Rustic Sausage and Broccolini Pizza Recipe for Family Dinner Joy

Pizza nights just got a delightful upgrade with this sausage and broccolini combination that promises a flavor explosion.

Crispy edges and perfectly charred vegetables create a mouthwatering canvas for hungry souls.

Homemade dough delivers a satisfying crunch that store-bought versions can’t match.

Savory Italian sausage mingles beautifully with tender broccolini, offering a balance of richness and green goodness.

Simple ingredients come together in a surprisingly sophisticated meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Smart cooks know this recipe will become a weekly favorite.

You’ll want to slice this beauty and savor every single bite.

All Your Pizza Questions, Answered

• What type of sausage works best for this pizza?

Italian sausage is ideal, preferably mild or sweet varieties. Remove the casings and crumble the meat for even distribution across the pizza.

• Can I make this pizza vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms. The ricotta and herb mixture will still provide excellent flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent a soggy pizza crust?

Preheating the baking sheet and using parchment paper helps create a crispy bottom. Pat ingredients dry and avoid using watery vegetables to maintain crust crispness.

• Is there a trick to stretching pizza dough?

Let the dough rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Use gentle stretching motions with your hands, allowing gravity to help, and avoid using a rolling pin which can deflate air pockets.

Why You’ll Want Sausage and Broccolini on Every Pizza

• Craft Gourmet Perfection: Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality pizza with professional-level techniques and layered flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Create a delicious meal in minimal steps, combining sausage, broccolini, and creamy cheeses for a satisfying culinary experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt the recipe for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or scaling the pizza size for family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal: Incorporate protein-rich sausage and nutritious broccolini for a balanced dish that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

What Makes This Pizza a Flavor Powerhouse

• Pizza Dough: Serves as the foundational base for the pizza.
• Sausage: Provides savory protein and rich flavor to the pizza.
• Broccolini: Adds green vegetable freshness and nutritional value.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy base layer with mild, smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers classic melting quality and stretchy consistency.

• Tomatoes, Basil: Deliver fresh, bright Mediterranean-style sauce elements.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic depth and robust flavor profile.
• Mint: Provides subtle, unexpected herbal undertone.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and season the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps with dough preparation and adds rich, smooth cooking medium.
• Water: Used to steam and soften the broccolini during cooking.

Simple Steps to Bake the Best Sausage Pizza

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Baking

Heat the oven to 475°F. Position an inverted baking sheet on the lowest rack to create an intense cooking surface.

Step 2: Set Up Pizza Base

Line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil generously across the surface to create a flavorful foundation.

Step 3: Shape Pizza Dough

Mold the pizza dough into a free-form oval about 8 inches wide. Flip the dough to coat with oil and let it relax under a loose plastic wrap.

Step 4: Prepare Tomato Mixture

Combine diced tomatoes with fresh basil in a small bowl. This will create a vibrant topping for the pizza.

Step 5: Create Cheese Blend

Mix ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with chopped mint. Season the blend with salt and freshly ground pepper for extra depth of flavor.

Step 6: Cook Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and minced garlic, breaking up the meat while cooking for about 5 minutes.

Transfer the cooked mixture to a separate plate.

Step 7: Prepare Broccolini

In the same skillet, add broccolini with water.

Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetable becomes crisp-tender and bright green.

Step 8: Assemble Pizza Layers

Stretch the dough into an 11×14-inch rectangle.

• Seasoned tomatoes
• Cooked sausage
• Broccolini

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza (including parchment paper) onto the preheated baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes until the crust turns golden and crispy.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pizza to a cutting board.

Slice into delicious portions and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Pro Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Broccolini Pizza

• Drizzle extra olive oil on the parchment paper to help the dough spread easily and prevent sticking.
• Let the pizza dough rest covered to allow gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch without tearing.
• Break sausage into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure consistent flavor distribution across the pizza.
• Cook broccolini until crisp-tender to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking during baking.
• Season the cheese mixture generously with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the pizza.

Creative Pizza Takes Using Sausage and Greens

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a plant-based pizza packed with colorful vegetables and nutrients.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes to create a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Rustic Mushroom Blend: Swap broccolini with sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini, and sprinkle fresh thyme for an earthy, rich taste experience.
• Prosciutto White Pizza: Replace sausage with thin slices of prosciutto, and substitute ricotta with creamy mascarpone cheese for an elegant, lighter pizza option.

Great Pairings for Sausage Broccolini Pizza

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of sausage and complements the bright, fresh broccolini flavors.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the pizza's hearty profile and adds a zesty, peppery contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Match with Light Beer: Pilsner or wheat beer provides a clean, crisp finish that refreshes the palate between bites of the savory, herb-infused pizza.
• Serve with Citrus Spritzer: Sparkling water with fresh orange or lemon slices cleanses the mouth and enhances the pizza's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

How to Keep Your Pizza Just-Baked Good

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store pizza slices in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 375°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Skillet Method: Reheat pizza slices in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, creating a crispy bottom and melted top.

Sausage and Broccolini Pizza Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade sausage and broccolini pizza delivers rustic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen. Crispy crust, spicy sausage, and charred broccolini create a perfect balance of textures and tastes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 hot or sweet Italian sausages (12 ounces)
• 1 pound refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 bunch broccolini

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
• 2/3 cup ricotta cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons fresh mint
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Crank the oven to 475°F and position an upside-down baking sheet on the lowest rack to intensify heat distribution.
2. Prepare a second inverted baking sheet with parchment paper, generously coating with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Gently manipulate the pizza dough into an elongated oval, rotating to ensure even oil coverage. Allow the dough to relax under a loose plastic wrap.
4. Create a vibrant tomato-basil mixture in a small bowl, blending fresh ingredients for a robust base flavor.
5. Craft a creamy cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, and mint, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Sizzle olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage and minced garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until meat is thoroughly browned and fragmented.
7. Introduce broccolini to the same skillet with water, allowing it to steam and become crisp-tender in approximately 5 minutes.
8. Carefully extend the dough into a 11×14-inch rectangle, creating an expansive canvas for toppings.
9. Layer the pizza with the prepared cheese mixture, followed by tomato blend, cooked sausage, and tender broccolini.
10. Slide the pizza (including parchment) onto the preheated baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden, crispy masterpiece.
11. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into desired portions, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Perfectly preheat the baking sheet to ensure a crispy, golden crust that doesn’t become soggy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and more even cooking, especially with the cheese and meat.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like plant-based sausage or shredded chicken for dietary flexibility.
• Pat broccolini dry before adding to the pizza to prevent excess moisture from making the crust wet and prevent steaming instead of roasting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg