Description
This Pesto Sausage Flatbread recipe combines crispy flatbread crusts topped with flavorful basil pesto, savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection for a quick and delicious meal that serves four, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Flatbread and Sauce
- 2 flatbread crusts
- 1 cup basil pesto
Meat and Cheese
- 4-6 ounces crumbled Italian sausage
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- 2-3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
- Fresh basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C). Place the flatbread crusts on a large rimmed baking sheet to prepare for assembling the flatbreads.
- Cook sausage: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles until well browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked sausage onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare flatbreads: While the sausage cooks, spoon and swirl a thin layer of basil pesto evenly over each flatbread crust. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto to cover the surface.
- Add toppings: Distribute the cooked sausage crumbles evenly on top of the cheese layer, followed by dollops of sun-dried tomatoes. Lightly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each flatbread for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the flatbreads for 9-12 minutes until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbling in spots.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil if desired. Slice into portions and serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you don’t have store-bought pesto, homemade pesto can be used with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be packed in oil or dry; if dry, consider rehydrating them slightly in warm water before use.
- For extra crispiness, you can pre-bake the flatbread crusts for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick; adjust quantity based on your heat preference or omit entirely.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Flatbread, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
