A delicious and creative way to use Thanksgiving leftovers, this pizza combines all your holiday favorites—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes—on a crisp pizza crust!
Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with an abundance of food, family gatherings, and flavors that define the season. But one of the biggest post-holiday challenges is finding ways to use up all those leftovers. Enter the Thanksgiving Pizza, a delightful twist that repurposes those classic Thanksgiving dishes in a way that’s both delicious and inventive.
This pizza takes the best of your leftovers—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy—and transforms them into a comforting, hearty dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a creative dinner idea, or a unique way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors beyond the big day, this recipe is the perfect solution.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before diving into the preparation process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Below is a breakdown of the items you need to create this Thanksgiving pizza masterpiece:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- You can buy pizza dough from the store or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own.
- 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
- This could be white or dark meat, whatever you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- Use your leftover mashed potatoes as the base or “sauce” for the pizza.
- 1/2 cup stuffing
- This can be any variety of stuffing you prepared—herb, sausage, or cornbread stuffing works wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (optional)
- Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory ingredients. Use sparingly or generously, depending on your taste preference.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- While mozzarella might not seem like a traditional Thanksgiving ingredient, it adds that perfect melty texture for the pizza.
- 1/4 cup gravy
- Drizzle some of your leftover gravy over the toppings for added moisture and flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- To brush the dough and give the crust a beautiful golden finish.
- Fresh rosemary or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Adding a bit of fresh rosemary or parsley enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
Directions for Preparation
Follow these steps to bring your Thanksgiving Pizza to life, and you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering combination of flavors in no time!
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature ensures that your pizza will bake quickly and achieve a perfectly crisp crust. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven as it heats to help create a firm base for the pizza.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thick, chewy crust, leave the dough a little thicker, and for a thinner, crispier crust, roll it out more. Once rolled, carefully transfer the dough to your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
Using a brush or your hands, apply the olive oil to the entire surface of the dough. This helps create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
3. Spread the Mashed Potatoes
Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, you’ll use mashed potatoes as the base for this Thanksgiving pizza. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the pizza dough, just as you would with sauce. This adds a comforting, creamy layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other toppings.
4. Add Your Toppings
Now it’s time to add the heart of your pizza—the toppings! Start by scattering the shredded turkey over the mashed potatoes, ensuring each slice will have a good amount of meat. Next, sprinkle small amounts of stuffing across the pizza for texture and flavor.
If you’re using cranberry sauce, add dollops of it across the pizza. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, offering a refreshing contrast. Finally, drizzle some gravy over the entire pizza for that classic Thanksgiving essence.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese
No pizza is complete without cheese! While mozzarella isn’t typically associated with Thanksgiving, it melts beautifully and helps bind the ingredients together. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the pizza, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You’ll want to cover the toppings, but not completely hide them, so you still get that lovely Thanksgiving look.
6. Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza, as ovens can vary in their exact cooking times. If you prefer a crispier crust, leave it in for an extra minute or two.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh rosemary or parsley. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation touch to your pizza.
Now, all that’s left to do is slice and serve! Each bite will remind you of the best parts of Thanksgiving, all combined into a delicious and convenient pizza.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Pizza
Q: Can I use a different cheese other than mozzarella?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that stronger cheeses may overpower the more subtle flavors of the turkey and stuffing.
Q: What if I don’t have mashed potatoes left over?
A: If you’re out of mashed potatoes, you can either whip up a small batch just for this recipe or substitute it with sweet potato mash or even butternut squash puree. Both add a unique twist to the pizza.
Q: Can I make this pizza with a gluten-free dough?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free alternative. Many grocery stores offer premade gluten-free pizza dough options. Be sure to follow the package instructions for baking as gluten-free dough can have slightly different cooking times.
Q: Do I need to use cranberry sauce?
A: The cranberry sauce is optional, but it adds a lovely tangy-sweet contrast to the savory flavors. If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce or don’t have any leftover, you can skip it altogether, or try a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a similar effect.
Q: How can I store leftover pizza?
A: Leftover Thanksgiving Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave if you want to maintain a crispy crust.
Conclusion: The Perfect Post-Thanksgiving Meal
Thanksgiving Pizza is a game-changer when it comes to utilizing leftovers. Instead of reheating the same old dishes, you’re repurposing them into a fresh, new meal that brings out the best of each ingredient. The savory richness of the turkey and stuffing, paired with the creamy mashed potatoes and the sweet cranberry sauce, creates an explosion of flavors on every slice. The crispy crust and gooey cheese tie everything together, making this pizza a comforting and satisfying meal.
Perfect for a relaxed day after Thanksgiving or any time you want to relive those flavors, this Thanksgiving Pizza is a great way to enjoy your holiday bounty in a fun, unconventional way. Whether you’re hosting a post-holiday gathering or just looking for a cozy night in with family, this dish will impress and delight all who try it. Enjoy!