Easy & Delicious: Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza for Any Meal
Looking for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly versatile way to bring eggs into your weekly meal rotation? This Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza is your answer! Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry baked to perfection, then generously topped with savory turkey sausage, vibrant red bell peppers, melty cheese, and fresh chives and green onions. It’s a delightful twist on pizza that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Best of all, you can transform it into a “create-your-own” pizza bar, allowing your kids to get creative and customize their slices, making mealtime an engaging and delicious experience for the whole family.
Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza: A Versatile Meal Solution
Are you constantly searching for healthy, unique, and easy-to-prepare recipes, especially during those busy back-to-school weeks? I know the struggle! That’s why I’m thrilled to partner with the Ohio Poultry Association to bring you this incredibly delicious Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza. It’s a recipe designed to be a family favorite, offering both convenience and nutrition in one delightful package. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a leisurely weekend brunch, or a satisfying lunch, this puff pastry pizza fits the bill perfectly.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability and the opportunity it provides for involving your kids in the kitchen. To make mealtime interactive and enjoyable, I often set out bowls of various toppings, transforming our kitchen into a lively “pizza bar.” This allows everyone to get hands-on and customize their own pizza slices. While today’s recipe highlights turkey sausage, diced red bell pepper, two types of cheese, eggs, chives, and green onions, the possibilities are endless. Other fantastic combinations I’ve enjoyed include roasted red bell pepper with goat cheese, or a medley of mushrooms and spinach. This customization not only makes the meal fun but also encourages even the pickiest eaters to try new flavors.
Crafting the Perfect Puff Pastry Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide
Making puff pastry pizza is surprisingly simple, but a few key steps will ensure your pizza turns out beautifully crispy and delicious every time. Follow these essential tips for a perfect result:
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: This is crucial for easy handling. Allow the puff pastry dough to thaw for the recommended time on its packaging, typically around 45 minutes at room temperature. Once thawed, gently unfold and roll it out slightly to an even thickness using a flour-dusted rolling pin.
- Score and Dock the Dough: Use a sharp paring knife to lightly score a 1-inch border around the edge of the dough. Be careful not to cut all the way through. This border acts as a barrier, encouraging the edges to puff up and create a beautiful crust. Then, use a fork to gently prick the center surface of the dough multiple times. This “docking” prevents the center from rising excessively, ensuring a flat, stable base for your toppings.
- Apply an Egg Wash: Whisk an egg with a tablespoon or two of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this mixture over the scored dough surface. This simple step helps achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color and a wonderfully crispy texture when baked.
- Pre-bake the Pastry: Bake the prepared puff pastry dough for about 7-10 minutes in a preheated oven until it begins to turn golden and puff up. This initial bake ensures a flaky crust and prevents a soggy bottom once the toppings are added.
- Prepare Your Protein: While the pastry pre-bakes, cook your protein. For this recipe, we’re using ground turkey sausage. Brown it thoroughly in a skillet, then drain any excess fat to prevent your pizza from becoming greasy.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the partially baked puff pastry from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, evenly spread your cooked turkey sausage, diced red bell peppers, shredded cheeses, and uncooked eggs over the docked center.
- Customize Egg Doneness: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes. The baking time will vary depending on how you prefer your eggs cooked – less time for softer yolks, more for fully set eggs.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked to your liking, remove the pizza from the oven. For a burst of fresh flavor and color, garnish with freshly chopped chives and green onions before slicing and serving warm.
Beyond the Recipe: Creative Topping Ideas for Your Puff Pastry Pizza
The beauty of this puff pastry pizza lies in its endless customization. While our featured recipe is fantastic, feel free to unleash your creativity with different toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire your next culinary masterpiece:
VEGETABLES: Adding vegetables not only boosts nutrition but also introduces a variety of textures and flavors. Beyond red bell peppers, consider thinly sliced mushrooms for an earthy note, zucchini for a delicate crunch, or even caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. Roasted asparagus or cherry tomatoes also make excellent additions.
CHEESE: Cheese is a non-negotiable for most pizza lovers! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic, comforting flavor, don’t hesitate to explore other options. Tangy goat cheese offers a creamy, distinctive flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory meats, while crumbled feta adds a salty zing. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after baking can also elevate the overall taste.
