After the grand Thanksgiving feast, the idea of eating the same meal again might feel a little repetitive. But don’t let those delicious leftovers go to waste! One of the best ways to repurpose your turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more is by turning them into a mouth-watering pizza. Here are some creative and easy ways to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into the ultimate pizza feast.
Start with the Perfect Crust
The first step in creating the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover pizza is choosing the right crust. For a classic pizza experience, a traditional thin or thick crust works wonders. However, if you want to make it even more festive, consider using a stuffing crust to complement your holiday meal. Simply press leftover stuffing into the edges of your dough, bake, and you’ve got a savory stuffing crust to match your toppings!
Turkey as the Star
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals, so it’s only natural to make it the star of your pizza. Shred or slice leftover turkey and spread it evenly across your pizza crust. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully over the turkey, and bake until golden. You can also mix the turkey with a creamy white sauce (like a garlic Alfredo) for a rich twist.
Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce: The Perfect Toppings
Stuffing isn’t just for the side dishes! Crumbled stuffing makes an excellent topping, adding texture and a comforting flavor. Simply spoon small amounts of stuffing over the cheese and turkey, then bake. For a sweet and savory touch, you can drizzle cranberry sauce over the top after the pizza is done baking, or use it as a base sauce for a tangy, festive flavor.
Veggies Make It Pop
Don’t forget about the vegetables! Leftover roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots make perfect pizza toppings. Roasted Brussels sprouts, in particular, pair beautifully with turkey, offering a slight bitterness that balances out the richness of the other toppings. Add a sprinkle of herbs like rosemary or thyme to bring out the flavors of your Thanksgiving vegetables.
Cheese and Gravy Finish
For the perfect finish, a drizzle of gravy instead of pizza sauce can bring your dish to a whole new level. Use leftover turkey gravy or make a simple brown gravy, and lightly drizzle it over the pizza before serving. Top with a bit of Parmesan or sharp cheddar for some extra depth of flavor.
Bake and Enjoy
Once your pizza is assembled, bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a delicious, festive dish that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition!
Get the Best Pizza at Veneto!
Don’t feel like cheffing it up at home? No worries. We have you covered with some of the best pizza (and more) in town. To explore our various menu options, check out our online menu, order online, or stop in and dine with us today!