This fun Thanksgiving Pizza brings all your holiday favorites together! Imagine a crispy crust topped with turkey, stuffing, and a drizzle of gravy—yum!
It’s like a cozy holiday meal, but on a pizza! I love making this as a twist for leftovers, and honestly, it always makes everyone smile—who can resist pizza? 🍕😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but homemade dough is always a winner. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pizza crust, available at many grocery stores.
Turkey: Leftover turkey is perfect for this pizza! If you’re short on turkey, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. Even tofu or mushrooms can work for a vegetarian twist.
Stuffing: Any stuffing works! If you don’t have leftovers, store-bought stuffing mix can be prepared quickly. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free stuffing mix or quinoa.
Cranberry Sauce: Feel free to use whatever cranberry sauce you like—homemade, jellied, or whole berry give slightly different textures but will work beautifully. You can even swap it out for apple sauce for a unique flavor!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
Getting the crust just right is key to a delicious Thanksgiving Pizza! Here are a few tips:
- Preheat My Oven: Always preheat your oven to the right temperature—425°F helps get a nice crispy crust.
- Thick or Thin: Roll the dough to your desired thickness. For a thicker crust, don’t roll it too thin, and for a thin crust, keep it around 1/4 inch.
- Melted Butter: Brushing the crust with melted butter not only adds flavor but also helps it brown nicely.
- Pizza Stone Trick: If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s super hot before placing your pizza; this helps create a crispy bottom.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a tasty pizza crust that holds all your Thanksgiving goodies perfectly!
Thanksgiving Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, enough for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked turkey, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup prepared stuffing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons gravy (optional, for drizzling after baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this Thanksgiving Pizza should take about 15-20 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this festive dish in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to preheat for an extra crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Once it’s rolled out, transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet. This will serve as the base for your toppings!
3. Add Butter to the Dough:
Brush the rolled dough lightly with the melted butter. This step gives a rich flavor and helps the crust get golden brown during baking.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Layer half of the mozzarella cheese over the dough evenly. This helps to create a gooey barrier that keeps the toppings in place!
5. Top with Turkey and Stuffing:
Evenly distribute the diced or shredded turkey and prepared stuffing over the cheese, making sure every slice has a bit of that tasty goodness.
6. Add Cranberry Sauce:
Dot dollops of cranberry sauce around the pizza for those delicious bursts of flavor. This adds a wonderful sweet-tart contrast to your savory toppings.
7. Finish with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese on top to give your pizza that cheesy goodness we all love.
8. Season the Pizza:
Add the dried thyme, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper evenly over the top. These herbs will deepen the flavor and make it feel truly festive.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza in the oven (or on the pizza stone) and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly!
10. Cool and Drizzle:
Once it’s done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, drizzle some warm gravy over the pizza for an extra savory touch.
11. Slice and Serve:
Using a pizza cutter, slice it up, and enjoy your warm, delightful Thanksgiving Pizza bursting with holiday flavors!
This Thanksgiving Pizza is an excellent way to enjoy those holiday flavors all year round. Perfect for leftover turkey, it’s sure to bring smiles at any meal! 🍕😊
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option, and it tastes great. If you’re short on time, feel free to use it; just follow the package instructions for handling and baking.
What Can I Substitute for Turkey?
If you don’t have turkey on hand, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or even some roasted veggies for a hearty texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or use the microwave for quick warmth!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza up to the baking stage, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