GREENS: Fresh greens added after baking bring a vibrant color and a pleasant peppery or mild flavor. A handful of fresh arugula adds a delightful bite, while spinach wilts beautifully under the residual heat, offering a subtle, earthy taste.
PROTEIN: While ground turkey sausage is featured here for its lean profile and savory flavor, you have many protein choices. Regular ground pork sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even thinly sliced cooked ham or bacon would be delicious. For a lighter option, consider shredded chicken or even a plant-based sausage alternative.
EGGS: The eggs are the star of this “breakfast for dinner” pizza! You can cook them to your desired doneness— runny yolks, firm yolks, or anything in between. For those who prefer, gently scramble the eggs before adding them to the pre-baked pastry for a more uniform, fluffy texture.
The Wholesome Goodness: Turkey and Egg Nutrition for Your Family
Incorporating protein-packed eggs and lean turkey into your family’s diet is a smart choice, especially during busy periods like the back-to-school season. These ingredients offer significant nutritional benefits that contribute to overall health and well-being:
- Eggs: A Powerhouse of Nutrients: Did you know that recent Dietary Guidelines recommend eggs as an important first food for babies and toddlers? They are also highly beneficial for new and expecting mothers. Eggs contain 8 essential nutrients, including choline, which is vital for brain health, supporting cognitive function, enhancing memory, and helping students stay focused throughout their school day.
- Protein for Sustained Energy: Both eggs and turkey are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining energy levels, making these ingredients perfect for keeping your family feeling full and energized. They are also typically low in fat and calories, making them easy to integrate into a balanced meal plan.
- Budget-Friendly Goodness: Healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank. Eggs stand out as one of the most affordable sources of high-quality protein, costing just pennies per serving. This makes them a fantastic choice for budget-conscious families looking to provide nutritious meals without compromising on quality.
- Celebrate Weggsday! Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Wednesday is officially “Weggsday”! Join the celebration by enjoying your favorite egg dishes and sharing your creations on social media using #Weggsday. For a wealth of delicious Weggsday recipes, be sure to visit Incredible Egg.
Expert Tips for Cooking Turkey and Eggs to Perfection
Mastering the art of cooking with turkey and eggs is simple with these practical tips:
- Quick & Easy Breakfasts: Eggs are a breakfast superstar! They are nutritious, incredibly versatile, and quick to prepare, making them ideal for those hectic school mornings. The Ohio Poultry Association offers a variety of kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring eggs and turkey to help keep your mornings stress-free and delicious.
- Ensuring Egg Safety: To eliminate any potential bacteria in the yolk or white, always cook eggs to an internal temperature of at least 144°F (62°C). For comprehensive guidance and to ensure you’re cooking your favorite egg dishes safely, refer to this helpful guide from the Egg Safety Center.
- Simple Meals for Busy Days: With remote learning and working becoming more common, keeping lunch and dinner simple yet nutritious is key. Turkey and eggs are fantastic for creating wholesome, easy-to-make meals. Explore these additional easy-to-make recipes from the Ohio Poultry Association for more inspiration.
Supporting Local: Insights into Ohio’s Turkey and Egg Farming
When you choose eggs and turkey, especially from states like Ohio, you’re not just making a healthy meal choice; you’re also supporting dedicated local farmers. Here’s a look at the impressive commitment and scale of Ohio’s poultry industry:
- Dedicated Egg Farmers: Ohio egg farmers work diligently 365 days a year to ensure that grocery store shelves are consistently stocked with affordable, nutritious eggs for families like yours. You can even meet the passionate Ohio egg farmers who are behind this incredible effort.
- Farm to Table Journey: Ever wondered how eggs make it from the farm to your kitchen? Ohio eggs undergo numerous careful steps to guarantee their freshness and safety. You can follow an egg’s journey from an Ohio farm directly to your table to appreciate the process.
- A National Leader in Egg Production: Ohio holds a prominent position as the second-largest egg farming state in the nation, producing an impressive more than 10 billion eggs annually. This means that many of the fresh, delicious eggs enjoyed by U.S. families during the back-to-school season and beyond may very well come from an Ohio egg farm!
