The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza: A Delicious Post-Holiday Revival
Thanksgiving is a feast, a celebration of gratitude, family, and, let’s be honest, an abundance of incredible food. While the main event is undeniably special, for many, the true joy lies in the days that follow: the glorious reign of Thanksgiving leftovers. From classic turkey sandwiches piled high to a secret slice of pumpkin pie for breakfast, these culinary treasures keep on giving, extending the holiday spirit well into the weekend.
However, even the most devoted fan of leftover turkey can find themselves craving something new after a couple of days. The fridge is still packed with containers of deliciousness, but the palate longs for a fresh perspective. That’s where this ingenious recipe comes in. It’s time to clear out that fridge and transform those beloved Thanksgiving remnants into a completely new, exciting, and utterly satisfying meal: the Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza.
Why a Leftovers Pizza is Your Post-Thanksgiving Hero
Pizza, in its essence, is a blank canvas, perfectly designed for culinary creativity and embracing variety. What makes it the ultimate vehicle for Thanksgiving leftovers? Its adaptability. Unlike a casserole that might demand specific ingredient ratios, a pizza welcomes almost anything you throw at it. It’s a fantastic way to utilize all those flavorful components of your holiday meal, turning them into a cohesive and delightful dish that feels entirely new, rather than just reheated.
Imagine the savory turkey, the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, the comforting texture of stuffing, and the earthy goodness of roasted vegetables, all unified by melted cheese on a crispy crust. It’s a symphony of Thanksgiving flavors, but presented in a fun, handheld format that’s perfect for a casual family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to assemble and bake, making it ideal when you’re feeling a bit cooked-out after the big holiday.
Building Your Perfect Leftovers Pizza: The Customizable Approach
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza is that there’s truly no “wrong” way to make it. It’s an intuitive recipe that encourages you to embrace what you have and let your taste buds guide you. While the recipe below provides a great starting point, consider it a flexible framework. All you truly need is a reliable pizza crust, some quality cheese, and a medley of your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers.
The Foundation: Pizza Crust
Whether you’re a seasoned baker who loves to make dough from scratch or you prefer the convenience of store-bought, any pizza crust will work. A homemade crust provides a wonderful fresh flavor and texture, but a good quality pre-made crust or even a flatbread can get you to deliciousness faster. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold all those delightful toppings.
The Cheese Factor
Cheese is the glue that holds your pizza masterpiece together. While Fontina offers a wonderfully nutty, melty quality, and Gruyere provides a rich, complex flavor, don’t hesitate to use what you love or have on hand. A sharp cheddar can add a delightful tang, a blend of mozzarella and provolone offers classic pizza appeal, or even a smoked gouda could introduce an interesting smoky note. Aim for about 2 cups of grated cheese for a standard pizza, but feel free to adjust to your cheesy desires!
The Star Leftovers
This is where the real fun begins! Think of your Thanksgiving spread as a buffet for your pizza toppings:
- Turkey Breast: Shredded, diced, or pulled into small chunks, leftover turkey is the undeniable protein star. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the other robust holiday ingredients.
- Cranberry Sauce: This might sound unconventional for pizza, but trust us, it’s a game-changer! The sweet and tart notes of cranberry sauce (whether homemade or from a can) cut through the richness of the other ingredients, creating a surprisingly harmonious flavor profile. Use it sparingly, perhaps as dollops or a light smear over a portion of the crust, or even mix it with a little olive oil for a unique base.
- Stuffing/Dressing: Crumble your leftover stuffing over the pizza for incredible texture and savory herb notes. It crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a wonderful counterpoint to the softer ingredients.
- Veggies Galore: This is your chance to use up all those delicious side dishes. Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes (cubed or thinly sliced), carrots, green bean casserole, or even a thin layer of mashed potatoes can all find a happy home on your pizza. Just make sure larger vegetable pieces are cut into bite-sized portions for even cooking and easy eating.
Tips for Pizza Perfection
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few pointers can ensure your Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza reaches its full potential:
- Don’t Overload: It’s tempting to pile everything on, but a balanced approach prevents a soggy crust and ensures even cooking. Distribute toppings relatively evenly.
- Prep Your Leftovers: Make sure turkey is shredded or cut into small pieces. Crumble stuffing. Cut any larger vegetable pieces into bite-sized chunks. This ensures everything heats through quickly and cooks uniformly.
- The Olive Oil Base: A light brush of olive oil on your crust before adding toppings not only adds flavor but also helps create a barrier that prevents the crust from getting too wet, especially with moist toppings like cranberry sauce.
- High Heat is Key: Pizza thrives on high heat. A preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in a short amount of time.
- Consider the Cranberry Sauce: For those who prefer less sweetness or tang, you can use cranberry sauce sparingly as small dollops, or even mix it with a savory element like caramelized onions before spreading. Some prefer it as a drizzle *after* baking.
- Get Creative with Spices: If your leftovers are a little bland after a few days, a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza Recipe
Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 recipe Basic pizza crust , see Note
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups grated Fontina or cheese of choice
- 1 cup turkey breast , in chunks
- 1 cup stuffing/dressing
- 1-2 cups veggies ( brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.)
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 500° F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
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Roll out pizza crust and transfer to prepared sheet pan. Brush with olive oil. Top with cheese, turkey, stuffing/dressing, veggies, cranberry sauce and any other desired toppings.
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Bake until edges of crust are golden and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge.
Notes
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your pizza emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling, slice it up and serve immediately. This pizza is best enjoyed fresh, when the crust is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted. For an extra touch, you might consider a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of warmed gravy (if you have any left!) over individual slices, though it’s perfectly delicious on its own.
Should you have any leftover pizza (a rare occurrence with this recipe, we warn you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat slices in a preheated oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain some of that wonderful crispness. A microwave can work in a pinch, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
Embrace the Leftovers Revolution
The Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a philosophy. It’s about celebrating abundance, minimizing food waste, and unleashing your inner culinary innovator. It proves that holiday leftovers don’t have to be mundane; they can be the springboard for something entirely new and exciting. This versatile dish allows you to extend the joy of your Thanksgiving meal, transforming familiar flavors into a fresh, satisfying, and utterly delicious experience.
So, the next time your fridge is overflowing with post-Thanksgiving treasures, don’t just reach for the sandwich fixings. Think pizza! Gather your turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and all those wonderful veggies, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight everyone at your table. It’s the perfect way to cap off a wonderful holiday season, one delicious, customizable slice at a time. Enjoy the creative journey and the fantastic flavors!