Guilt-Free Turkey Sausage & Sweet Pepper Pizza
Indulge in this delicious and healthier twist on classic pizza! This Guilt-Free Turkey Sausage & Sweet Pepper Pizza is made with lean turkey sausage and vibrant sweet peppers, packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. With a rich, zesty sauce and melty fat-free mozzarella cheese, every bite is sure to delight your taste buds. It's the ideal way to enjoy a pizza night without the guilt, and the leftovers are just as tasty!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
pizza crust
1 (homemade, Boboli, or from a tube)
prepared pizza sauce
1 cup (ready to use)
sweet Italian turkey sausage
3 links (cooked and diced)
yellow sweet pepper
1 (sliced into rings)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
fat-free mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your pizza crust on a greased baking pan according to your preference, whether that’s homemade, store-bought Boboli, or from a tube. Prebake the crust for about 10 minutes.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet Italian turkey sausage links until fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
3
Once the crust is prebaked, remove it from the oven and spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the crust.
4
Top the sauce layer with the diced turkey sausage, followed by the yellow sweet pepper rings and fresh mushroom slices.
5
Finally, sprinkle generous amounts of shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese over the top of the pizza.
6
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
7
Once done, slice into quarters, serve hot, and enjoy your guilt-free pizza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Guilt-Free Turkey Sausage & Sweet Pepper Pizza?
It is a healthier version of a classic pizza, featuring lean turkey sausage, vibrant yellow sweet peppers, and fat-free mozzarella cheese on a prebaked crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How long does it take to make this pizza?
The recipe is designed to be ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
What are the core ingredients needed?
You will need a pizza crust, prepared pizza sauce, sweet Italian turkey sausage links, a yellow sweet pepper, fresh mushrooms, and shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of pizza crust should I use?
You can use your choice of a homemade crust, a store-bought Boboli, or a refrigerated crust from a tube.
Do I need to prebake the crust?
Yes, it is recommended to prebake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the toppings.
How do I prepare the turkey sausage?
Cook the sweet Italian turkey sausage links in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked, then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
How much pizza sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of prepared pizza sauce.
What vegetable toppings are used on this pizza?
The pizza is topped with one yellow sweet pepper sliced into rings and one cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
How much cheese should I sprinkle on top?
Use 2 cups of shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese.
How long should the pizza bake once it is assembled?
Bake the assembled pizza for an additional 10-12 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Is this pizza recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, by using lean turkey sausage and fat-free mozzarella cheese, it is a lower-fat alternative to traditional pizza.
Can I use different types of peppers?
While the recipe specifies yellow sweet peppers for a specific flavor profile, you can substitute with red or green bell peppers if desired.
What type of turkey sausage is best?
Sweet Italian turkey sausage links are recommended for this specific flavor combination.
Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms, but canned mushrooms can be used if they are drained well.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
How should I cut the pizza for serving?
The recipe suggests slicing the pizza into quarters and serving hot.
Can I use fat-free cheddar instead of mozzarella?
You can, though mozzarella provides the traditional pizza flavor and melting texture intended for this dish.
Should the sausage be cooked before putting it on the pizza?
Yes, the turkey sausage should be fully cooked in a skillet and diced before being added as a topping.
What makes this pizza 'guilt-free'?
It uses lean protein (turkey sausage) and fat-free cheese, reducing the overall calorie and fat content compared to standard pepperoni pizzas.
How many turkey sausage links are needed?
You will need 3 sweet Italian turkey sausage links.
Is the pizza sauce prepared from scratch or store-bought?
The recipe suggests using a prepared pizza sauce that is ready to use.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like onions or spinach, though it may slightly change the cooking time and nutrition profile.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Prebaking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings helps ensure a crispy base.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors of turkey sausage and sweet peppers generally appeal to children.
Can I use a pizza stone instead of a baking pan?
Yes, a pizza stone can be used to achieve an even crispier crust; just ensure it is preheated with the oven.
Are the leftovers good?
Yes, the description mentions that the leftovers are just as tasty as the fresh pizza.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 6 main ingredients used in this pizza recipe.