Thanksgiving Pizza

This Thanksgiving Pizza is the BEST way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers. Imagine a delicious puff pastry crust filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more! Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines comfort food with a fun twist, making it a standout choice for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: This pizza transforms traditional Thanksgiving flavors into a new and exciting dish.
• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever leftovers you have on hand to customize the pizza to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving family or friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A creative way to use up all those holiday leftovers without the usual repetition.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delightful Thanksgiving Pizza, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Tart pan (9-inch)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Tart pan: The tart pan gives the pizza a beautiful shape and helps achieve an even bake.
• Rolling pin: Use this to roll out your puff pastry evenly for a perfect crust.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients before assembling your 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

• 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed according to the instructions on the package)
• 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 your pizza cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

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: Layer with Mashed Potatoes

Spread the mashed potatoes over the bottom of the pastry. Drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy to add flavor.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Sprinkle with corn and green bean casserole evenly across the mashed potato layer.

Step 5: Load Up with Turkey and Stuffing

Top with chopped turkey and stuffing. Drizzle three tablespoons of gravy over these layers for extra moisture.

Step 6: Cheese it Up!

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. This will melt beautifully during baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Creation

Bake at 400˚F for about 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Add Crunchy Onions

Sprinkle French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are crispy.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with basil, parsley, or thyme along with freshly ground black pepper. Slice into eight pieces and enjoy!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Pizza

Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional holiday flavors. Here are some creative ways to serve this dish that will impress your guests and elevate your Thanksgiving feast.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with a variety of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pizza.
• Cranberry Spinach Salad: Combine fresh spinach with dried cranberries, walnuts, and a citrus dressing for a vibrant side that complements the pizza.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Extra Gravy: Serve warm gravy on the side for those who love an extra drizzle on their pizza.
• Cranberry Sauce: A sweet and tart cranberry sauce can add a fun twist when paired with each slice.

Create a Themed Platter

• Leftover Platter: Arrange leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables around your Thanksgiving Pizza for an appealing display.
• Cheese Board: Include various cheeses and crackers to provide additional snack options alongside the pizza.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza

To make sure your Thanksgiving Pizza is truly exceptional, follow these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality turkey will enhance the overall flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overload the puff pastry; it should be just enough to allow it to bake evenly.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different vegetables or seasonings based on your preferences for added flavor.
• Keep It Warm: Serve the pizza immediately after baking for the best texture and taste.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Add fresh herbs right before serving to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Pizza

Enhance your meal by pairing delicious sides with your Thanksgiving Pizza. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the flavors of the pizza.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch that pairs well with the dish.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole: This sweet side brings a delightful contrast to the savory pizza.
4. Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds provide a fresh, crunchy element.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins offer a sweet touch that balances savory flavors perfectly.
6. Stuffing Balls: Bite-sized stuffing balls make for an easy-to-eat accompaniment that ties in beautifully with the pizza.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich pizza.
8. Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of butternut squash soup adds comfort and warmth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Thanksgiving Pizza can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold dough handling: Not properly thawing the puff pastry can lead to a soggy crust. Always allow it to thaw fully before using.

• Bold ingredient layering: Layering ingredients unevenly may cause some parts to become overcooked while others remain cold. Distribute each layer evenly for consistent cooking.

• Bold seasoning oversight: Forgetting to season your layers can result in bland pizza. Always sprinkle salt and pepper between layers for enhanced flavor.

• Bold timing errors: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your pizza. Keep a close eye on the timer and adjust as necessary based on your oven’s performance.

• Bold skipping garnishes: Not adding garnishes can make your dish less appealing. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add flavor and visual appeal, so don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Thanksgiving Pizza

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best taste.

Reheating Thanksgiving Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350˚F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.

• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat; cover with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thanksgiving Pizza:

What is Thanksgiving Pizza?

Thanksgiving Pizza is a creative way to use leftovers from the holiday meal, combining turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more into a delicious pizza form.

Can I customize my Thanksgiving Pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite leftover dishes or vegetables to make it uniquely yours.

How do I reheat Thanksgiving Pizza?

Reheating can be done in various ways including the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Each method has its own benefits depending on how crispy you want the crust.

What sides pair well with Thanksgiving Pizza?

Consider serving sides like a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. They complement the rich flavors of the pizza nicely.

How long does Thanksgiving Pizza last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying leftovers throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Pizza shines as an innovative way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a delightful meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated as leftovers, it’s sure to please any crowd!