🍕 Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Pizza

Turn your holiday leftovers into something truly crave-worthy with this Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Pizza! 🦃🍕

This creative twist combines tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and savory herbs all baked on a crisp golden crust. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors — but in pizza form! Perfect for the day after the feast when you’re craving something new, easy, and delicious.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Uses your Thanksgiving leftovers in the tastiest way possible
✅ Sweet, savory, and cheesy — the perfect flavor balance
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ A fun family-friendly meal for post-holiday comfort

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🦃 Ingredients

For the Pizza Base:

• 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Toppings:

• ½ cup cranberry sauce (use leftover homemade or canned)
• 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (optional but amazing!)
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
• ¼ cup fresh spinach or baby arugula (optional for freshness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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🧀 Optional Add-Ons

✨ Crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy bite
✨ A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey after baking
✨ Sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.

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Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle (or rectangle if you prefer a sheet pan pizza).
Transfer to a pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

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Step 3: Add the Base Sauce

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the dough — just like you would tomato sauce.
Don’t go too heavy; a thin layer works best for balance.

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Step 4: Add the Toppings

Top with:

• Shredded turkey
• Red onions
• Mozzarella and white cheddar cheese

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

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Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Top with fresh spinach or arugula and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or honey (optional but highly recommended!).

Slice and serve warm. 😋

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🌟 Tips & Variations

✨ BBQ twist: Mix leftover turkey with BBQ sauce instead of cranberry for a smoky-sweet variation.
✨ Flatbread version: Use naan or pita bread for a quick single-serve version.
✨ Add stuffing bits: Sprinkle small crumbles of stuffing between the turkey and cheese for even more Thanksgiving flavor.
✨ Use brie cheese: Swap mozzarella for brie to make it ultra-rich and creamy.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this pizza with:
🥗 A light mixed green salad
🍷 A glass of crisp white wine or apple cider
🥣 A side of leftover gravy for dipping (yes, really!)

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until the crust crisps up again.
• Avoid microwaving — it can make the crust soggy.

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💛 Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Pizza takes classic holiday flavors and transforms them into a fun, cheesy, handheld comfort food masterpiece. The sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, and gooey cheese come together in perfect harmony for a post-holiday meal that feels brand new.

Fast, flavorful, and totally festive — this pizza might just become your new favorite Thanksgiving tradition! 🍕🦃✨

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