Thanksgiving Pizza

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by Olivia

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Thanksgiving Pizza

This Thanksgiving Pizza is the perfect way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. It combines turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more—all nestled in a flaky puff pastry crust. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it great for casual dinners or festive gatherings. It’s a creative twist that will please any crowd!

Thanksgiving Pizza
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is a breeze to whip up.
  • Flavor-Packed: A delightful mix of flavors from your favorite Thanksgiving dishes in each bite.
  • Versatile Options: Customize with whatever leftovers you have on hand for a unique experience every time.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers; everyone loves pizza!
  • Comfort Food: Combines all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving into one satisfying meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Thanksgiving Pizza, gather the necessary tools and equipment. These will help streamline the process and ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Tart pan or pie pan
  • Rolling pin
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Tart pan or pie pan: Provides the right shape for your Thanksgiving Pizza and helps achieve an even bake.
  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
  • Baking sheet: Catches any drips during baking and makes cleanup easier.
Thanksgiving

Ingredients

To create this delightful Thanksgiving Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the 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 Topping

  • 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 that your pizza will bake evenly and achieve a golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

  • Gently press the puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart pan or pie pan.
  • Trim any excess pastry from the edges and fill in gaps using leftover corners.

Step 3: Add Mashed Potatoes

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of the pastry. Drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy for added flavor.

Step 4: Layer Vegetables

Sprinkle corn and green bean casserole over the mashed potatoes. This adds texture and freshness to your pizza.

Step 5: Add Turkey and Stuffing

Top with chopped turkey followed by stuffing. Drizzle three tablespoons of gravy over everything to bind it together.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will melt beautifully during baking, adding richness.

Step 7: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake at 400˚F for about 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle French fried onions over the top and return to bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until they’re crispy.

Step 9: Garnish

Remove from oven and garnish with basil, parsley, or thyme along with freshly ground black pepper before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving Pizza! It’s a fantastic way to utilize those holiday leftovers while bringing something special to the table.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Pizza

Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. It can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience.

Casual Family Dinner

  • Cut into squares: Slice the pizza into small squares for easy sharing among family members.
  • Serve with extra gravy: Offer a side of warm gravy for dipping, enhancing the flavor.

Festive Holiday Gathering

  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Top each slice with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Pair with a seasonal salad: A simple mixed greens salad complements the richness of the pizza nicely.

Lunch Box Delight

  • Pack cold or reheated slices: Thanksgiving Pizza makes a great leftover option, perfect for lunches throughout the week.
  • Include crunchy veggies: Add carrot sticks or celery for a crunchy side that balances the meal.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Pizza requires some attention to detail. Here are a few tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

  • Use thawed puff pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed before using. This helps achieve a flaky crust.
  • Layer ingredients wisely: Start with mashed potatoes on the bottom to create a sturdy base, then layer other ingredients evenly.
  • Don’t overload it: While it’s tempting to add more toppings, too many can make it soggy. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
  • Preheat your oven properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Pizza

To complement your Thanksgiving Pizza, consider these tasty side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

  1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and garlic, then roast until tender for a vibrant side.
  2. Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart cranberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast and balances the savory flavors of the pizza.
  3. Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a creamy dressing provides texture and complements rich dishes beautifully.
  4. Sweet Potato Fries: Bake or fry sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative, offering sweetness alongside savory pizza.
  5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing is classic and provides freshness next to heavier dishes.
  6. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill mini peppers with cream cheese or hummus for an easy finger food that pairs well with pizza.
  7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies and lemon dressing offers protein and freshness, balancing flavors perfectly.
  8. Cornbread Muffins: Serve warm cornbread muffins on the side for a comforting touch that matches Thanksgiving themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Thanksgiving Pizza can be fun, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

  • Not Thawing Puff Pastry Properly: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed before using it. This prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures a flaky crust.
  • Overloading Ingredients: Avoid adding too many toppings. Sticking to the recipe helps the pizza cook evenly and maintain its structure.
  • Skipping the Gravy: Don’t forget to drizzle gravy on the mashed potatoes and turkey. It adds moisture and flavor that enhances the overall taste of your Thanksgiving Pizza.
  • Ignoring Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Baking too long can result in a burnt crust, while undercooking may leave you with a soggy bottom.
  • Forgetting to Garnish: Garnishes like fresh herbs can make your dish visually appealing and add extra flavor. Always remember to finish with a sprinkle of herbs before serving.
Thanksgiving

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover Thanksgiving Pizza in an airtight container.
  • It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Thanksgiving Pizza

  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Thanksgiving Pizza

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth.
  • Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thanksgiving Pizza.

What can I substitute for turkey in my Thanksgiving Pizza?

You can use shredded chicken or beef as alternatives if turkey isn’t available. Both work well with this recipe!

Can I use different vegetables in my Thanksgiving Pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out corn or green beans with your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

How do I make my Thanksgiving Pizza spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick! Adjust according to your spice preference.

Is Thanksgiving Pizza suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep; just store slices as recommended, and you’ll have tasty meals ready throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy holiday leftovers. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings based on what you have on hand, making it suitable for any palate. Give this creative twist on traditional dishes a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Thanksgiving Pizza

Thanksgiving Pizza


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 slices 1x

Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious Thanksgiving Pizza that’s easy to make and satisfying! Try this recipe today!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  2. Press the thawed puff pastry into a greased tart or pie pan. Trim excess pastry and fill gaps with extra pieces.
  3. Spread mashed potatoes over the base and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of gravy.
  4. Layer corn and green bean casserole on top.
  5. Add chopped turkey and stuffing, then drizzle with the remaining gravy.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Top with French fried onions and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until crispy.
  9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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