Friday nights at my house mean one thing: pizza time! I love making homemade pizza, especially because it’s a nod to my Italian heritage. I’ve learned to make pizzas that are not only tasty but also healthy. And today, I’m excited to share one of my favorites with you: Uncured Turkey Pepperoni and Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza. It’s a unique twist on the classic pizza, with a delicious blend of flavors that’s simple and flavorful. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, we’re using olive oil and Italian seasonings to give it that extra kick. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it’s perfect for pizza night or any day of the week.
One of the things I love most about making homemade pizza is the creativity it allows. You can customize your toppings, experiment with different flavor combinations, and even get the whole family involved in the process.
Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni or prefer to load up your pizza with veggies, the possibilities are endless. And, you can make pizza with a classic pizza crust or opt for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative, the possibilities for topping combinations are endless, allowing you to unleash your creativity and make a delicious pizza that suits your dietary preferences! And with this recipe, you’ll discover a new favorite that’s both delicious and nutritious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade pizza perfection!
Get ready to experience a delicious blend of tasty flavors and irresistible toppings that will make your taste buds dance with joy. What makes this pizza special? We’re changing things up by skipping the usual tomato sauce and using a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Italian seasonings instead, giving each bite a delightful Mediterranean twist. Plus, with the extra protein boost from the turkey pepperoni and chicken Italian flavored sausage, it’s a guilt-free treat you can enjoy without worry. Are you excited to elevate your pizza game?
First, let me share a fantastic tip when making pizza on a cast iron pizza pan.
đź“ť Cooking Hack: Baking Pizza with Parchment Paper
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup uncured turkey pepperoni slices
- 1/2 lb chicken Italian sausage, casings removed. I like to use al fresco Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
- 1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a cast iron pizza pan in the oven to preheat as well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside. I like to use this Meat Chopper tool to break up the meat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper (paper sides are just a bit wider than the cast iron pizza pan) and place on a cutting board/pizza peel.
- Then, begin to assemble your pizza directly on top of the parchment paper. Brush the dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then the cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the dough.
- Evenly distribute the uncured turkey pepperoni slices and sliced chicken Italian sausage over the cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza for some extra heat.
- Remove the preheated cast iron pizza pan from the oven and next, carefully transfer the pizza (parchment paper and all) onto your preheated pizza stone. Carefully transfer the pizza back into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 8 minutes, and then carefully remove the parchment paper, pulling it on one side as you lift up the crust with a spatula. Rotate the pizza and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, before slicing and serving.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6-8 slices
Uncured Turkey Pepperoni & Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup uncured turkey pepperoni slices
- 1/2 lb chicken Italian flavored sausage casings removed
- 1 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a cast iron pizza pan in the oven to preheat as well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside. See link above for the Meat Chopper tool I use to break up the meat.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper (paper sides are just a bit wider than the cast iron pizza pan) and place on a cutting board/pizza peel.
- Then, begin to assemble your pizza directly on top of the parchment paper. Brush the dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then the cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the dough.
- Evenly distribute the uncured turkey pepperoni slices and sliced chicken Italian sausage over the cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza for some extra heat.
- Remove the preheated cast iron pizza pan from the oven and next, carefully transfer the pizza (parchment paper and all) onto your preheated pizza stone. Carefully transfer the pizza back into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 8 minutes, and then carefully remove the parchment paper, pulling it on one side as you lift up the crust with a spatula. Rotate the pizza and continue to cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, before slicing and serving.
