5 Speed-Scratch Proteins (and Trendy Pizzas to Try Them On!)

Two things will always be true: your staff is busy, and your students love pizza. But serving your kids’ favorites doesn’t have to hold up your kitchen. Here are 5 speed-scratch proteins, fully cooked and prepared to delight, along with popular and easy-to-create pizzas to try them on.

When asked about their favorite foods, Gen Zers list pizza over other classics like chicken and burgers.

Food & Beverage Insider, 2023

Savory, Speed-Scratch Proteins

1. Turkey Chorizo Sausage Crumbles

With approachably bold notes of paprika, cilantro and garlic, JENNIE-O^® Turkey Chorizo Sausage Crumbles #33038 bring a Mexican-inspired taste to every tray.

Try It on a Taco Pizza

When tacos and pizzas meet, every slice is another fiesta. For this pie, use JENNIE-O^® Turkey Chorizo Sausage Crumbles, shredded cheese, tomatoes, black olives, salsa, corn chips, sour cream and green onions on a speed-scratch pizza crust.

Pizzerias have been adding trending toppings like chorizo to their menus.

Pizza Today, 2024

2. Dill-Flavored Turkey Patty

Perfectly breaded and flavored with the right amount of tangy dill, JENNIE-O^® Dill-Flavored Turkey Patties #134659 mimic kid-favorites at popular chains.

Try It on a Dill Pickle Pizza

The end of 2022 saw a rise in pickles on restaurant menus,² making this pickle pizza a no-brainer. Use chopped JENNIE-O^® Dill-Flavored Turkey Patties, shredded mozzarella cheese, dill pickle chips and garlicky ranch dressing on a speed-scratch pizza crust.

2 Restaurant Business, 2022

Offer a sriracha mayo on the side for students who like a kick of heat.

3. Diced Turkey Ham

JENNIE-O^® Diced Turkey Ham #119371 is a popular choice that fits today’s trends for flavor, visual appeal and smart eating. Each half-inch dice is made from turkey thigh meat but has the taste and texture of traditional ham.

Try It on a Hawaiian Pizza

No hula dancing necessary when you prep this thin-crust pizza (though if you’re feeling tropical, we say go for it!). Use JENNIE-O^® Diced Turkey Ham, shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and pineapple chunks on whole-wheat dough.

Additional toppings could include red onion, green pepper or jalapeño.

4. Italian Turkey Sausage Crumbles

Perfectly shaped and ready to wow, these JENNIE-O^® All Natural* Pinched Italian Turkey Sausage Crumbles #54057 are an easy-to-portion pork alternative seasoned with a kid-friendly amount of flavor.

Try It on a Personal Calzone

Take pizza dough, add toppings, fold it, and boom: you’ve got a calzone. Use JENNIE-O^® All Natural* Pinched Italian Turkey Sausage Crumbles, shredded mozzarella cheese, red and yellow peppers, and marinara sauce on whole wheat sheeted dough.

*Minimally Processed. No Artificial Ingredients.

Calzones come in so many varieties, making flavor combinations easy and endless.

5. Halal Pepperoni

HORMEL^® Halal Pepperoni #114488 helps you give every student (plus faculty and staff) a chance to have tasty alternatives in lunchtime favorites—all with the same pepperoni taste and texture they love.

Try It on a Detroit-Style Pizza

This pizza is unique in that it’s tall, square and its chewy crust is bordered by crispy cheese. Use HORMEL^® Halal Pepperoni or JENNIE-O^® Turkey Pepperoni #213008, shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and parmesan on whole wheat dough.

This pizza is best made by preparing in a deep, rectangular sheet pan or baking dish.

Talking Turkey

Talking Turkey

5 Speed-Scratch Proteins (and Trendy Pizzas to Try Them On!)