Italian Sausage Flatbread from Maggiano's features savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil atop a thin, crispy flatbread, delivering a flavorful blend of spicy, cheesy, and aromatic bites.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Sausage pan/skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Rolling pin (optional, for flatbread dough)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 1 pre-made flatbread or pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Italian sausage used in this recipe brings a spicy and savory flavor that is essential for achieving the authentic taste of Maggiano's flatbread. Using pre-made flatbread or pizza dough simplifies preparation while maintaining a crispy texture after baking. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky contrast that complements the mozzarella cheese's creamy melt. Fresh basil leaves contribute an aromatic freshness that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. Your choice of high-quality ingredients will enhance the overall flavor when making Italian Sausage Flatbread from Maggiano's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Heat skillet over medium heat.
- Remove Italian sausage from casing.
- Cook sausage in skillet, breaking into crumbles, until browned.
- Drain excess fat from cooked sausage.
- Place flatbread on baking sheet or pizza stone lined with parchment paper (if using).
- Brush flatbread lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over flatbread.
- Distribute cooked sausage evenly over cheese.
- Slice roasted red peppers; arrange over sausage and cheese.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bake flatbread in oven for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven.
- Chop or tear fresh basil leaves.
- Sprinkle basil over hot flatbread.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Substitution
Italian Sausage Flatbread from Maggiano's copycat menu can be easily customized based on your kitchen supplies and taste preferences. If you don't have pre-made flatbread or pizza dough, you can substitute with naan bread or pita as a quick alternative. Use turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter option, ensuring you adjust cooking times to avoid dryness. Fresh basil can be swapped for dried Italian herbs if fresh herbs are unavailable, but add them at the end to retain flavor. Keep in mind that using a pizza stone will result in a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works well if you don't have one.
Tips
Ensure you break the Italian sausage into small crumbles while cooking for even browning and flavor distribution. Draining excess fat from the sausage prevents soggy flatbread and keeps the toppings crispy. Lightly brushing olive oil on the flatbread before baking helps create a golden, crisp base. For the best flavor and texture, add fresh basil only after baking, as heat can diminish its aromatic qualities.
Nutritions
Italian Sausage Flatbread from Maggiano's provides a hearty source of protein primarily from the Italian sausage, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. Mozzarella cheese adds calcium and phosphorus, supporting bone health, while roasted red peppers contribute vitamin C and antioxidants that boost your immune system. Fresh basil offers additional vitamins A and K, enhancing the flatbread's nutritional profile with anti-inflammatory benefits. Your meal balances macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both flavorful and nourishing.
Storage
Store leftover Italian Sausage Flatbread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) on a baking sheet or pizza stone for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy texture. Your flatbread will retain its savory flavor and melty cheese when reheated properly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo to add a smoky flavor profile. You can replace mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a creamier texture and richer taste. Try roasting fresh red peppers yourself by charring them directly over a flame or under the broiler to enhance their sweetness. Your flatbread can also be made crispier by pre-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
Allergies
Italian Sausage Flatbread from Maggiano's contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded mozzarella cheese and gluten from the flatbread or pizza dough. The Italian sausage may also include preservatives or spices that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Ensure you check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or certain seasonings to keep your meal safe.
Why this recipe?
Maggiano's Italian Sausage Flatbread features a perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs on a crispy flatbread base, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The dish balances bold spices with a tender texture, appealing to those who enjoy hearty and artisanal Italian cuisine. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your taste and replicate the authentic flavors in your own kitchen. Your homemade flatbread delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality experience that satisfies cravings anytime.