Thanksgiving Pizza is a savory, comfort-packed twist on holiday leftovers that turns your feast into an irresistible second-day dish. Instead of reheating the same old plates, this recipe transforms turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole into a crispy, cheesy delight baked inside a puff pastry crust. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a creative way to repurpose your holiday bounty, Thanksgiving Pizza is the ultimate post-holiday treat that’s just as satisfying as the big day itself.
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A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Leftovers
Thanksgiving Pizza is a genius way to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s fast, family-friendly, and loaded with layers of texture and flavor — from creamy mashed potatoes to juicy turkey, all nestled into a buttery puff pastry base. The rich gravy acts like a sauce, tying everything together in each gooey, golden bite. This easy meal requires minimal prep and brings back all the comforting flavors of the holiday, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need to Make Thanksgiving Pizza
• Puff Pastry Sheet: Acts as a buttery, flaky crust that holds all the fillings together.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy base that adds moisture and richness.
• Gravy: Functions as the pizza “sauce,” adding savory depth and tying the layers together.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and a juicy pop to the mix.
• Green Bean Casserole: Brings earthiness and a creamy, classic Thanksgiving taste.
• Chopped Turkey: The star protein, offering a hearty and satisfying bite.
• Stuffing: Adds a savory, herby layer with a soft, bready texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topping for flavor and visual appeal.
• French Fried Onions: Delivers crunch and oniony flavor on top.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, or Thyme): Used as garnish to enhance aroma and presentation.
• Black Pepper: A finishing touch for seasoning and subtle heat.
Simple Swaps for Your Thanksgiving Pizza
No turkey? No problem! Rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute without sacrificing flavor. You can also add other Thanksgiving leftovers like ham, creamed corn, roasted squash, or cooked carrots. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and bulk up with extra veggies or plant-based stuffing. If puff pastry isn’t on hand, a pre-baked pizza crust or crescent roll dough also works in a pinch.
How to Make Thanksgiving Pizza Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
- Prepare your crust by gently pressing a thawed puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart or pie pan. Trim excess dough and use it to fill any gaps.
- Layer your base with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly, then drizzle with two tablespoons of gravy.
- Add vegetables: Scatter corn and green bean casserole across the top.
- Layer proteins and stuffing: Add chopped turkey and stuffing, then drizzle the remaining three tablespoons of gravy over the top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the pizza.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and cooked through.
- Add final touches: Sprinkle French fried onions on top and bake for another 3–5 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with a pinch of black pepper and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Remove the tart pan sides before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Pizza
- Don’t overload the crust: Too many toppings can weigh it down and prevent it from crisping. Aim for about 2 to 2½ cups of total toppings.
- Thaw puff pastry properly: Let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before using to avoid cracking.
- Let leftovers cool: Cold ingredients work better when assembling so they don’t steam the pastry during baking.
- Watch the bake time: Puff pastry can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it after the 18-minute mark.
- Use a tart pan with removable sides: This helps with easy slicing and better presentation.
Perfect Pairings and Flavor Variations
Thanksgiving Pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or a side of cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast. You can drizzle a little extra gravy over the top before serving for extra indulgence. Want a spicy twist? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dabs of hot sauce before baking.
For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry alternative. Dairy-free? Swap in vegan cheese and skip the French fried onions or find a dairy-free version. You can also turn this recipe into mini pizzas using muffin tins or make a larger sheet pan version for a crowd.
Why Thanksgiving Pizza Deserves a Spot on Your Holiday Menu
More than just a leftovers solution, Thanksgiving Pizza is a celebration of holiday flavors wrapped in a cozy, convenient package. It’s perfect for post-Thanksgiving brunch, lunch, or even a casual dinner when you’re too tired to cook but still want something delicious. The use of puff pastry gives it an elevated feel, while the customizable ingredients make it endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting guests for the weekend or just craving something different, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy your slice of Thanksgiving comfort with this easy-to-make, flavor-loaded Thanksgiving Pizza — a fun and festive twist on the season’s best meal.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Pizza isn’t just a clever way to clean out your fridge—it’s a next-day dish that brings new life to your holiday feast. With its flaky puff pastry crust, savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and layers of comforting sides, this recipe reimagines leftovers into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re serving family the day after the big meal or just want a cozy, satisfying dinner that doesn’t feel like a repeat, Thanksgiving Pizza delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Keep this one in your post-holiday playbook—it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Pizza
Can I make Thanksgiving Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time. However, for the crispiest crust, it’s best to bake it fresh.
What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, crescent roll dough or refrigerated pie crust are great alternatives. You can also use a pre-baked flatbread or pizza crust, but keep in mind that the texture and rise will differ slightly.
How should I store leftovers of Thanksgiving Pizza?
Wrap cooled slices in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispness of the crust. Avoid the microwave, which can make the puff pastry soggy.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintThanksgiving Pizza
Thanksgiving Pizza is a delicious and creative way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers. This easy recipe layers turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and gravy in a flaky puff pastry crust, topped with cheddar cheese and crispy onions. It’s the perfect post-holiday comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry sheet: forms a buttery, flaky crust
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes: creamy base for moisture and richness
- 5 tablespoons gravy: acts as a savory sauce tying the toppings together
- 1/4 cup corn: adds sweetness and texture
- 1/4 cup green bean casserole: offers earthiness and holiday flavor
- 1/2 cup chopped turkey: provides hearty protein
- 1/2 cup stuffing: adds herbaceous, soft texture
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: melts into a flavorful topping
- 1/4 cup French fried onions: crispy, savory topping
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds subtle heat
- Basil, parsley, or thyme: optional garnish for aroma and freshness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Gently press a thawed puff pastry sheet into a greased 9-inch tart or pie pan. Trim corners and patch any gaps.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the bottom of the crust and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of gravy.
- Sprinkle on corn and green bean casserole.
- Add chopped turkey and stuffing evenly over the top.
- Drizzle remaining 3 tablespoons of gravy over the toppings.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until crust is golden and puffed.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with French fried onions, and bake an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a pinch of black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the crust — keep toppings to about 2 to 2½ cups total.
- Use cold leftovers for best results when assembling.
- Rotisserie chicken or ham can replace turkey.
- Let baked pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
