Italian > Pizzas > Sausage Pizzas

Spicy Sausage and Rapini Pizza Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked spicy sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped rapini
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling

Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.

3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

5. Add the crumbled spicy sausage, chopped rapini, sliced red onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes on top of the cheese.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Drizzle olive oil over the pizza.

8. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Serving size:
This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, serving 2-4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 900mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Tomato sauce: You can use marinara sauce or any other pizza sauce you prefer.
- Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, provolone, or parmesan.
- Spicy sausage: You can use any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
- Rapini: You can use broccoli rabe or any other leafy green vegetable you prefer.
- Red onion: You can use white or yellow onion instead.
- Red pepper flakes: You can use cayenne pepper or chili powder instead.

Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Meat lover's: Add more meat, such as pepperoni, bacon, or ham.
- BBQ chicken: Replace the tomato sauce with BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro on top.
- Margherita: Use sliced fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese on top.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out.
- Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings, as it will make it soggy.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it, as it will be easier to cut.

Storage instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pizza on a wooden board or pizza tray. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Pairings:
This pizza pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pizza crust is too thin or too thick, adjust the amount of dough you use.
- If the pizza is too soggy, use less tomato sauce and toppings, and bake it for a few more minutes.
- If the pizza is too dry, add more tomato sauce or drizzle olive oil on top.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the sausage is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.
- Wash your hands and all surfaces and utensils used for preparing the pizza.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before eating.

Food history:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It was originally a simple dish made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil on top of a flatbread crust. Today, pizza has become a popular dish all over the world, with many variations and toppings.

Flavor profiles:
This pizza has a spicy and savory flavor, with a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven, with a cold drink or a glass of wine.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Tangy, Cheesy, Herbal