This Thanksgiving Pizza is a fun twist on the traditional feast! It features a crispy crust topped with turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy cheese. Yum!
It’s like having Thanksgiving dinner in pizza form. I love to enjoy it with friends while watching the parade. Who says pizza can’t be festive? 🍕🦃
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, which is my go-to option. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough is delicious too. Just remember, it needs some time to rise!
Cranberry Sauce: I prefer whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and flavor. If you want to make it from scratch, it’s super simple! Just cook cranberries with sugar and a bit of water.
Turkey: Leftover turkey is perfect for this pizza! If you’re vegetarian or have other dietary needs, consider using roasted veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini, as a hearty substitute.
Stuffing: Use any stuffing you love! I have a family recipe, but store-bought tastes great too. Gluten-free stuffing works well for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cheese: I recommend mozzarella and white cheddar for their melting qualities. You could also try gouda or fontina for a rich flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The crust is key to a great pizza! Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right:
- Start with a hot oven (475°F). The heat helps the crust rise quickly and get crispy.
- Dusting your baking surface with cornmeal helps prevent sticking and adds a nice crunch.
- Brush the edges of your dough with olive oil to enhance flavor and achieve that beautiful golden finish.
- If using a pizza stone, preheating it allows for that perfect bake.
This method will give you a crisp base that holds all those delicious toppings! Enjoy your Thanksgiving Pizza! 🍕✨
Thanksgiving Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup stuffing (prepared, your favorite recipe)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your Thanksgiving Pizza in about 30 minutes total! Perfect for a quick and delicious holiday experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, go ahead and place it in the oven so it heats up nicely. This helps give your crust that perfect crispiness.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Once it’s ready, transfer it to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet that you’ve dusted with cornmeal—this will keep it from sticking!
3. Add Some Shine:
Brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil. This will help the crust turn golden brown while baking and give it a delicious flavor.
4. Layer on the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and white cheddar cheese evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges for a nice crust.
5. Add the Turkey:
Evenly distribute the cooked turkey pieces over the cheese, ensuring it covers as much area as possible for maximum flavor.
6. Dollop on Cranberry:
Take spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce and dollop them evenly across the pizza. The sweet tartness balances beautifully with the savory ingredients!
7. Crumble the Stuffing:
Now, crumble the prepared stuffing over the top! Spread it out to cover as much surface area as you can without overcrowding.
8. Season with Thyme:
Scatter some fresh thyme leaves over the toppings. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for a little extra flavor. Thyme adds such a lovely aroma!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly onto the middle oven rack. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the stuffing is toasty.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This helps the cheese set up a bit for easier slicing.
11. Slice It Up:
Slice the pizza into wedges, and for a special touch, garnish with a few extra sprigs of thyme if you like. Serve it warm and enjoy the festive flavors of Thanksgiving in every bite!
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your delicious pizza! 🍕🦃
Can I Use Leftover Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this Thanksgiving Pizza. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution on the pizza.
How Can I Store Leftover Thanksgiving Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option!
Can I Use Homemade Stuffing?
Yes, homemade stuffing is a great choice! Just make sure it’s already prepared before adding it to the pizza. You can use any recipe you love—herbed, cornbread, or even gluten-free works well!
What Toppings Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to get creative! You can add things like sautéed onions, spinach, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for added flavor. If you want to make it vegetarian, replace the turkey with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or mushrooms.
