This Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. Packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust, it’s a unique dish that brings the flavors of the holiday right to your table. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this recipe transforms traditional ingredients into a fun and delicious pizza experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the savory taste of Thanksgiving favorites all in one bite.
- Versatile Dish: Customize it with any leftover ingredients you have on hand for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or parties where everyone can enjoy a slice.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying—this pizza hits all the comfort food notes.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delicious Thanksgiving Pizza, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tart pan (or pie pan)
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Tart pan: Provides even baking and gives your pizza a beautiful shape.
- Rolling pin: Ensures your puff pastry is rolled out evenly for perfect crust thickness.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients before assembling your pizza.
- Baking sheet: Catches any drips while baking and keeps your oven clean.
Ingredients
This Thanksgiving Pizza recipe is the BEST way to eat Thanksgiving leftovers. It has turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more all in a puff pastry crust!
For the Crust
- 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed according to the instructions on the package)
For the Filling
- ½ cup mashed potatoes
- 5 tbsp gravy (divided)
- ¼ cup corn
- ¼ cup green bean casserole
- ½ cup chopped turkey
- ½ cup stuffing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup French fried onions
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Basil, parsley, or thyme, for garnish
How to Make Thanksgiving Pizza
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400˚F. This ensures that your pizza bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Gently press the puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart pan (or use a 9-inch pie pan). Trim the corners and use them to fill in any empty spaces along the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Add Mashed Potatoes
Spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom of the crust. Drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy for added flavor.
Step 4: Layer Other Ingredients
Sprinkle corn and green bean casserole over the mashed potatoes. Then top with chopped turkey, stuffing, and three tablespoons of gravy.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of everything. This will melt beautifully as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
Bake at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Step 7: Add Crunchy Onions
Remove from oven, sprinkle with French fried onions, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are crispy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with basil, parsley, or thyme along with freshly ground black pepper before serving. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving Pizza!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Pizza
Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve this flavorful dish for the best experience.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve each slice alongside a simple green salad to add freshness.
- Pair with apple cider for a sweet beverage complement.
Festive Gathering
- Cut into smaller squares for easy sharing at gatherings.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or hot sauce, for guests to enjoy.
Game Day Delight
- Present slices on a large platter during game day festivities.
- Accompany with classic snacks, such as popcorn or nachos, for a fun mix.
Brunch Option
- Serve warm slices with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a unique brunch twist.
- Add mimosas (non-alcoholic versions) for added flair.
How to Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza
Perfecting your Thanksgiving Pizza can elevate this dish even further. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out great every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor of your pizza.
- Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overload the puff pastry; it should hold its shape while cooking.
- Bake Until Golden: Ensure the pastry is golden brown for that perfect texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other leftover items like roasted vegetables or cranberry sauce for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Pizza
Pairing your Thanksgiving Pizza with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Consider these delicious options:
- Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed lightly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon and paprika for added sweetness and spice.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make an excellent side option.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful assortment of fresh fruits providing a sweet contrast to savory pizza.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots, adding texture and zest to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to use up leftovers, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Bold crust: A soggy crust can ruin your pizza. Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed and press it firmly into the pan to avoid any air pockets.
- Bold filling overload: While it’s tempting to add every leftover, overfilling can cause spills. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Bold ingredient temperature: Using cold or frozen ingredients might lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your leftovers are at room temperature before assembling.
- Bold timing errors: Baking for too short or too long can affect texture. Keep an eye on the pizza during baking and adjust time as necessary.
- Bold garnishing too early: Adding garnishes like French fried onions too soon can result in burnt toppings. Wait until the last few minutes of baking for a perfect crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Thanksgiving Pizza in an airtight container.
- It will be good for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Thanksgiving Pizza
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating Thanksgiving Pizza
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F and bake for about 10-15 minutes for a crispy crust.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the crust soft.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a lid; cook for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Thanksgiving Pizza unique?
Thanksgiving Pizza combines all your favorite holiday flavors into one delicious dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy leftovers creatively.
Can I customize my Thanksgiving Pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have. Use different vegetables or cheeses as desired.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my Thanksgiving Pizza?
To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure your crust is well-cooked before adding toppings and try using less moisture-rich ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare Thanksgiving Pizza?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while baking adds another 25 minutes, making it a quick meal option after the holiday feast.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Pizza recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It allows you to enjoy your holiday leftovers in a new way while letting your creativity shine through with customizable ingredients. Give it a try and impress your family with this inventive twist!
Thanksgiving Pizza
Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful and innovative way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Imagine a flaky puff pastry crust loaded with tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This unique dish combines all the beloved flavors of Thanksgiving in every bite, making it perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings. With minimal prep time and endless customization options, Thanksgiving Pizza transforms traditional ingredients into a fun pizza experience that will impress guests and satisfy appetites.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed)
- ½ cup mashed potatoes
- 5 tbsp gravy (divided)
- ¼ cup corn
- ¼ cup green bean casserole
- ½ cup chopped turkey
- ½ cup stuffing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup French fried onions
- Freshly ground black pepper and herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Press the puff pastry into a greased 9-inch tart or pie pan, trimming as needed.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the crust and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of gravy.
- Layer corn, green bean casserole, turkey, stuffing, and remaining gravy.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Add French fried onions on top and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and black pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize this pizza by using any leftover vegetables or cheeses you have on hand. To avoid a soggy crust, ensure that the puff pastry is fully cooked before adding moist ingredients.
