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Hot Sausage and Crispy Chard Pizza

This vibrant spicy sausage and crispy chard pizza offers a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food favourite. Belonging to our high-protein category, this recipe combines the punchy heat of Italian sausage with the earthy, mineral notes of Swiss chard and a trio of decadent cheeses. The contrast between the creamy ricotta dollops and the crisp, salty edges of the chard leaves provides a wonderful textural experience that elevates a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.

Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious homemade dinner. By using shop-bought dough and seasonal greens, you can achieve a professional-style bake with a golden, airy crust in around twenty minutes. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Hot Sausage and Crispy Chard Pizza

  • 45ml olive oil, divided

  • 350g hot Italian sausage, casings removed

  • 1 bunch Swiss chard, ribs and stems sliced into 1" pieces, leaves torn

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 450g prepared pizza dough, room temperature

  • 50g finely grated Parmesan

  • 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves

  • 1 cup grated Fontina cheese

  • 120g ricotta

Place a rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 232°C. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and break into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Let cook, undisturbed, until bottom sides are browned, about 4 minutes. Add chard stems; cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer sausage and chard stems to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon.

Let skillet and drippings cool until just warm, then add chard leaves, turning to coat. Season with salt and pepper; transfer to bowl with sausage mixture.

Coat dough with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and stretch into an 18x12" oval on a large rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Top with half of Parmesan and rosemary, followed by sausage mixture, Fontina, ricotta, then remaining Parmesan and rosemary.

Bake pizza, rotating sheet halfway through, until crust is golden brown and crisp, 18–22 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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