Description
Sweet and savory Neapolitan ricotta stuffed crust pizza brings Naples’ culinary magic to home kitchens. Rich ricotta, classic tomato sauce, and perfectly charred crust invite you to savor authentic Italian flavors with every delicious slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough and Crust:
- 1 recipe Giada’s Pizza Dough, or 1 pound store-bought dough
- Flour, for dusting
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Cheese and Filling:
- 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely grated pecorino Romano
- 4 ounces whole-milk mozzarella, sliced
Sauce and Protein:
- 1 sweet or hot Italian sausage, casing removed (about 3 to 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup passata or tomato puree
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 fresh whole basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the oven according to the specifications for your chosen pizza dough, ensuring optimal temperature for a crispy crust.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté the sausage, methodically breaking it into crumbles until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration and complete doneness.
- Integrate passata into the cooked sausage, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing depth of flavor, and season with a delicate touch of kosher salt. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Transform your work surface with a light dusting of flour, then expertly stretch and shape the pizza dough into a circular canvas, maintaining an even thickness throughout.
- Craft the ricotta filling by blending ricotta cheese and pecorino Romano into a creamy mixture. Carefully distribute this luxurious combination around the dough’s perimeter, creating a foundation for the stuffed crust.
- Artfully spread the sausage and tomato sauce across the pizza’s interior, ensuring even coverage. Strategically layer sliced mozzarella and scatter fresh basil leaves to enhance visual and flavor complexity.
- Elegantly fold the dough’s outer rim over the ricotta mixture, securing the stuffed crust with gentle yet precise pinching motions to seal in the creamy filling.
- Enhance the pizza’s final presentation by drizzling the remaining olive oil across the surface. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the crust transforms into a golden masterpiece and the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing display.
- Remove from the oven, allow a brief moment to cool, then slice and serve this Neapolitan-inspired culinary creation while at its peak temperature and flavor.
Notes
- Experiment with alternative meat options like chicken, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for diverse dietary preferences.
- Enhance ricotta mixture by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for extra aromatic depth and complexity.
- Create a gluten-free version using cauliflower or chickpea pizza dough for a healthier alternative that maintains delicious flavor profile.
- Allow sausage and tomato sauce to cool slightly before spreading on pizza to prevent soggy crust and ensure crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg