Thanksgiving leftover turkey and cranberry pizza is a creative and delicious way to give holiday leftovers new life. Instead of reheating the same plate of turkey and sides, this recipe transforms them into a savory, cheesy, sweet-and-tangy pizza that’s bursting with flavor.
Juicy turkey, cranberry sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs come together on a crisp pizza crust, making it a fun post-holiday meal the whole family will love. Quick to prepare with store-bought dough and leftover ingredients, it’s a perfect dinner for the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for richness)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle or rectangle.
- Place on a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
Step 2: Build the Base
- Brush dough lightly with olive oil.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the surface like pizza sauce.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Scatter shredded turkey and red onion slices over the top.
- Add remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Season with thyme and black pepper.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Thanksgiving Feast Pizza: Add leftover stuffing crumbles and drizzle with gravy.
- Brie & Cranberry: Replace mozzarella with brie cheese for a gourmet twist.
- Flatbread Style: Use naan or flatbread instead of pizza dough for a quick version.
- BBQ Turkey Pizza: Swap cranberry sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Use a pizza stone for an extra crisp crust.
- Jellied cranberry sauce spreads more evenly, while whole berry adds texture.
- Turkey should be shredded or chopped small so it heats evenly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with sparkling cider, wine, or leftover cranberry cocktails.
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner the weekend after Thanksgiving.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overload the pizza—too many toppings will make it soggy.
- Warm turkey slightly before adding so it heats fully in the oven.
- Double the recipe and bake two pizzas if serving a crowd.
- Leftovers reheat best in a skillet or air fryer to keep crust crisp.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, 8 slices)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 520mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes! Chicken works just as well with cranberry sauce and cheese.
Q2: What if I don’t have pizza dough?
- Use naan, flatbread, or even tortillas for a quick alternative.
Q3: Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. Assemble the pizza and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
Q4: Can I freeze leftover turkey pizza?
- Yes. Bake first, then cool, slice, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese altogether for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftover turkey and cranberry pizza is a fun, creative, and delicious way to enjoy holiday flavors in a whole new way. With juicy turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this pizza is the perfect post-holiday comfort food. Quick, versatile, and family-friendly, it’s a recipe you’ll want to repeat every year after Thanksgiving.