If you ever find yourself with Thanksgiving leftovers and a craving for something delightfully different, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the savory richness of tender turkey with the sweet-tart burst of cranberry sauce, all nestled beneath a gooey blanket of mozzarella and white cheddar cheeses on a crisp crust, it’s a warm, comforting flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re shaking up post-holiday meals or just looking for a fresh spin on pizza night, this recipe brings together the best flavors of the season in every satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll create a pizza that’s bursting with color, texture, and bold flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tangy cranberry sauce adding a fruity punch to the richness of turkey and melty cheeses, making this dish truly irresistible.
- Pizza crust: Use store-bought for ease or homemade for a personal touch; this forms the crispy foundation of your pizza.
- Cranberry sauce: Whole berry or jellied, it provides a sweet and tangy layer that pairs beautifully with savory toppings.
- Cooked turkey: Shredded or chopped, this leftover star adds heartiness and protein.
- Mozzarella cheese: Its creamy meltiness helps bind everything together with classic pizza gooeyness.
- White cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, perfectly complementing the sweeter elements.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle bite and vibrant color contrast.
- Black pepper: Just a sprinkle to enhance all the flavors with a gentle spice.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle for richness and to help the crust crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): These herbs infuse an aromatic herbal note that takes the pizza’s flavor up a notch.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
First, preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking your pizza. Lay out your prepared pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone to ensure that crisp, golden base everyone loves.
Step 2: Layer on the Cranberry Sauce
Spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the pizza crust, leaving a small edge around the border free—this little rim helps keep your toppings right where they belong. The cranberry sauce adds that essential balance of sweet and tart that makes this pizza memorable.
Step 3: Add the Turkey and Cheese
Scatter your shredded or chopped cooked turkey over the cranberry layer, making sure to cover the surface well for maximum flavor in every bite. Follow up with a generous sprinkle of both mozzarella and white cheddar cheese for that melty, savory goodness that binds all your toppings together.
Step 4: Top with Onion and Pepper, Then Drizzle Olive Oil
Layer on thinly sliced red onion to add a sharp yet sweet bite along with a sprinkle of black pepper for gentle heat. Finally, drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over the toppings—this helps everything toast beautifully and gives the crust an irresistible golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt until bubbly and the edges of the crust to turn golden and crisp. When it looks perfect, take it out and prepare for the finishing touches.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you like, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant herbal burst that complements the sweet and savory toppings. Slice it up and get ready to delight your taste buds with this winning Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh herb goes a long way. Sprinkling fresh thyme or rosemary leaves right after baking adds a lovely aromatic note and a pop of green that makes the pizza as pretty as it is tasty. You can also try a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy-sweet finish that elevates every slice.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines as a main event but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon. Roasted veggies or a light soup can also round out the meal if you want something warm alongside this delightful dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, cut the pizza into smaller squares or even bite-sized pieces and serve it as a party appetizer. Layer some arugula on each slice post-bake for an added peppery crunch and vibrant look. This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is also fantastic served with a side of cranberry salsa for dipping or adding extra bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover turkey and cranberry pizza tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheat meals or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save even more, you can freeze slices by placing parchment paper between them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen turkey and cranberry pizza pieces last up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy your favorite flavors anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pizza slices in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until the crust crisps back up and cheese melts. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crispness and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey breast for this pizza?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey breast, shredded or chopped, works perfectly for this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe and adds a wonderful protein boost.
What kind of cranberry sauce is best to use?
You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce—both bring that signature tart-sweet flavor. Whole berry sauce gives a nice texture contrast, while jellied is smoother.
Can I substitute the white cheddar cheese?
Yes! While white cheddar adds a sharp, tangy note, feel free to swap it with gouda or fontina for a slightly different flavor profile that still melts well.
Is this pizza suitable for kids?
Definitely. The familiar ingredients like turkey and cheese, plus a touch of sweetness from cranberry sauce, make it a fun and accessible meal for kids and adults alike.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the turkey and add hearty mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. The turkey and cranberry combination is signature here, but you can get creative with toppings!
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is like a warm hug in pizza form, perfectly capturing the best of holiday flavors with everyday ease. It’s one of those dishes that turns leftover ingredients into something truly crave-worthy, and once you try it, it just might become your new favorite go-to comfort food. So grab that pizza crust and leftover turkey, invite some friends, and enjoy a slice of delicious tradition reinvented!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is a delicious and creative way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a festive, savory treat. Featuring a crisp pizza crust topped with tangy cranberry sauce, tender turkey, a blend of mozzarella and white cheddar cheeses, and a hint of red onion and black pepper, this pizza is baked to perfection and garnished with fresh herbs for an optional aromatic touch. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal during the holiday season or any day you want a flavorful and comforting pizza.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 prepared pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to fully heat. This ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare the crust: Place your prepared pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone to create a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Spread cranberry sauce: Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking.
- Add turkey and cheeses: Top the cranberry sauce with shredded or chopped cooked turkey. Then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and white cheddar cheese to create a rich, melty layer.
- Add onions and seasoning: Arrange thin slices of red onion over the cheese, and sprinkle black pepper for added flavor depth.
- Drizzle olive oil: Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the toppings to enhance browning and add moisture.
- Bake the pizza: Place the baking sheet or pizza stone in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, slice into portions, and serve warm for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers, giving new life to cooked turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze post-baking for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Top with a handful of fresh arugula after baking for extra color and peppery flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
