After indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Instead of reheating and eating the same meal for days on end, why not transform those tasty leftovers into an entirely new dish?
Introducing the Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza – a creative and scrumptious way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering main course.
This unique pizza recipe brings together all the familiar flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, combining leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing into one irresistible pizza topping. With just a few additional ingredients and simple steps, you can turn last night’s meal into tonight’s delectable, show-stopping dinner.
In the following paragraphs, we walk you through the process of creating your very own Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza. From preparing the dough and layering the ingredients to baking your masterpiece, you’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is to whip up this festive dish. So, gather your leftover ingredients, and let’s elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers into a mouthwatering pizza that you and your family will absolutely love!
Preparation and Baking
Gathering Ingredients
To begin your Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza recipe, first gather all necessary ingredients. You’ll need the following:
leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
pizza crust, homemade or store-bought
cheese, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar
pizza sauce, traditional tomato-based or leftover gravy
olive oil
For toppings, collect a variety of Thanksgiving leftovers such as:
mashed potatoes
stuffing
cranberry sauce
green beans
corn
Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients, like onions, bacon, or spinach.
Baking The Leftover Pizza
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to preheat as well.
Next, roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface, or prepare a store-bought crust according to package instructions. Lightly coat the crust with olive oil to prevent it from becoming soggy. Spread a layer of pizza sauce or leftover gravy onto the crust, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Now, it’s time to add your Thanksgiving leftovers. Distribute your shredded turkey, dollops of mashed potatoes, spoonfuls of stuffing, and other ingredients such as cranberry sauce, green beans, and corn evenly across the pizza. You can even drizzle a little turkey gravy on top for extra flavor.
Transfer your pizza to the preheated oven or hot pizza stone, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Serving Ideas and Reheating
After allowing your Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza to cool for a few minutes, slice it into portions and serve. To reheat leftovers, simply place the pizza slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or until hot and crisp. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Enjoy your delicious creation and savor the tastes of Thanksgiving dinner in a new and creative way!
Nutritional Information
This Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza recipe not only tastes delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Below is a brief breakdown of the nutritional content found in this mouthwatering dish.
Calories: A single serving of this pizza contains approximately 350-400 calories. Remember that the total calorie count may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portions used in your recipe.
Protein: This pizza is a great source of protein, thanks to the turkey. Each slice provides about 20-25 grams of protein, which is essential for maintaining and repairing body tissues.
Fat: The healthy fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the cheese and olive oil. A slice of this pizza has around 15-20 grams of fat, which includes both unsaturated and saturated fats. It’s crucial, however, to monitor your saturated fat intake and keep it within the recommended daily limits.
Cholesterol and Sodium: As with any pizza, this recipe contains some cholesterol and sodium. One slice has about 35 milligrams of cholesterol and approximately 450 milligrams of sodium. Make sure to watch your daily sodium intake, as excessive amounts can have adverse health effects.
Carbohydrates: The pizza crust contributes to its carbohydrate content. Each slice contains about 30-35 grams of carbohydrates, a macronutrient necessary for providing energy to your body.
Fiber: Adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions to your pizza can increase its fiber content. A single slice will provide around 2-3 grams of fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Sugar: This pizza recipe has a relatively low sugar content, primarily due to the absence of added sugars in the tomato sauce. One slice contains approximately 3-4 grams of sugar.
In conclusion, this Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Pizza offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a delicious and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional leftover dishes. As always, be mindful of your portion sizes and enjoy this pizza as part of a well-rounded diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique topping ideas for turkey leftover pizza?
You can get creative with your Thanksgiving turkey leftover pizza toppings. Some unique ideas include caramelized onions, roasted Brussels sprouts, sliced sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and blue cheese. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce or cranberry sauce to complement the turkey.
How can I incorporate cranberries into a turkey pizza?
Incorporating cranberries into your turkey pizza is simple and delicious. You can spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the pizza dough before adding other toppings. Alternatively, you can mix cranberries with a bit of BBQ sauce to create a sweet and tangy topping or toss a few dried cranberries along with the turkey.
What type of cheese pairs best with turkey on a pizza?
The best cheese for turkey pizza depends on your personal preference, but some popular options include mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar. You can also experiment with more assertive cheeses, like blue cheese or Gouda, for a bolder flavor.
How long should I cook my Thanksgiving leftover pizza?
The cooking time for your Thanksgiving leftover pizza depends on the thickness of the crust and the amount of toppings. Generally, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 12-16 minutes, or until the crust turns golden-brown, and the cheese has melted.
Can I freeze and reheat Thanksgiving turkey pizza?
Yes, you can freeze and reheat Thanksgiving turkey pizza. Ensure the pizza has cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to reheat, simply remove it from the freezer and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
What side dishes complement a turkey leftover pizza?
Side dishes that complement turkey leftover pizza include a light salad with seasonal ingredients, roasted vegetables, or a simple coleslaw. Alternatively, you can enjoy your pizza with a warm bowl of soup or a small dish of your favorite dipping sauce.
