Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza with Mashed Potato
Transform holiday leftovers into a creative comfort food masterpiece. This festive pizza features a homemade yeast dough topped with creamy goat cheese mashed potatoes, shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, seasoned stuffing, and rich gravy, finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for post-Thanksgiving meals when you want something familiar yet exciting. The combination of traditional holiday flavors on a crispy pizza crust creates a satisfying fusion that makes leftover turkey feel like a special treat rather than repetitive holiday fare.
Ingredients
- 2 packets active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- flour, 4 cups
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups turkey, shreddedchicken1:1dietary
leftover chicken works equally well
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup stuffingbreadcrumbs with herbs1:1dietaryadds gluten
mix breadcrumbs with sage and thyme
- ¼ cup gravy
- 4 ounces goat cheese, divided
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy
- 2
Whisk in sugar, salt, and olive oil
- 3
Mix in flour gradually using stand mixer or wooden spoon until sticky dough forms
- 4
Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled
- 5
Preheat oven and prepare floured surface for kneading
- 6
Knead dough lightly and press into circle on prepared pizza pan
- 7
Bake dough for 5 minutes and remove
- 8
Mix warmed mashed potatoes with 2 ounces goat cheese
- 9
Warm turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy in microwave
- 10
Spread goat cheese potato mixture on partially baked crust
- 11
Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing over potatoes
- 12
Drizzle gravy over toppings and add remaining goat cheese and cheddar
- 13
Bake 15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese melted
- 14
Let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving
Tips
Warm all leftover ingredients gently in the microwave to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots on your finished pizza
Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices
Save some extra cranberry sauce on the side for drizzling - the sweet-tart flavor pairs perfectly with each bite
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover pizza covered for up to 3 days
Prepare dough up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate, bring to room temperature before shaping
Serve warm with additional cranberry sauce and gravy on the side
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the initial 5-minute dough bake to avoid soggy crust from wet toppings
Warm all toppings before adding to prevent temperature shock and ensure even melting
Substitutions
mix breadcrumbs with sage and thyme
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought dough works well. Just follow the same pre-baking step and topping assembly process for best results.
What if I don't have leftover stuffing?
Mix seasoned breadcrumbs with herbs like sage and thyme, or use croutons broken into small pieces for similar texture and flavor.
How long will this pizza keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover pizza will keep for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a low oven.