Ingredients

1 loaf French bread
1 lb hot Italian turkey sausage
1 red bell pepper , chopped
1 small onion , chopped
2 garlic cloves , minced
1 box frozen chopped spinach , defrosted and squeezed dry
1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded
1 cup provolone cheese , shredded
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
French Bread Pizza Rustica is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe swaps traditional pizza dough for a crispy loaf of French bread and uses hot Italian turkey sausage and part-skim ricotta cheese for a healthier twist on classic pizza. The addition of sautéed vegetables and spinach provides extra flavor and nutrients to the dish, making it a wholesome and delicious meal option that your whole family will love. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just looking for a quick and easy dinner option, French Bread Pizza Rustica is the perfect recipe for you.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet.
3.Cook Italian turkey sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 10 minutes.
4.Add chopped red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté until vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes.
5.Add defrosted spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6.While sausage mixture is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl.
7.Once sausage mixture is done, divide it evenly between the two halves of the French bread.
8.Spread the ricotta mixture over the sausage mixture.
9.Top each half with shredded mozzarella cheese and provolone cheese.
10.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and bread is toasted.
11.Slice and serve!

PROS

Easy to make and a delicious dinner option for busy weeknights.

Uses part-skim ricotta cheese and turkey sausage for a healthier twist on classic pizza.

Can be customized with your favorite toppings and herbs to make it your own.

CONS

May not be as filling as a larger pizza or a full pasta dish.

Requires a little bit of prep work to cook the sausage and vegetables prior to baking.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This French Bread Pizza Rustica recipe is a healthier twist on classic pizza, using part-skim ricotta cheese and hot Italian turkey sausage instead of traditional pizza toppings. Turkey sausage is leaner than beef or pork sausage, making it a great source of protein for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Spinach is full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and folate. The addition of bell peppers, onions, and garlic provides additional flavor and nutrition to the dish. Overall, this French Bread Pizza Rustica recipe is a healthier take on a classic comfort food that is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings without undoing your entire diet.

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