Olive oil: Divided to cook the sausage and broccoli rabe while enhancing richness and melding flavors together.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant, robust base note that wakes up every bite.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended to give that subtle heat that contrasts perfectly with the other toppings.
- Mozzarella cheese: Plenty of this shredded cheese will create that irresistible gooey, melty texture on your pizza.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish sprinkled on top for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance all the flavors in every component.
- Cornmeal or flour: Used to dust the surface when stretching the dough for a crisp, non-sticky crust.
How to Make Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking. While the oven heats, dust your work surface with cornmeal or flour and gently stretch your pizza dough into a round shape about 12 inches in diameter. This creates the foundation for your pizza and ensures a crust that’s crispy on the edges yet tender inside.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. This step builds the savory base flavor with perfectly cooked, juicy sausage pieces that later meld beautifully with the veggies and cheese.
Step 3: Sauté Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Spice
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the chopped broccoli rabe, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the greens are tender but still bright green. The garlic and red pepper flakes add that vibrant punch that makes this pizza truly stand out.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Transfer your stretched dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the dough, then top with the cooked turkey sausage and broccoli rabe mixture. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan over everything, which will melt into a deliciously sharp topping during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is beautifully bubbly and starting to brown. This final step locks everything together into a perfectly balanced pie that’s both rustic and full of layered flavors.
How to Serve Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or red chili flakes adds a burst of color and heat, while a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil on top brings out the richness of the toppings. You can also add a few shavings of Pecorino Romano for an additional sharp and salty finish.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal. A simple arugula salad or mixed greens with a light dressing complement the hearty flavors without overwhelming the palate. A side of roasted garlic bread or grilled vegetables can round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pizza sliced into small squares for a casual, shareable party snack or create individual mini pizzas using the same ingredients for a fun twist. You can also scatter caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking to give extra depth and color to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the pizza’s freshness, and the flavors actually deepen as they rest overnight.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices can last up to 2 months and are perfect for a quick meal on busy days without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, the best way is to use a skillet on medium heat to crisp the crust while warming the toppings evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust regains its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use regular pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Pork sausage will add a bit more fat and richness, which can make the pizza even more indulgent. Just make sure to remove the casings and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.
Is broccoli rabe hard to prepare for this pizza?
Not at all. Just trim the tough ends, chop it roughly, and sauté with garlic until tender. Its slight bitterness contrasts deliciously with the savory sausage and cheese, so it’s worth the small extra step.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade dough is an excellent choice if you have the time. It adds a lovely texture and personalized flavor that takes this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe to the next level.
What if I don’t want spicy food?
You can easily skip the red pepper flakes in the recipe to keep the pizza mild and still incredibly flavorful thanks to the garlic and cheese combination.
Can this pizza be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free pizza dough, which is widely available, and be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe is a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen with ease. The harmony of spicy, savory, and fresh notes over a crisp crust makes it such a rewarding dish to make and share. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a staple in your pizza rotation!
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Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza combines the savory flavors of lean turkey sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on a crispy pizza crust. A hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes add depth and a touch of heat, making it a delicious and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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
Other
- Cornmeal or flour (for stretching dough)
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli rabe: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven and prepare dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. On a floured or cornmeal-dusted surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Assemble the pizza: Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal or flour. Evenly spread the cooked turkey sausage over the dough, followed by the sautéed broccoli rabe mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli rabe with broccoli or kale if preferred.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced chili peppers.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature before stretching for easier handling if using homemade dough.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
