This Thanksgiving Pizza recipe is the BEST way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. Packed with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust, it’s a delicious twist on the traditional holiday feast. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, this dish brings comfort food into a whole new realm of flavor and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses straightforward ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize this pizza with any leftover Thanksgiving sides you have, making it a unique creation every time.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on classic Thanksgiving dishes.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Transform your holiday leftovers into something new and exciting instead of simply reheating them.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Thanksgiving Pizza, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tart pan (9-inch)
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Tart pan: The tart pan gives the Thanksgiving Pizza its shape and helps achieve an even bake.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin ensures that the puff pastry is evenly spread out for best results.
- Mixing bowl: Use a mixing bowl to combine ingredients easily before adding them to the pizza.
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 Pizza Base
- 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
For Garnish
- 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 step ensures that your pizza will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Gently press the puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart pan or pie pan. Trim off any corners and use them to fill in empty spaces along the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Add the Mashed Potatoes
Spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom of the pastry crust. Drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy for added moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Layer with Vegetables
Sprinkle corn and green bean casserole evenly over the mashed potatoes. This adds texture and flavor depth.
Step 5: Add Turkey and Stuffing
Top with chopped turkey and stuffing. Drizzle three tablespoons of gravy over this layer to keep everything deliciously moist.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over all layers for that melty goodness when baked.
Step 7: Bake
Place your prepared pizza in the oven at 400˚F. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Finish with Onions
After baking, sprinkle French fried onions on top and return it to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy.
Step 9: Garnish
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or thyme along with some freshly ground black pepper for an aromatic finish.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Pizza
Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers in a new and exciting format. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pizza.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the flavors nicely and adds a crunchy texture.
Add a Side of Gravy
- Extra Gravy: Serve a small bowl of gravy on the side for dipping, enhancing the pizza’s flavor profile.
- Herbed Gravy: Try using a gravy infused with herbs for an aromatic twist that pairs well with turkey.
Offer Variety of Dips
- Cranberry Sauce: This sweet and tangy dip contrasts beautifully with the savory pizza.
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dip adds richness and an extra layer of flavor.
Include Seasonal Vegetables
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness offsets the sweetness of the pizza toppings.
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots can serve as a colorful and tasty accompaniment.
How to Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza
Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Pizza is easy if you keep these tips in mind.
- Bold seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season your layers well; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Even distribution: Spread your ingredients evenly to ensure every slice has all the delicious flavors.
- Puff pastry preparation: Ensure your puff pastry is well-thawed before use for optimal flakiness.
- Watch baking time: Keep an eye on it while baking to prevent over-browning; every oven is different.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Pizza
Serving side dishes alongside your Thanksgiving Pizza can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Stuffing Balls: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these complement the pizza’s flavors perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy and slightly sweet, this dish offers a beautiful contrast.
- Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and freshness.
- Cornbread Muffins: Their slightly sweet taste pairs wonderfully with savory items like pizza.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm, spiced soup can be comforting alongside your pizza.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips provide earthiness that balances flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Thanksgiving Pizza. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using cold puff pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed properly before using it. Cold pastry can become tough and hard to work with, affecting the final texture of your pizza.
- Overloading the toppings: While it’s tempting to add more ingredients, overloading can lead to a soggy crust. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Ensure your oven is hot enough before placing the pizza inside for optimal baking.
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your tart or pie pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious Thanksgiving Pizza.
- Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven varies slightly, so checking a few minutes early can prevent overcooking.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Thanksgiving Pizza in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Thanksgiving Pizza
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Thanksgiving Pizza
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add slices and cover with a lid, reheating for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Thanksgiving Pizza special?
This Thanksgiving Pizza combines all your favorite holiday flavors into one delicious dish, making it a perfect way to enjoy leftovers creatively.
Can I customize my Thanksgiving Pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other leftovers like cranberry sauce or vegetables according to your taste preferences.
How do I ensure my Thanksgiving Pizza crust is crispy?
Ensure that your puff pastry is fully thawed and baked at the correct temperature. Preheating your oven is key!
How long does it take to make Thanksgiving Pizza?
The total time for making Thanksgiving Pizza is about 35 minutes—10 minutes of prep time followed by 25 minutes of cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Pizza is not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers but also a versatile dish that can be customized based on what you have on hand. Its combination of flavors creates an appealing option for any meal. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to experiment with different toppings!
Thanksgiving Pizza
Thanksgiving Pizza is a creative and delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. This unique dish combines all the classic flavors of Thanksgiving—including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole—into a delightful pizza format that everyone will love. Encased in a flaky puff pastry crust, this recipe transforms your leftover feast into a fun meal that’s perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings. Quick to make and customizable based on what you have on hand, Thanksgiving Pizza is sure to become a new family favorite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 slices 1x
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
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Press the puff pastry into a greased 9-inch tart pan; trim excess.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the base and drizzle with 2 tbsp gravy.
- Layer corn and green bean casserole on top.
- Add chopped turkey and stuffing, then drizzle with remaining gravy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over all layers.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Top with French fried onions and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize toppings using any leftover sides you have. Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for optimal flakiness. Keep an eye on baking time as ovens vary.
