Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, giving thanks, and of course, indulging in all that incredible food! But once the big feast is over, the leftovers can feel a bit predictable. Enter the Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza—a deliciously creative way to bring those flavors together in a whole new way! This unique pizza combines tender, juicy leftover turkey with the tangy, slightly sweet cranberry sauce we all love. Topped with melty mozzarella and fragrant rosemary, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make leftovers anything but boring!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
If using store-bought dough, check the package instructions for any specific prep (like thawing if frozen). For homemade dough, prepare and let it rise until it doubles in size, then punch it down and shape it into a ball.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to around 450°F (230°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven as it heats up to achieve a crispier crust.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to your preferred thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it thinner; for a thicker, more doughy base, roll it out less. Transfer the rolled dough to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Add the Toppings
Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Scatter the shredded turkey over the cranberry layer, then evenly distribute the red onion slices, mozzarella cheese, and chopped rosemary. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
5. Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Slice into wedges and serve warm. It’s savory, a little sweet, and absolutely delicious!
Helpful Tips
- Crispy Crust Tip: Using a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet will give you a wonderfully crispy crust. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, it’s worth the extra step!
- Layer Wisely: Cranberry sauce is quite flavorful, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the pizza. A thin layer is all you need.
- Cheese Choices: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in a bit of provolone or gouda for an extra creamy texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try adding a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Veggie Add-Ons: Leftover roasted veggies like brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash can make for colorful and flavorful toppings.
- Sauce Options: If you’re a fan of BBQ, add a little BBQ sauce to the cranberry layer for a smoky-sweet flavor combo.
- Herb Variations: Swap rosemary with thyme or sage to match the Thanksgiving theme and add a different dimension to the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a premade pizza crust instead of dough?
Absolutely! Premade crusts work well and cut down on prep time, so if you’re in a hurry, they’re a great option.
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover turkey?
Yes, cooked fresh turkey works perfectly. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and you’re all set.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can use a small amount of apple or fig jam mixed with a bit of lemon juice for a similar sweet-tart flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Preheating your baking sheet or pizza stone is key. Also, apply cranberry sauce sparingly to avoid excess moisture.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers of this pizza (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until the crust is crisp again and the cheese has melted.
More Delicious Leftover-Inspired Recipes
Thanksgiving leftovers have never been this fun (or tasty)! Whether you’re looking to elevate your next-day meals or try something new, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is bound to impress. Give it a try, and happy feasting! 🍕
Print
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza brings together the flavors of tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty mozzarella on a crispy crust. This easy-to-make recipe turns holiday leftovers into a delicious, unique pizza that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Follow package instructions for store-bought dough or prepare homemade dough, letting it rise, then punch it down and shape into a ball.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 450°F (230°C) and preheat a baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure a crispy crust.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your preferred thickness. Transfer to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with turkey, onion slices, mozzarella, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Cool for a minute, then garnish with parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Use a thin layer of cranberry sauce to keep flavors balanced.
- Try swapping mozzarella with gouda or adding a sprinkle of goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: ~290 per serving
- Sugar: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~45mg