Pizza con Salsiccia e Broccoli

Pizza con salsiccia e broccoli is a savory Italian-style pizza topped with Italian sausage and broccoli, often with mozzarella and a tomato base. Its origins are rooted in the cucina povera traditions of southern Italy, where seasonal vegetables and cured meats were combined to create hearty, affordable meals. The dish is believed to have emerged in Campania or Sicily, though it has since spread across the country and abroad.

Key ingredients include fresh or blanched broccoli (sometimes broccoli rabe for a bitter edge), crumbled or sliced Italian sausage (usually fennel-spiced pork), and a thin or medium-thick crust. A great version balances the richness of the sausage with the slight bitterness of the broccoli, while the cheese—typically low-moisture mozzarella—acts as a bridge. The pizza should not be soggy; the broccoli should retain some bite, and the sausage should be browned.

Regional variations exist: in Rome, the broccoli might be sautéed with garlic and chili flakes before topping; in Naples, the sausage is often left in larger chunks. Some versions use a white base (no tomato sauce) and add ricotta for creaminess. In Torino, Italy, the venue Cheat Mabon—highlighted by creator Franchino Er Criminale—offers a notable interpretation. Franchino's version reportedly uses a crisp, wood-fired crust, high-quality salsiccia, and broccoli florets that char slightly in the oven, giving the dish a smoky, rustic profile.