Pizza Greens

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

A savory stuffed bread dish featuring sausage, spinach, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty meal or casual gathering that combines bold flavors with a comforting crust.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. sausage
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. hot pepper
  • 1 loaf thawed bread dough
  • 1 pkg. pizza cheese
  • 1 (10 oz.) pkg. chopped spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook sausage with garlic powder and hot pepper until browned.
  2. Chop sausage into small pieces, add chopped spinach, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Allow the cooked mixture to cool.
  4. Roll out the bread dough and cut it in half.
  5. Sprinkle pizza cheese over each piece of dough.
  6. Spread the cooled sausage and spinach mixture over the cheese.
  7. Roll up each piece of dough into a loaf.
  8. Place the loaves on a greased cookie sheet.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding some diced bell peppers or onions to the sausage mixture for added flavor and texture. You can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option or use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. If you don't have pizza cheese, a blend of mozzarella and provolone works great. Don't forget to preheat your oven before baking for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pizza Greens warm, sliced into pieces for easy sharing. They pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or marinara sauce for dipping. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Sausage Polenta or a fresh caprese salad to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick lunch, but they may not retain their crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pizza Greens contains roughly 328 calories, with 10g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), iron (21% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

328 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.2g 20% DV
Total Fat 10.4g 13% DV
Carbs 51.6g 19% DV
Fiber 4.1g 15% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 396.8mg 17% DV
Potassium 684.3mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 34.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 294.9mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 15.3mg 17% DV
Calcium 84.2mg 6% DV
Iron 3.9mg 21% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the sausage mixture to avoid excess moisture in the dish. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor.

How do I know when the Pizza Greens are done baking?

The Pizza Greens are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use a toothpick or skewer to check; it should come out clean if the dough is fully cooked.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and spinach mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it on the dough to ensure even baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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