Delicious Twist: Uncured Turkey Pepperoni & Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza

Friday nights at my house mean one thing: pizza time!

There’s something about making your own pizza that just hits differently. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and when you swap in healthier ingredients, it’s something you feel good about too. This Uncured Turkey Pepperoni & Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza skips the traditional tomato sauce and instead uses a blend of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for a delicious Mediterranean-style base. Add in two kinds of cheese and savory toppings, and you’ve got a Friday night favorite.

📝 Cooking Hack: Use parchment paper when baking pizza in a cast iron pan. It helps you transfer your pizza easily without sticking, and you can remove it mid-bake for an extra crispy crust.

Uncured Turkey Pepperoni & Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza

A lighter take on pizza night—crispy crust, bold flavor, and a hint of Mediterranean flair.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
18 minutes

Total Time
33 minutes

Yield
6–8 slices

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Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1/2 cup uncured turkey pepperoni slices
• 1/2 lb chicken Italian sausage, casings removed (e.g. al fresco Sweet Italian)
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place your cast iron pizza pan inside to heat.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken sausage until browned. Break it up using a meat chopper tool or wooden spoon. Set aside.
3. Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Place it on a piece of parchment paper slightly wider than your pizza pan.
4. Brush the dough with olive oil. Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, and basil evenly across the surface.
5. Top with mozzarella, cheddar, turkey pepperoni, and cooked sausage.
6. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Optional: sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.
7. Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot pizza pan. Bake for 8 minutes.
8. Remove the parchment paper and rotate the pizza. Bake for another 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
9. Cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, slice, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

• Preheat the pan: Heating the cast iron pizza pan in the oven before baking helps create a crispier crust.
• Use parchment for easy transfer: Roll the dough on parchment paper so you can slide the pizza easily onto the hot pan.
• Don’t overload the toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Keep it balanced for the best texture.
• Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil after baking adds brightness and flavor.

Pizza & Pages Tip: Make it a Pizza & Pages night and pair this recipe with a cozy contemporary romance.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, place slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until the crust becomes crisp again. You can also warm slices in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Pizza can also be frozen. Wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes. Traditional pepperoni works perfectly if you prefer a richer flavor.

What dough works best for this pizza?
Store-bought pizza dough works well, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I add tomato sauce?
Absolutely. This recipe uses an olive oil base for a Mediterranean twist, but you can add a thin layer of tomato sauce if you prefer a classic pizza style.

What other toppings work well?
Try mushrooms, olives, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for additional flavor.

Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza

Discover a delightful twist on pizza night with our Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza recipe, featuring a flavorful blend of oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning instead of traditional tomato sauce.

See Recipe

Recommended Tools

• Lodge BOLD 14" Cast Iron Pizza Pan
• Meat Chopper for Ground Meat

Pizza night never has to be boring. With fresh ingredients and a few easy swaps, you can enjoy all the comfort of your favorite dish with none of the guilt. Whether you’re craving a healthier option or just want to mix things up, this pizza recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

🍕 Pizza & Pages: Book Pairings for Pizza Night

Slice, read, repeat. Make it a Pizza & Pages night with this Uncured Turkey Pepperoni & Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza—a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of spice. Pair it with stories that celebrate bold characters, fresh starts, and irresistible chemistry.

• Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis — heartfelt connections and second chances, like the perfect mix of pepperoni and cheese.
• Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee — witty banter and warm family dynamics that pair beautifully with a slice of homemade pizza.
• A Touch for All Time by Paula Quinn — a passionate slow burn to match your favorite spicy toppings.

Hosting a Book & Bake club? Have everyone bring a pizza that fits their current read—classic, sweet, or extra hot—and vote on your next “slice of fiction.”

Explore More Book Pairings