If you have leftover turkey and want to turn it into something truly special and unexpected, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the savory warmth of tender turkey with the bright, tart sweetness of whole berry cranberry sauce, this pizza offers a festive flavor punch that’s perfect any time of year. The creamy mozzarella and tangy goat cheese add layers of richness, while the fresh herbs and red onion bring just the right amount of bite and aroma. It’s comfort food with a fun twist that’s sure to become a new favorite for your pizza nights or holiday table alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is simple yet essential, adding a unique touch that enhances the overall harmony of flavors and textures. From the chewy crust to the vibrant cranberry sauce, each component plays a delicious role.
- 1 pound pizza dough at room temperature: The foundation for your pizza, providing a crispy yet chewy base.
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds natural sweetness and a festive pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on the crust to create a golden, tasty edge.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey richness.
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced: The hearty protein star of the dish, perfect for using leftovers.
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta: Adds tangy creaminess and depth.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild, sharp bite and vibrant hint of purple.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary: Earthy herbs that complement turkey’s flavor perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick and to balance sweetness.
- Optional fresh arugula or parsley for garnish: Brings fresh color and peppery brightness to finish.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and placing your pizza stone or baking sheet inside so it heats thoroughly. This ensures your pizza will bake with a perfectly crisp crust. Meanwhile, roll or stretch your room-temperature pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transferring it to parchment paper next makes handling a breeze and keeps cleanup simple.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to create a golden edge once baked. Then, spread the whole berry cranberry sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the rim. This layer of vibrant sauce isn’t just colorful but brings a delicious balance of sweet and tart that contrasts beautifully with the savory toppings.
Step 3: Top with Cheese, Turkey, and Onion
Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the cranberry sauce, melting into a luscious base layer. Scatter the cooked turkey pieces evenly over the cheese to ensure every bite includes a hit of hearty protein. Crumble goat cheese or feta across the top for a tangy, creamy element. Add thinly sliced red onion for crunch and a slight peppery finish.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Finish your masterpiece by seasoning with dried thyme or rosemary, plus a pinch of black pepper to bring out the flavors even more. Carefully slide the pizza—parchment paper and all—onto the hot stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese bubbles to perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of fresh arugula or parsley if desired, lending a fresh, peppery note and a pop of green. Slice warm and enjoy your festive, comforting Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe!
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh arugula or chopped parsley are perfect garnishes, adding vibrant color and a bit of peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of cheese and turkey. You might also consider a light drizzle of honey for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunchiness that elevates the texture.
Side Dishes
Serve this pizza alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavier cheese and meat. Roasted root vegetables or a light soup like butternut squash or tomato basil also complement the seasonal flavors beautifully and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares or small circles using cookie cutters to serve as festive appetizers at a party. You can also turn it into an open-faced sandwich by placing slices on toasted baguette rounds for a cozy snack that’s just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When refrigerated properly, the flavors develop further, making for tasty cold or reheated bites.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing locks in freshness so you can enjoy this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe anytime your cravings strike.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispy crust and melted cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess. A toaster oven can also work well for reheating smaller portions.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving for this pizza?
Absolutely! This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is a fantastic way to give leftover turkey a delicious second life. Just shred or dice your cooked turkey before adding it as a topping.
What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t have any?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta is a perfect substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. Cream cheese or ricotta can work too but will provide a milder taste.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and add extra veggies like roasted butternut squash, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that still highlights the cranberry and cheese flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough the day before and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps develop flavor. Just bring it back to room temperature before stretching out to ensure it rolls out easily.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
Using whole berry cranberry sauce adds a nice texture and slight tartness that pairs wonderfully with savory toppings, but smooth cranberry jelly can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
What’s not to love about this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe? It’s flavorful, festive, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking to reinvent leftovers or simply crave a unique pizza night, this recipe combines familiar favorites in a fresh, fun way. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, featuring leftover turkey, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and goat cheese atop a crispy pizza crust. Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers or creating a festive main course, this easy-to-make pizza is baked to golden perfection and can be garnished with fresh arugula or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh arugula or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly. This ensures a crispy crust when baking.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Brush Dough: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, which helps create a golden crust and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Evenly spread the whole berry cranberry sauce over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Layer Cheese and Turkey: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce. Next, distribute the cooked turkey pieces, crumbed goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion across the pizza.
- Season: Sprinkle the dried thyme (or rosemary) and black pepper evenly over the toppings to add aromatic flavor.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally, garnish with fresh arugula or parsley for a peppery brightness. Slice the pizza and serve it warm.
Notes
- This pizza is an excellent way to repurpose leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle honey lightly over the pizza before serving.
- Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling chopped pecans on top before or after baking.
