Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and unique meal with this Thanksgiving pizza recipe! Featuring a crispy flatbread crust topped with creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, shredded turkey, stuffing, and melted cheddar cheese, this pizza is the ultimate way to enjoy your holiday favorites in a whole new way. Perfect for a post-Thanksgiving gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
• How to Make This Recipe
• Other Turkey Recipes You’ll Love
• Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Connect with Me

Every year after Thanksgiving, I’m left with a fridge overflowing with leftovers. And while I love a good turkey sandwich, I wanted to find a new, creative way to use up all those delicious dishes. Enter: Thanksgiving pizza! This idea was born out of a desire to bring all the best flavors of the holiday into one easy, shareable dish. It’s like having Thanksgiving dinner all over again, but with a fun twist that’s perfect for a casual meal or even a festive pizza party. Plus, it’s so simple to make—just layer your leftovers onto some naan bread or your favorite flatbread, bake until bubbly, and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Naan Bread: Serves as the base for the pizza. It’s soft yet crisps up nicely in the oven. You can also use any flatbread or pre-made pizza crust you prefer.
• Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and comforting layer that replaces the traditional pizza sauce.
• Gravy: Adds a savory richness and ties all the flavors together.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a tangy, cheesy flavor. Feel free to use any cheese you like.
• Shredded Turkey: The star of the show! Use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this layer.
• Stuffing: Crumbled on top for texture and that classic Thanksgiving taste.
• Extra Cheese: Because who doesn’t love a little extra melty goodness on their pizza?

Additions, Variations, and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and load up on veggies, or use a meat substitute to keep it hearty.

Cranberry Sauce: Add dollops of cranberry sauce on top of the pizza for a sweet and tart contrast to the savory flavors.

Vegetables: If you have leftover green beans, Brussels sprouts, or roasted veggies, toss them on top for added nutrition and flavor.

Cheese Varieties: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. Each will bring a different flavor profile to your pizza.

Pizza Crust Options: If you prefer a traditional pizza crust or even a gluten-free crust, go for it! This recipe is all about making it work for you.

How to Make This Recipe

Cool and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice and serve.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare Naan Bread: Place 4 pieces of naan bread on the prepared baking sheet.

Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread approximately 1/4 cup of leftover mashed potatoes evenly onto each piece of naan bread.

Add Gravy: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of leftover gravy over the mashed potatoes on each naan.

Sprinkle Cheese: Top with 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on each naan bread.

Add Turkey: Distribute 1/2 cup of shredded leftover turkey on each naan.

Add Stuffing: Scatter 1/4 cup of crumbled leftover stuffing over the turkey layer.

Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top of each pizza.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the naan bread is crisp around the edges.

Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage

Freezing: While this pizza is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven until warmed through.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the pizzas ahead of time (up to a few hours before baking) and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and bake as directed.

Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: Serve your Thanksgiving pizza with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the pizza. A simple vinaigrette or a lemony dressing works well.
• Cranberry Sauce: Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top of the pizza or serve it on the side for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Appetizer or Main Dish: Cut the pizza into smaller slices for a fun appetizer at a holiday gathering or enjoy larger slices as a main dish.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a light and fruity red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Transforming your Thanksgiving leftovers into a pizza is not only a creative and delicious way to use up all that food but also a great way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a new and exciting format. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just looking for an easy post-Thanksgiving meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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