Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe | Best Way to Use Holiday Leftovers

Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe: Comfort Food with a Holiday Twist

If you’re anything like me, the day after Thanksgiving is a mix of two things: an overflowing fridge of leftovers and that craving for something different—something comforting but not another plate of turkey and mashed potatoes reheated in the microwave. That’s when my Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe comes to the rescue.

Imagine this: a golden, crispy crust, a layer of creamy mashed potatoes instead of sauce, shredded turkey scattered across, sweet-tart cranberry sauce drizzled over the top, a sprinkle of stuffing for texture, melted cheese binding it all together, and finally—yes—a drizzle of rich turkey gravy.

It’s bold. It’s indulgent. And it tastes like Thanksgiving decided to throw a party on a pizza.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition in my kitchen. After years of tinkering, balancing flavors, and making sure nothing goes to waste, I can confidently say this is the ultimate way to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers.

Let’s dive in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the breakdown of everything that goes into this Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe. Don’t worry—you can swap things depending on what you have leftover.

Ingredient	Quantity
Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)	1 ball (about 12–14 oz)
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Mashed potatoes	1 cup
Shredded cooked turkey	1 cup
Stuffing (chopped into small bits)	½ cup
Cranberry sauce	½ cup
Shredded mozzarella cheese	1 ½ cups
Shredded cheddar cheese	½ cup
Turkey gravy	½ cup (plus extra for drizzling)
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)	1 tbsp, chopped
Salt & pepper	To taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 12 inches round. Brush with olive oil for that golden crunch. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside—it makes the crust extra crispy.

Step 2: Mashed potato “sauce”

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the dough. Think of it as your pizza sauce, but creamier and way more comforting.

Step 3: Add the turkey & stuffing

Scatter shredded turkey across the surface. Then sprinkle stuffing pieces, making sure every bite gets a bit of that herby crunch.

Step 4: Cheese it up

Cover everything with mozzarella and a touch of cheddar. The cheddar adds sharpness that balances the sweetness of cranberry sauce.

Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles into gooey bliss.

Step 6: Cranberry drizzle & gravy magic

Once baked, spoon or drizzle cranberry sauce across the top. Then give it a generous drizzle of warm turkey gravy.

Step 7: Garnish & serve

Finish with fresh herbs, a crack of black pepper, and maybe even a pinch of flaky sea salt. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s face light up.

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Thanksgiving Pizza

• Don’t overload the crust → Less is more. Too much topping makes the pizza soggy. Keep balance.
• Cranberry sauce swirl → Instead of dolloping, warm it slightly and drizzle for that Insta-worthy finish.
• Use fresh herbs → A sprinkle of rosemary or thyme makes the pizza smell like Thanksgiving all over again.
• Cheese choices → Mozzarella for melt, cheddar for sharpness, but try gouda if you want smoky depth.
• Crispier base hack → Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

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Variations on Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe

• Vegetarian version: Skip the turkey and load it with roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, and butternut squash.
• Gravy base: Spread gravy instead of mashed potatoes as your sauce. It’s messy but ridiculously good.
• Flatbread style: Use naan or pita for a quick single-serve version.
• Sweet tooth twist: Add a sprinkle of candied pecans for a hint of crunch and sweetness.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic here is balance:

• Creamy mashed potatoes act like a rich sauce.
• Turkey brings protein and that comforting holiday flavor.
• Stuffing adds texture and herbiness.
• Cranberry sauce cuts through with tangy sweetness.
• Cheese ties it all together.
• Gravy? That’s the flavor bomb that seals the deal.

Every bite is layered, bold, and nostalgic—like Thanksgiving condensed into pizza form.

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FAQs About Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe

Q: Can I make this without leftovers?
Yes! You can roast a small turkey breast, make stovetop stuffing, and use instant mashed potatoes. It won’t be leftovers, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q: Can I freeze Thanksgiving Pizza?
Absolutely. Bake it, cool it, then wrap slices individually. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.

Q: Do I need a pizza stone?
No, but it makes the crust crispier. A hot baking sheet works too.

Q: Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Use small rounds of dough or flatbread for Thanksgiving Pizza bites—perfect for parties.

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Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe is more than a fun twist—it’s a tradition in the making. It’s the bridge between holiday feasting and cozy comfort food, turning leftovers into something extraordinary.

Every slice tells the story of Thanksgiving: the savory turkey, the creamy potatoes, the herb-laced stuffing, the tart cranberry zing, the gooey melted cheese, and that final golden drizzle of gravy.

If you’re looking for a way to wow your family the next day—this is it. Simple, indulgent, and unbelievably satisfying.

So grab that leftover turkey, raid the fridge, and make a pizza that tastes like gratitude in every bite.

See Also: Homemade Taco Bell Pizza Recipe | Cheesy, Crispy & Better Than Takeout