This pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Instead of just reheating plates of the same meal, you can transform turkey, potatoes, and stuffing into a completely new dish. It’s a savory, satisfying pizza that brings all the classic holiday flavors together in every bite.
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Putting this pizza together is straightforward and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a simple recipe that’s great for a casual lunch or dinner when you want something easy after a big cooking day. It’s also a great way to make sure no leftovers go to waste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The mashed potato base creates a creamy, savory sauce that holds all the other toppings in place
- Par-baking the crust first ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy under the hearty toppings
- Layering the ingredients, from turkey to cranberry sauce and gravy, ensures you get a taste of Thanksgiving in every slice
Essential Ingredients
- Pizza Dough: A store-bought refrigerated tube of pizza dough is convenient, but you can also use a pre-baked crust or your favorite homemade dough.
- Mashed Potatoes: Any kind of leftover mashed potatoes will work. If they are very thick, you may need a little extra milk to make them spreadable.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice texture and tartness. Jellied sauce works too, just break it up with a fork before dotting it on the pizza.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor, but feel free to use what you have. Mozzarella, provolone, or a Monterey Jack blend would also be good.
- Turkey: This recipe is for pre-cooked turkey. You can use either white or dark meat, just make sure it’s chopped or shredded.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Crust and Potato Sauce: Start by preheating your oven and par-baking the pizza crust on a baking sheet until it’s lightly golden. While it bakes, make the creamy potato sauce by melting butter with garlic, then stirring in mashed potatoes, milk, and half of the cheese until smooth.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread the warm mashed potato mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. This will act as your pizza’s “sauce.”
Add the Toppings: Layer the chopped turkey, dollops of cranberry sauce, and crumbled stuffing over the potato base. Drizzle everything with gravy and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the pizza for another 10 to 12 minutes. It’s ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
You Must Know
- Food Safety: When reheating dishes with poultry, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer
- Crust: If your oven runs hot, check the crust a minute or two early during the par-baking step to prevent it from getting too dark
- Customization: Feel free to add other leftovers like green beans or roasted sweet potatoes
- Gravy: If your gravy is very thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle
Serving Ideas
This pizza is a meal in itself. If you’d like a side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a nice, fresh contrast.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer until crisp and heated through, ensuring the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). We do not recommend freezing the assembled pizza.
FAQ
Can I use a different pizza crust?
Yes, a pre-baked crust, homemade dough, or even flatbreads will work. Adjust baking times as needed based on the package directions for your chosen crust.
My leftovers are cold. Is that okay?
Yes, this recipe is designed for cold leftovers. The baking time is long enough to heat everything through. Just make sure the final dish is hot all the way to the center.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh from the oven for a crisp crust. However, you can assemble it a few hours ahead, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza 1x
Description
Use up your Thanksgiving leftovers on this easy pizza with a creamy mashed potato base.
Ingredients
- 1 (13.8 oz / 391 g) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 g) leftover mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 cup (4 oz / 113 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups (about 10 oz / 280 g) chopped leftover cooked turkey
- 1 cup (300 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 3/4 cup (105 g) leftover stuffing
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) leftover turkey gravy
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
- Unroll the pizza dough and press it into a rectangle on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.
- While the crust bakes, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the mashed potatoes and milk to the skillet, stirring to combine. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese until it melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the par-baked crust.
- Top the pizza by layering the chopped turkey, dollops of cranberry sauce, and crumbled stuffing.
- Drizzle the gravy over the toppings, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pizza is heated through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Food Safety: When reheating dishes with poultry, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
- Crust: If your oven runs hot, check the crust a minute or two early during the par-baking step to prevent it from getting too dark.
- Customization: Feel free to add other leftovers like green beans or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Gravy: If your gravy is very thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
