Hearty Italian Sausage Pizza with Crispy Kale
Sausage Pizza with Crispy Kale Chips is a traditional Italian-inspired dish from
Lazio. Crafted with sweet Italian sausage, vibrant kale, and creamy mozzarella, this recipe delivers
a unique twist on a classic, offering robust flavor and vital nutrients.
Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the pinnacle of lunch/dinner elegance.
The Story Behind Sausage Pizza with Crispy Kale Chips
How to Make Sausage Pizza with Crispy Kale Chips
Follow our traditional Roman technique for perfect results
Ingredients
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning
- 5 large curly kale leaves (or a small bunch of lacinato kale)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 ball pizza dough, at room temperature, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices
The Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Using a large skillet, cook the sweet Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the kale by washing it thoroughly, then carefully removing the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the diced tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Scatter the cooked sausage crumbles over the tomato sauce, then arrange the thin slices of fresh mozzarella on top.
- Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- While the pizza bakes, spread the prepared kale onto a separate baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is crispy but not burnt. Keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly.
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. Carefully add the crispy kale chips on top of the hot pizza.
- Slice the pizza and serve immediately, enjoying the delightful crunch of the kale with every savory bite.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Ensure your kale is completely dry before tossing with olive oil and baking. This is crucial for achieving truly crispy kale chips that won’t steam on your pizza.
For an authentic Italian touch, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce before spreading it on the dough. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished pizza also enhances its aromatic profile.
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore a crispy crust. Kale chips are best enjoyed fresh, as they can lose crispness upon storage.
Kcal
Wellness Note
This vibrant Sausage Pizza, enriched with nutrient-dense kale and ripe tomatoes, embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet. It offers a balanced meal rich in antioxidants, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber, contributing to sustained energy and overall heart health, especially when enjoyed in mindful portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe authentic?
While a classic Neapolitan pizza might not traditionally include kale, our recipe respects traditional Italian flavors by using high-quality sausage, fresh mozzarella, and a rich tomato base, elevated with the healthful addition of crispy kale, a common Mediterranean green. It’s an authentic celebration of Italian ingredients with a wholesome twist.
Can I make it ahead?
The pizza dough can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. You can also cook the sausage ahead of time. However, for the best quality, we recommend assembling and baking the pizza, and especially making the kale chips, just before serving to ensure ultimate freshness and crispness.
Is it healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe integrates wholesome ingredients like antioxidant-rich kale and lycopene-packed tomatoes into a satisfying meal. With lean sausage (when chosen wisely) and healthy fats from olive oil, it aligns beautifully with the Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on balanced nutrition and delicious, real food. Portion control is key for a balanced diet.