- Turkey Farming Excellence: Beyond eggs, Ohio is also a significant producer of turkey, ranking 9th in the nation. Ohio turkey farmers produce over 280 million pounds of turkey each year, contributing significantly to the nation’s poultry supply. Did you know that most eggs are cleaned, inspected, and shipped from Ohio egg farms to grocery stores within a remarkable 48-72 hours of being laid, ensuring peak freshness?
Prioritizing Food Safety: Handling Turkey and Eggs Responsibly
Food safety is paramount when cooking with poultry and eggs. Adhering to proper handling and cooking guidelines helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures your meals are both delicious and safe for everyone:
- Handwashing is Key: Always thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw turkey and eggs in the kitchen. This simple step is critical for preventing the spread of bacteria.
- To Wash or Not to Wash Raw Turkey: Many people wonder, “Do I need to wash the turkey before cooking?” The answer is no! Washing uncooked turkey can actually spread bacteria to other surfaces in your kitchen through splashing water droplets. Any bacteria present on the turkey will be destroyed when it is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Hard-Boiled Egg Shelf Life: Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic source of protein for a quick snack or to boost your student’s energy throughout the school day. However, it’s important to remember that hard-boiled eggs spoil faster than fresh eggs. Keep them refrigerated and consume them within 1 week of cooking. Once peeled, they should ideally be eaten within 1-2 days. For more details, consult the Egg Safety Center’s FAQ.
- How Long Are Eggs Safe to Eat? When properly refrigerated at 45°F (7°C) or lower, fresh eggs can be safely eaten for 4-5 weeks beyond the carton’s Julian date. The Julian date is a 3-digit code on the side of the carton that indicates the day of the year when the eggs were packed. Understanding this can help you minimize food waste. Find more information on egg freshness at the Egg Safety Center.
- Freezing Eggs: A Great Solution: If you find yourself with extra eggs nearing their expiration date, you can absolutely freeze them! Simply crack the eggs into a container, beat them lightly until mixed (do not freeze in their shells), then tightly seal the container and freeze for up to one year. Egg whites can also be frozen by themselves for future use in baking or other recipes. Learn more about freezing eggs and other kitchen tips on OhioEggs.com.
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Turkey Sausage and Egg Puff Pastry Pizza
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Ingredients
- 2 frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed as per package directions {I use a package that has two sheets to create two pizzas}
- 1 pack turkey sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided in half
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided in half
- 12 eggs, divide in half {5 per sheet plus two eggs for the egg wash}
- chives , and green onions for garnish
Instructions
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Thaw your puff pastry at room temperature according to the package directions.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place parchment paper on a flat surface and sprinkle flour on it to prevent the dough from sticking.
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Unfold the dough and use a rolling pin that has been sprinkled with flour to gently roll out each piece of puff pastry.
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Use a knife to score a 1-inch border on the dough (do not cut all the way through). Then, use a fork to prick holes into the surface of the dough on the inside of the border you created with the knife.
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In a small bowl, crack two eggs and add 2 Tablespoons water to create an egg wash. Use a brush to brush the egg wash evenly over the dough.
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Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough onto a baking sheet.
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Bake the puff pastry for about 7-10 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden and puffs up around the edges. Take the puff pastry out of the oven and let it cool for about 3-4 minutes.
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Evenly distribute the cooked turkey sausage, diced red bell peppers, and cheese over the pre-baked pastry. Then, carefully crack the remaining eggs directly onto the pizza, spacing them out as desired. (For easier placement, you can crack each egg into a small bowl first and then gently slide it onto the pizza.)
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Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness (less time for runny yolks, more for firm).
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Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chives and green onions, and slice. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Tip for the eggs: To ensure perfect egg placement and avoid breaking yolks directly on the pizza, crack each egg into a small bowl first. Then, gently slide the egg onto the pizza where you want it to set. This method provides more control.
- How to reheat puff pastry breakfast pizza: Place slices on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 7-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
For more detailed information about Ohio egg farmers, as well as an abundance of cooking tips, delightful recipes, and valuable nutrition insights, please visit OhioEggs.com. You can also stay connected and follow the Ohio Poultry Association on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Today’s post is proudly sponsored by the Ohio Poultry Association. As always, all opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine experience with these wonderful ingredients.