Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli

Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli: Bold, Bitter, and True to Naples
Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli is true to its roots. As you lift the first slice, a savory aroma rises up from the hot crust—a hint of roasted garlic, fennel from the sausage, and the earthy green of friarielli. The first bite hits you with bold flavors: the juicy sausage, the slight bitterness of the greens, and the gentle creaminess of melted mozzarella. The crust is crisp on the outside, yet pillowy inside, soaking up the sausage’s savory juices. Soon, you notice how well everything balances out. That’s what gives this pizza its character.
The sausage is what everything else builds on. As it cooks, it melts into the dough, releasing fat and seasoning that add depth right away. The flavor is rich but not overwhelming, and its heartiness feels just right.
Then come the friarielli, a distinctive variety of bitter green closely related to broccoli rabe and loved in Naples. Friarielli brings a gentle bitterness, a soft texture, and a bit of sharpness to balance out the sausage. This green is especially valued in Neapolitan cuisine for its bold flavor and its ability to hold up under the heat of the pizza oven. This contrast is what makes the flavors work so well together.
While the pizza bakes, everything blends together. The mozzarella keeps the toppings in place but doesn’t overpower them. The crust stays light and supports every bite.
This pizza stands out because it’s confident in what it is. It’s not trying to please everyone. Instead, it finds its balance by leaning into its contrasts.
I still remember the first time I tried Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli at a small pizzeria in Naples. The place was bustling, and the owner insisted I had to try their favorite specialty. At first bite, I was surprised by the slightly bitter taste of the greens, something different from other pizzas I’d had before. But as I kept eating, the mix of sausage, greens, and creamy cheese started to make perfect sense. By the end of the meal, I wasn’t just satisfied—I felt like I’d been let in on a local secret.
This pizza might not win you over right away, but it’s one you’ll remember.

Category, DifficultyBeginner

 

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time35 mins

Dough:
 2 1/4 cups (325g) all-purpose flour or 00 flour
 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Toppings:
 1 bunch of friarielli (broccoli rabe or rapini), washed and chopped
 2 Italian sausages (spicy or sweet, according to preference), casings removed
 2 garlic cloves, minced
 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
 8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated
 Chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
 Salt and pepper to taste

1

Prepare the Dough: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until doubled.

2

Preheat the Oven: Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven. Preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.

3

Prepare the Toppings: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the sausage, breaking it into pieces, and cook until browned. Add the chopped friarielli, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using), and sauté until the greens are tender and the sausage is cooked through.

4

Assemble the Pizza: Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface or parchment paper. Distribute the mozzarella evenly over the dough. Top with the sausage and friarielli mixture.

5

Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza (on parchment if using) to the preheated stone or sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Serve

6

Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Ingredients

Dough:
 2 1/4 cups (325g) all-purpose flour or 00 flour
 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Toppings:
 1 bunch of friarielli (broccoli rabe or rapini), washed and chopped
 2 Italian sausages (spicy or sweet, according to preference), casings removed
 2 garlic cloves, minced
 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
 8 ounces (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated
 Chili flakes (optional, for added heat)
 Salt and pepper to taste
Pizza Salsiccia e Friarielli

Perfect Wine Pairing:

A robust red wine, such as Aglianico, complements the sausage’s bold flavors and the friarielli’s bitterness. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Fiano di Avellino offers a nice balance with its fruity and floral notes, refreshingly contrasting the savory toppings.

Explore more in our

Italian Pizza Recipes guide
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