Save to Pinterest Loaded Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza is a brilliant way to transform those post-holiday odds and ends into something crave-worthy The golden crust carries everything you loved about Thanksgiving dinner and bakes it into a melty sharable main that everyone will fight over
Both kids and adults go wild for this pizza and it has become a tradition right alongside turkey sandwiches The night after Thanksgiving everyone actually gets excited for leftovers
Ingredients
- Large prepared pizza crust: gives you a sturdy base and saves prep time Look for a crust with a bit of chew and not too thin so it can hold up to the toppings
- Olive oil: helps the crust crisp and adds richness Choose extra virgin for best flavor
- Turkey gravy: brings moisture and ties all the flavors together Go for homemade if available or pick a low sodium store option
- Cooked turkey: provides the classic protein Use both light and dark meat for depth
- Cooked stuffing: adds herby savoriness and lots of texture Seek out any pieces with crispy edges
- Mashed potatoes: for a creamy surprise These make every bite extra comforting Make sure they are well seasoned
- Cranberry sauce: brings pops of tart sweetness Both jellied and whole berry versions work The little bursts of berry really make the pizza special
- Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully and creates a gooey top Buy block cheese and shred yourself if you can for better melt
- Cheddar cheese: sharpens the overall flavor A good aged cheddar will add complexity
- Red onion: thinly sliced for a bit of crunch and gentle bite Choose a firm onion with glossy skin
- Fresh parsley for garnish: adds a bright finish Flat leaf parsley tastes best and looks beautiful sprinkled on top
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Get your oven up to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Place a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly This will guarantee a crisp bottom crust
- Prepare the Crust:
- Brush your pizza crust all over with olive oil Lay it on a piece of parchment paper to make transferring easy
- Spread the Gravy:
- Ladle or spoon turkey gravy right up to the edges leaving about a half inch border The gravy acts as your pizza sauce and helps everything stick
- Add the Turkey and Mashed Potatoes:
- Scatter chopped or shredded turkey evenly over the gravy If you are using mashed potatoes drop spoonfuls over the turkey layer so they melt in as the pizza bakes
- Layer the Stuffing:
- Crumble the stuffing and sprinkle it all over the pizza This adds seasoned flavor and hearty texture in every bite
- Dollop on Cranberry Sauce:
- Drop cranberry sauce here and there so each slice gets a sweet tangy note It does not have to be perfectly distributed
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the entire pizza This not only holds toppings together but adds that irresistible melty pull
- Top with Red Onion:
- Lay thin slices of red onion on top for color crunch and sharpness
- Bake:
- Lift the pizza on the parchment paper and set it directly onto the preheated stone or baking sheet Bake for fifteen to eighteen minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is deeply golden
- Finish and Serve:
- Once baked remove the pizza from the oven Drizzle with a bit more warm gravy if you like and shower with fresh parsley Slice hot and dig in
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is always the bites with both stuffing and cranberry The first time I made this the whole table went completely silent until every slice was gone It tastes like nostalgia with every chew
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy Avoid microwaving if you can so the pizza does not get soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
No turkey or want to go vegetarian Swap in roasted chicken or slices of a plant based roast Use any cheese you love or even layer in a bit of brie For gravy you can also thin some leftover mashed potatoes with broth to make a spreadable sauce
Serving Suggestions
Pair big slices with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal or serve as a fun appetizer at weekend gatherings A side of leftover gravy for dipping never hurts and you can add more cranberry at the table for those who want extra tang
Cultural and Historical Context
Transforming leftovers into a next day feast is a tradition in so many families and this pizza is an American innovation that keeps Thanksgiving flavors going strong Past generations made casseroles and sandwiches now we make pizza The tradition always brings everyone back to the table
Save to Pinterest Serve hot straight from the oven while the cheese is bubbling and gooey Leftover pizza has never tasted so festive and fun
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use any type of leftover turkey?
Yes, both white and dark meat work well. Simply shred or chop the turkey before adding.
- → Is it necessary to use mashed potatoes?
No, mashed potatoes are optional. They add creaminess but can be omitted if desired.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Leftover roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes add flavor and texture.
- → How do I get a crispy crust?
For extra crispiness, prebake the crust for 3–5 minutes before topping and return to the oven to finish.
- → What cheese works best?
Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for melt and flavor, but other cheeses can be substituted to taste.