Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this amazing *thanksgiving pizza*! It’s like a cozy hug of holiday flavors all wrapped up in a delicious crust. I first stumbled upon this fun recipe when I was trying to use up some leftover turkey and cranberry sauce from our family feast. I thought, why not transform those beloved flavors into something new and exciting? And let me tell you, it was a total game changer! The sweet tang of the cranberry sauce paired with the savory turkey and melty cheese creates a taste sensation that’s just perfect for the holidays. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic option for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering with friends. You’ll want to keep this recipe close; trust me, it’s one you’ll want to share with everyone!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Pizza
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive pizza a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pizza crust: You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup turkey, cooked and shredded: Leftover turkey works perfectly, but any cooked turkey will do.
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Use homemade or your favorite store-bought version for the sweet-tart kick.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey, melty goodness that brings it all together.
- 1/2 cup stuffing, cooked: Again, leftovers are fantastic here! You could even use a simple boxed stuffing mix.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: This adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color to your pizza.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle on top helps everything crisp up beautifully.
And there you have it! These simple ingredients combine to create a delightful twist on your traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Pizza
Getting this *thanksgiving pizza* ready is as easy as pie—well, pizza! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring those festive flavors in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the crust turn golden and crispy while melting the cheese to perfection. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Prepare the Crust
Next, roll out your pizza crust on a baking sheet. If you’re using store-bought dough, just unroll it and press it out to fit the sheet. If you’re feeling crafty and making your own, make sure to roll it out evenly so it cooks consistently. A little tip: sprinkle some flour on your surface to prevent sticking!
Assemble the Pizza
Now comes the fun part—assembling! Start by spreading a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the crust. Then, evenly distribute your shredded turkey all over. Next, sprinkle on that gooey mozzarella cheese, followed by the cooked stuffing. Make sure everything’s spread out evenly, so every bite is full of those delicious flavors!
Baking Instructions
Pop your pizza in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust looks golden and the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Just keep an eye on it to avoid any burning—nobody wants that!
Final Touches
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle your chopped green onions on top for that fresh crunch. Then, slice it up and serve it hot! I guarantee you’ll want to dig right in—enjoy every cheesy, tangy bite of this festive delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This *thanksgiving pizza* comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, turning holiday remnants into something new and exciting!
- Festive Flavors: Each bite is packed with the classic tastes of Thanksgiving, making it a fun and delicious twist on your holiday feast.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the toppings based on what you have on hand, so feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and familiar flavors make this pizza a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone will want a slice!
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough to serve a couple of hungry friends or family members, perfect for a cozy gathering.
Tips for Success
Getting your *thanksgiving pizza* just right is all about a few simple tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your pizza game!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheese. Fresh ingredients can make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture!
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients! If you have leftover ham instead of turkey, go for it! Want to add some roasted vegetables? Yes, please! The beauty of this pizza is in its versatility.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like a bit more sweetness, add extra cranberry sauce. For a tangy kick, you can mix in a touch of mustard or even some barbecue sauce with the cranberry for a fun twist!
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is a classic choice, consider mixing in some sharp cheddar or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a different flavor profile that’ll surprise your taste buds.
- Don’t Overload: It’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, but too much can make your pizza soggy. Stick to a balance for that perfect crispy crust!
- Leftover Storage: If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in the oven—just pop it in until warmed through!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of *thanksgiving pizza*! Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with flavors!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each slice of this delightful *thanksgiving pizza*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Sugar: 5g
This pizza packs a hearty punch of flavor while still being a satisfying meal option. Enjoy every bite without the guilt—happy eating!
FAQ Section
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this *thanksgiving pizza* is how versatile it is. Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients or whatever leftovers you have on hand. If you’ve got some roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, toss them on for extra flavor! You can also swap out the turkey for ham or even a flavorful veggie sausage. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors in mind—everything should complement that delicious cranberry sauce!
How do I store leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftover *thanksgiving pizza*, don’t worry; it stores beautifully! Just place the slices in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This method helps maintain that crispy crust, making it taste almost as good as when it was first made!
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious *thanksgiving pizza*, let’s talk about the perfect pairings that’ll elevate your meal experience! Trust me, these sides and beverages will complement those festive flavors beautifully.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance out the heartiness of the pizza. The crispness adds a refreshing touch!
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving some roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots on the side. Their caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory pizza flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a true Thanksgiving feel, a small serving of creamy mashed potatoes with gravy can be delightful. It’s comfort food at its best!
- Stuffing Balls: If you have extra stuffing, why not make stuffing balls? Just roll them into bites and bake—these little morsels are a fun addition!
- Cranberry Juice or Sparkling Cider: For beverages, a glass of cranberry juice or sparkling apple cider is perfect. The sweetness and fizz will complement the pizza’s flavors and add a festive touch!
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc will work wonders with the pizza. They enhance the savory notes without overpowering them.
With these sides and drinks, your *thanksgiving pizza* dinner will feel like a cozy holiday gathering, no matter the season. Enjoy every bite and sip!
Print
Thanksgiving Pizza: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive pizza inspired by Thanksgiving flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust
- 1 cup turkey, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup stuffing, cooked
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza crust on a baking sheet.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the crust.
- Add shredded turkey evenly across the pizza.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add cooked stuffing.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- This pizza can be customized with your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Use store-bought or homemade crust.
- For a vegetarian option, omit turkey and add more veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: thanksgiving pizza, holiday pizza, leftover pizza
