Sausage, Fennel, Basil And Tomato Pizza
Description
This Sausage, Fennel, Basil and Tomato Pizza is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of spicy Italian sausage and sweet, anise-flavored fennel creates a complex and satisfying taste profile that pairs beautifully with bright marinara sauce and fresh tomatoes. The fennel is caramelized until tender, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Fresh basil added at the end provides a fragrant, herbal finish. This recipe is easy to prepare with pantry staples and offers a gourmet experience without the fuss. Its an excellent choice for family meals or casual gatherings, delivering a warm, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the sliced fennel, chopped onion, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fennel begins to brown and soften, about 5 to 8 minutes.
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Cover the skillet and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the fennel is tender. Remove from heat.
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Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
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Top the sauce with the cooked sausage, the fennel mixture, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and diced tomatoes.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
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Remove from oven and immediately garnish with julienned fresh basil. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 183.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10.9g17%
- Saturated Fat 3.6g18%
- Cholesterol 26.7mg9%
- Sodium 1742.4mg73%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.8g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 14.7g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot.
You can substitute fennel with bell peppers or mushrooms if fennel is not available, though the anise flavor is key to this dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking.
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