Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza

Okay, pizza lovers—this one’s for you. If you’re ready to step away from the usual pepperoni and dive into something a little more gourmet (but still super easy), say hello to Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza. It’s bold, savory, a little garlicky, and totally satisfying. Think crispy golden crust, spicy turkey sausage, slightly bitter and beautifully wilted broccoli rabe, all tied together with gooey cheese and a hint of heat. It’s the kind of pizza that feels fancy but is absolutely weeknight-friendly. Trust me, you’re going to want this one in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza

Unique Flavor Combo: The slightly bitter, earthy flavor of broccoli rabe perfectly balances the richness of turkey sausage and melty cheese. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, and you’re in flavor heaven.

Healthier Twist: Using turkey sausage instead of traditional pork lightens things up a bit without sacrificing flavor. Plus, broccoli rabe is packed with vitamins and fiber.

Easy to Make: Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own, this pizza comes together quickly with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a little bit different, but still totally pizza. The familiar flavors wrapped in a slightly adventurous package make it a hit with adults and older kids alike.

Customizable: Like it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes. Want more cheese? Go for it. This pizza is your canvas.

Ingredients in Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza

Here’s what makes this pizza sing:

• Pizza Dough: Use store-bought or homemade—whatever works for you. A thin, crispy crust is ideal for this bold topping combo.
• Turkey Sausage: Lean, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Opt for hot or sweet Italian turkey sausage based on your preference.
• Broccoli Rabe: Slightly bitter, tender greens that balance the richness of the sausage and cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty goodness that holds it all together.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty kick.
• Fresh Garlic: Sautéed with the broccoli rabe for bold, aromatic flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and brushing the crust.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional—but recommended for a little heat.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything just right.
• Cornmeal or flour: To dust the baking sheet or pizza stone and prevent sticking.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up at least 30 minutes before baking.

2. Cook the Broccoli Rabe

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli rabe for 2-3 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Roughly chop.

3. Sauté with Garlic

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds, then add the chopped broccoli rabe. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tender and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook the Turkey Sausage

Remove sausage from casing and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Pizza

Roll out the dough on a floured surface or parchment paper to your desired thickness. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil. Top with mozzarella cheese, turkey sausage, and broccoli rabe mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

6. Bake

Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or preheated stone and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410
Total Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 55mg
  Sodium: 650mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 22g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 30%
  Calcium: 20%
  Iron: 18%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza

With a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pizza beautifully.

Alongside a Soup: Serve with a bowl of tomato basil or Italian wedding soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.

With a Glass of Wine: A dry red like Chianti or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc both pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of this pizza.

Cut into Appetizer Squares: Hosting a gathering? Slice this pizza into small squares and serve as a hearty, flavorful finger food.

Additional Tips

Preheat the Oven Well: A hot oven is key to a crispy crust. Make sure it’s fully preheated before baking.

Use a Pizza Stone or Steel: If you have one, it’ll help get that beautiful, golden bottom crust.

Don’t Overload Toppings: Less is more when it comes to pizza toppings. It helps everything cook evenly and keeps the crust crisp.

Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the sausage and broccoli rabe ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your pizza.

Try a White Sauce Base: Want to mix it up? Skip the tomato sauce and use a garlic olive oil base or a light ricotta spread for a different twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular Italian sausage instead of turkey sausage?

A1: Absolutely! Pork sausage will work just fine—use mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Q2: What if I don’t like broccoli rabe?

A2: Try swapping it out with spinach, kale, or broccolini for a similar texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked pizza dough?

A3: Yes, pre-cooked or par-baked crusts work well if you’re in a hurry. Just reduce the baking time slightly.

Q4: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

A4: You can! Just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and double-check that your sausage and toppings are gluten-free too.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?

A5: Yes. Wrap individual slices in foil and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q6: How do I reheat this pizza?

A6: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp.

Q7: Can I add more cheese?

A7: Definitely! Just keep in mind that more cheese means a richer pizza—mozzarella, provolone, or fontina all work great.

Q8: Is there a way to reduce the bitterness of broccoli rabe?

A8: Blanching it, as we do in this recipe, helps tame the bitterness. You can also sauté it longer for a milder taste.

Q9: What’s the best crust thickness for this pizza?

A9: Medium thickness works best. Too thin, and it might get soggy under the toppings; too thick, and it can overpower the flavors.

Q10: Can I make this vegetarian?

A10: Yes! Omit the sausage or substitute it with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.

Conclusion

Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pizza is a bold, flavor-packed twist on classic pizza that brings something fresh and exciting to the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, game night, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this pizza is a total winner. Once you try it, you just might find yourself craving it again and again.

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