Pizza Rolls Recipe with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This Pizza Rolls Recipe with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a variation of Italian sausage bread that is sliced before baking. You are going to love this pizza dough recipe!

Pizza dough never ceases to amaze me!

Not only can you make this delicious Homemade Italian Pizza or this Potato Pizza but the dough also lends itself perfectly to making pizza appetizers.

Recently, I shared this recipe for Garlic Knots.

It’s the perfect appetizer for that casual get-together with friends, especially when served with this family recipe for Classic Marinara Sauce. 

Today, I am sharing yet another one of my favorites!

Your family and friends are going to love this modern version of the Sicilian sausage bread recipe called bignolati. 

Here is a list of some of the ingredients you need. Just a quick reminder that there is a printable recipe card, found at the bottom of the page, with specific amounts for each ingredient.

Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough. Store-bought or homemade. I am partial to my family recipe (link below).
• Olive Oil. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
• Rapini. Also known as broccoli rabe.
• Onions. These are sauteed.
• Garlic Cloves. A wonderful flavor booster.
• Salt. To taste.
• Loose Italian Sausage. Hot or sweet, your choice. 
• Black Olives. Pit-less of course.
• Mozzarella Cheese. A small amount to hold everything together.
• Grated Cheese. Use either Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes. Optional but provides a little extra heat.
• Oregano. An optional topping but a great flavor enhancer.
• Chopped fresh tomatoes: An optional topping.

 

The pizza dough

As was mentioned, I use my mom’s recipe.

If you have been here before, you know that I have created an entire post on How to Make Pizza Dough. Simply click on the link for a video and a step by step photo tutorial for my mom’s recipe. Both methods are included in that post. 

Please refer to it and get to the stage where we need to stretch it. You can also use store-bought if this is more convenient for you.

Mise en place

Before we can start making our rolls, we need to prep some of the ingredients.

In a large colander, rinse one bunch of rapini. 

Parboil in a large pot of salted water until tender. This takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain and chop.

More details on this wonderful vegetable can be found in this recipe for Garlicky Broccoli Rabe.

In the meanwhile, over medium-high heat, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan. Sauté 2 diced onions with 2-3 chopped garlic cloves until they begin to soften. This should take 5-7 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the chopped, parboiled rapini and continue to sauté for a few more minutes or until there is very little moisture left in the pan.

Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool down to room temperature before assembling with the rest of the ingredients. 

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).

Place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. 

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 

With lightly greased fingertips, stretch out the dough to a rectangular shape approximately 13-14 inches long by 9-10 inches wide. As you can see, it is approximately the size of a large sheet pan. 

You can also stretch out the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. If you are lucky enough to have a granite countertop, that also works very well.

Spread the fresh Italian sausage (250 grams) as much as possible over the entire surface followed by the pitted black olives (¼ cup).

Next, spread out the sauteed rapini and onion mixture across the entire surface. 

The addition of mozzarella (½ cup) and grated cheeses (2 tablespoons) are next. Feel free to use either Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

If you like heat, go ahead and sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.

Starting with the long side, simply roll the pizza dough. Not too loose or the filling will fall out when it is sliced. Make sure to pinch the seam together to seal in the filling.

Lightly brush the surface with a thin coating of olive oil. 

Sprinkle the adjacent area with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano. Gently roll the sausage roll into it, to coat the surface with this aromatic herb. 

Cut the pizza roll into 1-1½ inch slices. 

Place each slice of pizza roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It can be baked right away or allow the dough to rest and rise for 30-60 minutes. Experiment with the times and evaluate if you prefer a more “doughy” texture.

Bake in a preheated oven at 425 °F (220 °C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the bottom crust is a golden brown.

It can be served immediately or at room temperature. 

Tips

• Use lightly greased fingertips to stretch out the dough. Do not use a rolling pin.
• Always preheat your oven.
• Bring the sauteed vegetables to room temperature before topping the pizza dough.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, either commercial or homemade works well with this recipe.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply eliminate the Italian sausage from the recipe and replace it with Grilled Vegetables.

Can I use the filling be used as a topping?

Yes. Saute the vegetables and the sausage. Bring to room temperature before topping your pizza.

Broccoli rabe recipes we love

• Broccoli Rabe Cavatelli
• Italian-Style Garlicky Broccoli Rabe
• Broccoli Rabe Pasta Recipe
• Orecchiette with Sausage and Rapini
• Broccoli Rabe Soup

If you are looking for more inspiration, be sure to visit this Andy Boy page.

Recipe origins

It was over 10 years ago that I first tasted this delicious variation of a sausage bread recipe aka Sicilian bignolati. 

The occasion was a potluck lunch and this pizza rolls recipe, contributed by my friend Carlo, literally disappeared from the buffet table within minutes.

If you like the combination of broccoli rabe, sausage, and mozzarella, you are going to love this recipe!

Throughout the years, I have made this recipe as an appetizer, a grab and go lunch, or as a meal served simply with this Italian Salad Recipe.

They are great to bring to potlucks and picnics. 

You will love the versatility of this recipe!

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to join our YouTube channel. Just click on the following link and be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel as my friend Carlo and I plan to share more wonderful recipes with all of you!

Hope to see you there!

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

Ciao for now,

Maria

★★★★★ If you have made these Italian sausage rolls, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Recipe