Get ready to transform your pizza night with a game-changing recipe that will make your taste buds dance! This Sausage Broccoli Rabe Skillet Pizza is not just another pizza – it's a crispy, flavor-packed culinary adventure that combines the robust taste of Italian sausage with the slightly bitter, peppery notes of broccoli rabe. Imagine a perfectly golden, crisp crust topped with juicy sausage, tender greens, and melted mozzarella, all cooked in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a pizza enthusiast seeking something extraordinary, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pizza dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to make it easier to stretch.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and crumble Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking.
- Cook sausage until browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break down larger chunks.
- Remove cooked sausage from skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Add chopped broccoli rabe to the same skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until it becomes slightly wilted and bright green.
- Season broccoli rabe with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Remove from skillet and set aside with the sausage.
- Stretch pizza dough to fit the skillet's size, ensuring it covers the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Place the dough into the same skillet over medium heat, allowing it to begin cooking and developing a crispy bottom.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, then distribute the cooked sausage and broccoli rabe on top.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom of the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Optional: If desired, finish the pizza under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve extra browning on top.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto a cutting board, slice, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Always let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to shape.
- Cast-Iron is King: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best crispy bottom and even heat distribution.
- Don't Rush the Sausage: Take time to break down the sausage into small pieces and ensure it's fully browned for maximum flavor.
- Manage Your Heat: Cook the pizza on medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring a crispy crust and melted cheese.
- Broiler Bonus: For an extra-golden top, don't hesitate to finish the pizza under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: This pizza is best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the skillet, so time your serving carefully.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
