Sausage and Broccolini Pizza

The perfect blend of rustic charm and bold Italian flavors, this Sausage and Broccolini Pizza is anything but ordinary. With creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and the herbaceous kick of basil and mint, each bite is a celebration of texture and taste.

Topped with savory sausage crumbles and tender broccolini, this pizza delivers hearty satisfaction in every slice. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Whether served with a glass of red or a sparkling lemonade, this dish is sure to steal the show.

Full Recipe:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound refrigerated pizza dough, at room temperature
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 hot or sweet Italian sausages (about 12 ounces), casings removed
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 bunch broccolini, cut into florets

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place an inverted baking sheet on the lowest rack to preheat.
Line another inverted baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Shape the pizza dough into an 8-inch oval on the parchment and flip to coat with oil. Drape loosely with plastic wrap and let rest.
In a small bowl, combine diced tomatoes and basil.
In another bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and mint. Season with ½ tsp salt and freshly ground pepper.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes while breaking up the meat. Transfer to a plate.
Add the broccolini and ½ cup water to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Stretch the dough to an 11×14-inch rectangle. Spread the ricotta mixture on top, then layer with tomatoes, cooked sausage, and broccolini.
Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: Approx. 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction to the Sausage and Broccolini Pizza

When it comes to pizza, there’s a whole world beyond the classic Margherita or pepperoni slices. One such indulgent twist is the Sausage and Broccolini Pizza—a dish that blends rustic Italian charm with modern culinary creativity. This hearty, flavor-packed pizza offers the richness of Italian sausage, the subtle bitterness of broccolini, and the creamy goodness of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. It’s not just a pizza; it’s an experience on a plate.

Originating from the desire to bring more greens into indulgent comfort food, this pizza cleverly combines the crunch and vibrance of broccolini with the bold, savory flavor of sausage. It’s elevated with fresh herbs like basil and mint, and balanced with sweet-tart diced tomatoes. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this pizza makes a delicious statement.

What Makes This Pizza Unique

Unlike most pizzas that rely on a simple tomato sauce and cheese base, this one uses a creamy cheese mixture of ricotta and mozzarella infused with chopped mint for an herby twist. Instead of a standard marinara, you get a fresh, chunky topping made from diced tomatoes and basil. The layers of texture and flavor are carefully balanced—from the juicy sausage to the tender broccolini florets that add both bite and nutrients.

The use of broccolini instead of regular broccoli is also intentional. Broccolini is milder, sweeter, and cooks faster. It pairs exceptionally well with the rich and slightly spicy sausage, making every bite more exciting and well-rounded.

And let’s talk about the dough. While store-bought refrigerated dough is used for convenience, the preparation method—resting it with olive oil and shaping it over parchment—makes for a wonderfully crispy base that complements the moist toppings beautifully. The high baking temperature helps to achieve that perfect crust that’s golden and lightly blistered.

Flavor Profile and Texture

This pizza offers a multi-dimensional flavor profile. You’ll first notice the richness of the Italian sausage—whether sweet or spicy—cutting through the creamy mildness of ricotta. The mozzarella adds that classic cheese pull and saltiness that pizza lovers crave. Then comes the freshness from diced tomatoes, providing acidity to cut through the fats. Basil gives it that aromatic boost, while mint surprises the palate with a gentle coolness.

Texturally, the pizza strikes a fine balance. The crust is crisp on the bottom, yet chewy and satisfying. The broccolini brings a crunch and tender bite all at once, especially when pre-cooked to perfection. The sausage is crumbled and browned, offering a caramelized, slightly crispy texture. All of these elements are layered to create a pizza that’s as pleasing to the mouth as it is to the eye.

Nutrition and Health Angle

One of the best things about this pizza is its nutritional value compared to traditional options. Broccolini is a nutritional powerhouse—rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and full of fiber and antioxidants. It also adds a freshness that balances the richness of the meats and cheeses.

Using part-skim mozzarella and ricotta helps to reduce the fat content, while still delivering creaminess. If you want to go lighter, you can opt for turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage. The absence of heavy tomato sauces also means fewer sugars and a lower sodium load compared to store-bought pizzas.

This makes it an excellent pizza option for those who are trying to enjoy a more balanced diet without sacrificing indulgence. With a few tweaks, this pizza can even fit into a Mediterranean-style eating plan, which prioritizes lean proteins, fresh produce, and healthy fats.

Customizations and Variations

What makes this pizza so delightful is its versatility. While the original calls for Italian sausage and broccolini, you can switch things up depending on what you have available or your dietary needs.

Protein Swap: Try using spicy chorizo, mild breakfast sausage, ground chicken, or vegan sausage.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and increase the broccolini portion. You can even add roasted red peppers, artichokes, or olives for more depth.
Cheese Variations: Goat cheese, feta, or even burrata can replace ricotta for a slightly tangier note.
Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have mint, try thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Crust Options: While refrigerated pizza dough is used in the original, you can substitute whole wheat dough, cauliflower crust, or gluten-free options for dietary needs.

These customizations make it a great dish to experiment with or to tweak for picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or simply to use what’s in your pantry.

Perfect Pairings

Pairing this pizza with the right drink and sides elevates it from just another meal to a full culinary experience. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a hoppy IPA pairs beautifully with the sausage and cheese. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a sparkling water with lemon or a cold brewed iced tea with mint will refresh your palate between bites.

As for sides, keep it simple—a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or even a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini. These sides echo the Italian flavors in the pizza without overwhelming it.

And don’t forget dessert! A scoop of lemon sorbet or a slice of almond biscotti can close the meal on a high, bright note.

Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

This pizza hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, herby, and crispy. But beyond the flavor, what makes it a true crowd-pleaser is how easy it is to make. It doesn’t require any advanced baking skills or specialty equipment. Just a baking sheet, a skillet, and a love for good food.

It’s great for casual get-togethers, date nights, or solo meals with leftovers. Kids enjoy it because of the cheesy goodness, while adults love the elevated ingredients and the herby twist. It also photographs beautifully—perfect for sharing on social media or with friends who appreciate good eats.

In short, it’s a pizza that speaks to both comfort and class.

Tips for Making It Perfect Every Time

Rest your dough at room temperature before shaping—it makes it more elastic and easier to work with.
Drain your tomatoes well to avoid soggy crust. You want flavor, not moisture overload.
Preheat the baking sheet for a crispier bottom crust. The extra step is worth it.
Don’t overdo the toppings—too much moisture can make the pizza soggy. Spread them evenly and not too thick.
Slice and serve immediately, when the cheese is melty and the crust is at its peak crunch.

These small details can make a big difference in the final result.

Conclusion

The Sausage and Broccolini Pizza is more than just a delicious twist on a classic—it’s a lesson in balance, flavor, and creativity. With its vibrant toppings, creamy cheeses, and perfectly baked crust, it offers the best of both worlds: indulgence and freshness.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone trying out new flavors in the kitchen, this recipe delivers both satisfaction and ease. It’s a dish that invites customization, suits many occasions, and guarantees smiles at the dinner table. So, the next time you’re craving pizza night, skip the takeout and treat yourself to this gourmet-inspired pie—it might just become your new favorite.