Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza

Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence, family gatherings, and, of course, a feast! However, after the festivities, many find themselves with an abundance of leftovers, wondering what to do with all that delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Fear not, I have the perfect solution: Mini Naan Pizzas! These easy-to-make, delectable delights turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering, unconventional meal that will leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this easy naan pizza recipe that combines the convenience of using naan bread with the flavors of your favorite holiday dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Leftover Thanksgiving Mini Pizzas

Thanksgiving leftovers are a delicious conundrum we all face every year. Enter these Thanksgiving leftover naan bread pizzas – the perfect way to repurpose those remnants of your grand holiday feast. Whether it’s those creamy mashed potatoes or the succulent roasted turkey breast, these naan pizzas transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful culinary experience.

Spread your mashed potatoes – whether they’re sweet or classic – on a mini naan, add shreds of leftover turkey and a sprinkle of stuffing, then top it off with cheese and a drizzle of sauce. The result is a sensational fusion of Thanksgiving and pizza that’s quick to make, delicious, and a perfect way to use up those leftover Thanksgiving treasures.

Why turkey makes the perfect pizza topping

Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey, and when it comes to repurposing those leftover holiday turkey, there are countless delicious options. However, one standout choice is using turkey as a topping for your Thanksgiving Leftovers Naan Bread Pizzas. Here are several reasons why turkey is the perfect choice to elevate your pizza experience:

Thanksgiving Nostalgia: Using turkey as a topping allows you to savor the quintessential taste of Thanksgiving in a new and exciting way. It’s a nod to the traditional holiday meal, making these pizzas a perfect post-Thanksgiving treat.

Lean Protein: Turkey is a lean protein source, making it a healthier alternative to some other pizza toppings. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal while keeping things relatively light.

Versatile and Adaptable: Turkey is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce, turkey adapts to different ingredients and enhances their taste.

Reducing Food Waste: Repurposing turkey leftovers into pizza toppings is an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce food waste. It’s a delicious way to ensure that no part of your Thanksgiving feast goes to waste.
Protein Power: Turkey is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. By including turkey on your pizza, you’re adding nutritional value to your meal.

Where can I buy Naan Bread?

You can typically find naan bread in several places, including your local grocery store, specialty food stores, and even some bakeries. Many large supermarket chains carry pre-packaged naan in their bread or international foods sections, making it easily accessible for shoppers.

Additionally, if you prefer freshly baked naan, some bakeries or local markets may offer it, providing a delightful alternative to the pre-packaged options. Whether you’re looking for plain naan or variations like garlic or whole wheat, you should have no trouble finding this versatile Indian flatbread to use in various recipes.

What is the Difference Between Naan and Pizza Dough

The main difference between naan and pizza dough lies in their ingredients and texture. Naan is a soft, leavened Indian bread traditionally made with yogurt and sometimes enriched with ghee or butter, resulting in a tender and slightly chewy texture.

Pizza dough, on the other hand, is typically an unleavened or lightly leavened dough made from flour, water, yeast, and sometimes olive oil, yielding a thinner, crispy crust. While both are versatile and used for different culinary purposes, they have distinct flavors and textures that make each suitable for their respective dishes.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza Ingredients

• 4 pieces of naan bread (or any flatbread of your choice)
• 1 cup leftover mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup leftover gravy
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup crumbled leftover stuffing
• Extra cheese for drizzling

How to Make Turkey Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the naan bread on the prepared baking sheet. These will serve as the crust for your Thanksgiving leftover naan Bread Pizzas.
3. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of leftover mashed potatoes evenly onto each piece of naan bread, creating a creamy and flavorful base for your pizzas.
4. Drizzle a generous amount of leftover gravy over the mashed potatoes. The gravy will add a rich, savory element to your pizzas.
5. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 1/4 cup) on top of the gravy on each naan bread.
6. Now, it’s time to add the star of the show—your leftover turkey. Distribute 1/2 cup of shredded turkey on each naan bread, covering the cheese and gravy.
7. Scatter crumbled leftover stuffing over the turkey layer, adding a delightful texture and Thanksgiving flavor to your pizzas.
8. For an extra cheesy touch, drizzle some more shredded cheese on top of each pizza.
9. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the naan bread is crisp around the edges.
10. Carefully remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
11. Slice your pizzas into pieces, serve, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving in a whole new way!

What to Serve with these Naan Pizzas

To complement your Thanksgiving leftover naan pizzas, you can serve a variety of side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

1. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of your naan pizza, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.
2. Green Salad: A fresh simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the savory naan pizzas and helps balance the overall meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Consider roasting leftover vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans or these Easy Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Carrots. The caramelization from roasting enhances their flavors and adds a healthy side to your meal.
4. Soup: A warm bowl of Butternut Squash or pumpkin soup can be a comforting and seasonal accompaniment to your naan pizzas.
5. Coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a crunchy, tangy side dish that pairs well with the creamy mashed potatoes and rich toppings on the naan pizzas.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter with fresh slices of apple, pear, or grapes can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of your meal.
7. Gravy for Dipping: If you have extra gravy from Thanksgiving, consider serving it as a dipping sauce for your naan pizzas. It adds extra moisture and flavor.

These side dishes can round out your Thanksgiving leftover naan pizza meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience. Plus, they’re a great way to use up more of those delicious leftovers!

Conclusion

With this Naan Bread Pizza recipe, you can savor the essence of Thanksgiving long after the big feast. These creative and flavorful pizzas are a fantastic way to use up those leftovers and treat your taste buds to a delightful twist on tradition. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your Thanksgiving leftovers, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!