Thanksgiving Pizza combines your favorite holiday flavors on a tasty crust! Think turkey, cranberry sauce, and even stuffing all piled high for a fun twist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own if you’re in the mood! Use cauliflower crust for a low-carb option. Alternatively, pita bread or naan makes a quick base.
Turkey: Leftover turkey is perfect for this pizza. If you don’t have any, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute! Tofu can also work for a vegetarian twist!
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought, it adds that sweet-tart flavor. If you’re low on cranberries, try a fruity chutney or even a hint of BBQ sauce for a different twist.
Stuffing: Use your favorite stuffing mix, whether it’s traditional bread or cornbread stuffing. If not available, breadcrumbs seasoned with herbs can work as a crunchy topping.
How Do You Get a Crispy Pizza Crust?
Getting your pizza crust to be nice and crispy can be a challenge. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven and pizza stone well to about 425°F (220°C). This initial heat helps the crust rise and crisp up.
- If you’re using a pan, brush it lightly with olive oil before adding the crust. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- After adding your toppings, avoid overloading the pizza. Too many wet ingredients can make it soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a perfectly crispy crust every time!
Thanksgiving Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup prepared stuffing, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving Pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy holiday flavors without spending the whole day in the kitchen! Perfect for those busy festive days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot.
2. Prepare the Pizza Base:
Once your oven is ready, place the pizza crust on a pizza pan or directly on the preheated stone. This will help create a crispy crust.
3. Add The Cheese:
Spread the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the crust. This will create a delicious melty layer!
4. Layer the Turkey:
Now, distribute the cooked turkey pieces evenly over the cheesy base. This adds that classic Thanksgiving flavor to each bite.
5. Sprinkle The Stuffing:
Next, scatter the crumbled stuffing over the pizza. This will give it that hearty, traditional stuffing taste.
6. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’re using artichoke hearts or caramelized onions, sprinkle them evenly on top of the pizza for extra flavor and texture.
7. Finish with Cranberry Sauce:
Dollop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce across the top of the pizza. This will add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that complements the turkey.
8. Season:
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the entire pizza and drizzle with olive oil. Finish by lightly seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Bake:
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy your unique Thanksgiving treat!
This holiday-inspired pizza beautifully marries traditional Thanksgiving flavors into a festive and delicious meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Pizza?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe and gives it a nice, homey touch. Just shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the pizza.
How Should I Store Leftover Thanksgiving Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor. You could also use a meat substitute if you want something with a similar texture.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
While mozzarella and cheddar work great in this recipe, feel free to experiment! Gouda or fontina can add a rich flavor, or you can use dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a vegan option.
