Italian Sausage Mozzarella Flatbread

These two flatbread recipes are my go to when I want something comforting but easy and crowd pleasing Whether I am hosting a weekend brunch or just need a quick dinner both versions deliver that warm cheesy bite that makes everyone happy

The first time I made these my friends devoured the whole tray before I even sat down Now they always ask if I am making the sausage or the pesto one and honestly I love how easy it is to just whip up both

Ingredients

• Flatbread pizza crust: A pre made base saves time and ensures a crisp or chewy finish depending on how you bake it Choose a brand with few additives for best results
• Impossible Italian sausages: These bring a rich savory note and are a fantastic plant based alternative to traditional sausage Make sure they are well browned for deep flavor
• Marinara sauce: Opt for a quality jarred sauce or make your own if you have time The sauce adds moisture and brings all the toppings together
• Fresh mozzarella: This melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture Look for a log or balls of mozzarella packed in water for the freshest taste
• Basil leaves: This brightens every bite Use fresh basil not dried and tear or chop just before serving
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor in the pesto version Good olive oil brings subtle fruitiness
• Italian herb seasoning: This shortcut dry blend packs in oregano thyme and rosemary Check that it is fresh to avoid stale flavor
• Pesto sauce: Look for refrigerated pesto for best taste or try homemade if you want that extra fresh punch

Selecting quality mozzarella and basil always pays off Your mozzarella should be milky and soft while basil leaves should be glossy and fragrant

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Sausage:

If using frozen sausage allow it to thaw completely in the fridge Spray a skillet with oil and cook sausages over medium heat turning until browned and cooked through Take your time here Give each side plenty of contact with the pan for flavor Remove the casing once they cool a bit then slice into rounds

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit You want it fully pre heated for even baking A hot oven means a perfectly melted cheese and golden crust

Assemble the Impossible Italian Sausage Flatbread:

Place your flatbread on a tray or directly on the rack for extra crisp edges Arrange cooked sausage pieces over the crust ensuring every slice gets some Top with torn or sliced mozzarella Spread a thin layer of marinara across the surface using a brush or the back of a spoon

Bake the Impossible Italian Sausage Flatbread:

Slide your assembled flatbread into the hot oven Bake for about seven to eight minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are brown Keep your eye on it Cheese should be melted but not overly browned

Finish the Sausage Flatbread:

Remove from the oven Scatter chopped fresh basil over the warm flatbread Slice and serve immediately for best texture and flavor

Prep the Mozzarella and Pesto Flatbread:

On another flatbread brush a mixture of olive oil and Italian herb seasoning across the entire surface Layer with fresh mozzarella slices or torn pieces evenly over the crust

Bake the Mozzarella and Pesto Flatbread:

Transfer to the oven and bake for seven to eight minutes As with the other version look for golden brown edges and bubbling cheese

Top with Pesto and Basil:

Once out of the oven dollop or drizzle pesto over the hot cheese Scatter chopped basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor Slice and enjoy while warm

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My favorite part is slicing fresh mozzarella and watching it melt into oozy pools My family always gathers around the counter as they catch the aroma of basil and cheese wafting from the oven

Storage Tips

Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days For best results reheat in a toaster oven or low oven This keeps the crust from getting soggy and brings back the fresh from oven crispness Avoid microwaving which will make the base chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Impossible Italian sausage try other plant based links or even classic chicken sausage For a dairy free version opt for vegan mozzarella and skip the pesto or use a dairy free pesto Swap basil for arugula or fresh oregano for a different herbal note

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Serving Suggestions

These flatbreads are ideal as an appetizer paired with a simple arugula salad or cut into wedges for a party platter For brunch add soft scrambled eggs on the side For a heartier meal serve with a bowl of minestrone soup or roasted vegetables

Cultural and Historical Context

Flatbread pizzas trace back to Italy but every region puts its own twist These versions riff on classic toppings but make use of store bought crust to fit today’s busy pace The sausage version nods to New York pizzeria classics while the pesto option brings a taste of Liguria into your kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular sausage instead of Impossible sausage?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite cooked Italian sausage. Just make sure to brown it before assembling.

→ What brand of crust works best?

Bred Brooklyn brand is suggested, but any sturdy flatbread or pre-baked pizza crust will work well.

→ How do I make the crust crispier?

Bake the flatbreads directly on the oven rack for a crunchier texture, or use a baking pan for a softer crust.

→ Can I make these flatbreads ahead of time?

You can prepare the toppings in advance, but bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ Is pesto necessary for the mozzarella flatbread?

Pesto adds fresh flavor, but you can skip it or use extra herbs for a different twist.

→ What other cheeses work well?

Try provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella for a flavorful variation on these flatbreads.