Thanksgiving is filled with delightful aromas, laughter, and that one magical moment when the turkey gets its grand entrance. Now, imagine taking all that beloved holiday joy and transforming it into a pizza! Yes, you heard me right—Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza! This culinary twist brings together the savory goodness of roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey cheese like a warm hug on a chilly day. cranberry cheesecake fluff for dessert pumpkin rolls for Thanksgiving gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Picture this: your family gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories while the tantalizing scent of your Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza wafts through the air. perfect ham glaze for Thanksgiving It’s the perfect way to repurpose leftovers or even make a new holiday tradition. So grab your apron because this extraordinary dish is about to steal the show!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza offers an easy preparation method that even kids can help with
- It combines classic flavors into a fun and unique dish everyone will love
- With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, it’s visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for using up leftover turkey or as a festive treat during the holidays
Nothing warms my heart quite like the memory of my family’s reaction when I first served this Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza. Picture their puzzled faces turning into delightful smiles as they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pre-made Pizza Dough: Use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Cooked Turkey: Shred leftover turkey for the best texture; it’s perfect for using those holiday scraps.
- Cranberry Sauce: Choose homemade or store-bought; either option adds that sweet-tart flavor we love during Thanksgiving.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The more cheese, the merrier! Opt for fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Fresh Rosemary: A sprinkle of chopped rosemary adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Brush onto the crust before baking for that golden brown finish.
- Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite of your delicious pizza.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) while you prepare your pizza toppings. This ensures a crispy crust in no time.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pre-made pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. Transfer it onto a lightly greased baking sheet.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. The tangy sweetness will be an excellent base for your toppings.
Add Turkey and Cheese: Scatter shredded turkey over the cranberry sauce before generously sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create that cheesy goodness.
Season with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary over your pizza along with salt and pepper to enhance those festive flavors beautifully.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes burnt edges!
Once you pull out this masterpiece from the oven, let it cool for a minute before slicing it up. You’ll want each slice to ooze with melted cheese and gorgeous layers of turkey and cranberry sauce.
Serve hot alongside some extra cranberry sauce or even a side salad to balance out those rich flavors!
Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza is not only delicious but also an excellent conversation starter at any gathering. Whether you’re sharing leftovers with friends or creating new traditions at family dinners, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic flavors while keeping things light-hearted and fun! Asian turkey wraps for a twist. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza is a delightful way to repurpose your holiday leftovers
- The combination of roasted turkey, gooey cheese, and savory herbs creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Plus, it’s a fun dish that brings family together for a casual meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. Roll out your pizza dough, then layer with sauce, turkey, and cheese before baking for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap turkey for chicken or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra crunch. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or feta to mix it up.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use a homemade pizza sauce or your favorite store-bought brand
- Remember to let the dough rest before rolling; it makes it easier to work with
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different!
Thanksgiving has always been a big deal in my family. One year, we had so much leftover turkey that I decided to create this pizza, and everyone couldn’t stop asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and still tastes great when topped properly.
What toppings work well with Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza?
Try cranberry sauce or stuffing for a festive twist that enhances the flavors.
How do I ensure my pizza crust is crispy?
Preheat your oven thoroughly and bake on a hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza transforms traditional holiday flavors into a fun and festive dish. Featuring tender shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese on a crispy crust, this pizza is perfect for repurposing leftovers. Whether enjoyed as a casual family meal or served at festive gatherings, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with shredded turkey and sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Season with fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using homemade pizza sauce instead of cranberry sauce. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.