If you’re searching for a pizza that’s as impressive as it is easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza is an irresistible twist on classic comfort food, combining the bold flavors of garlicky greens, spicy sausage, and gooey mozzarella—all atop a crisp, golden crust. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself to an epic pizza night in, this recipe will make you rethink how delicious homemade pizza can be. Trust me, once you taste this Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza, it’ll quickly become a regular craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza is how each ingredient plays a starring role in creating unforgettable layers of flavor and texture. Every component here is simple, but together, they create something truly special—plus, most are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Pizza Dough: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade dough for a chewy, satisfying base that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Turkey Sausage: Opt for sausage links with the casings removed; turkey keeps things lighter while delivering hearty, savory flavor.
- Broccoli Rabe: This slightly bitter, vibrant green vegetable gives the pizza freshness and a delicious earthy edge that balances the rich cheese.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp the crust and brings a hint of fruity richness to both the sausage and veggie toppings.
- Garlic: Just two cloves are enough to infuse everything with aromatic depth—freshly minced is best!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle background heat; feel free to increase the amount for extra spice.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that classic, stretchy melt and mild creamy flavor that pizza lovers can’t resist.
- Grated Provolone Cheese: A second cheese brings a slight smokiness and extra richness that makes the topping blend irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish and beautiful golden color after baking.
- Salt and Pepper: Season judiciously—it’s all about bringing the flavors together perfectly.
- Cornmeal or Flour: Dusting your surface with this will help keep the dough from sticking and gives the bottom of the pizza a lovely texture.
How to Make Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza
Step 1: Heat Your Oven and Tools
Start by turning your oven up to 475°F. If you have a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet, place it inside while the oven preheats; this ensures a sizzling-hot base for your pizza and that delicious, crispy crust.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then crumble in the turkey sausage. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking the sausage up into bite-sized pieces as you go. Once done, transfer it to a plate so it’s ready for topping your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli Rabe
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds (just until fragrant), then toss in your chopped broccoli rabe. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until the greens are tender and vibrant. Season generously with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Pizza Dough
Lightly dust your countertop with cornmeal or flour, then roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. I like a slightly thicker edge for extra chew, but you do you! Carefully transfer your dough onto a piece of parchment paper to make moving it to the oven a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble Your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza
Scatter your mozzarella and provolone evenly across the dough, reaching close to the edges for max cheesiness. Evenly spoon over the cooked sausage and sautéed broccoli rabe mixture for full coverage. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza (on its parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until you see a deeply golden crust and bubbling, lightly browned cheese. Once baked, let the Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza cool for a few minutes before effortlessly slicing it up and enjoying every bite.
How to Serve Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza
Garnishes
Give your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza a final flourish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh basil, or a light drizzle of olive oil. For spice lovers, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will really make those flavors pop!
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a bowl of marinated olives for a perfect Italian-American spread. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad can also round out your meal with freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza on a rustic wooden board or cut it into small squares for an appetizer-style party platter. For weeknight fun, set out extra toppings (like roasted peppers or chili oil) and let everyone customize their own slice of Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To enjoy every last bite, let your pizza slices cool to room temperature, then wrap them in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days.
Freezing
If you want to save some slices for later, you absolutely can! Freeze cooled pizza slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for about two months, perfect for quick lunches or snack attacks.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza in a hot oven (about 400°F) directly on the rack or on a preheated baking sheet for 5–7 minutes. This gets the crust crisp again and revives the gooey cheese just like fresh-baked!
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken or pork sausage—just be sure to remove the casings and cook thoroughly before adding to your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza.
What if I can’t find broccoli rabe?
No worries! Broccolini or even fresh spinach make wonderful substitutes, though the flavor will be milder and more sweet than classic broccoli rabe.
Do I need a pizza stone to make this recipe?
While a pizza stone creates an authentically crisp base, a sturdy baking sheet preheated in your oven is a fantastic alternative. Your Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza will still turn out beautifully golden!
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prep the sausage and broccoli rabe a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready to eat, assemble and bake so you get that marvelous fresh-from-the-oven quality at dinnertime.
How can I make my pizza spicier?
To kick up the heat even more, try using hot turkey sausage and add extra red pepper flakes on top just before baking. Every bite of Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza will have real zing!
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza is a flavor-packed pizza adventure just waiting to happen in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and savor every gooey, garlicky, slightly spicy slice—your new favorite weeknight recipe awaits!
Print
Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (about 4 servings)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With a flavorful combination of turkey sausage, broccoli rabe, and three types of cheese, this homemade pizza is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Turkey Sausage:
- 8 ounces turkey sausage (casings removed)
Broccoli Rabe:
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté broccoli rabe: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, then add broccoli rabe and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the pizza: Roll out the pizza dough, top with cheeses, sausage, and broccoli rabe mixture. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot turkey sausage.
- You can substitute broccolini or spinach if broccoli rabe isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
