Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza

Reinventing Thanksgiving Leftovers: A Feast on a Pizza

Step into the world of culinary creativity with a twist on Thanksgiving leftovers – presenting the Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza. This unconventional yet utterly delicious recipe is the perfect way to transform your remaining holiday dishes into a savory and satisfying meal. Say goodbye to monotonous reheating, and join us on a culinary journey where Thanksgiving leftovers meet the magic of pizza-making.

Ingredients

Gather your Thanksgiving leftovers and a few additional ingredients to embark on the Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza adventure:

Meat:

  • 2 cups Turkey, cooked
  • 1 1/2 cups Turkey gravy

Produce:

  • 2 tsp Garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups Mashed potatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups Mushrooms, fresh
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, fresh

Baking & Spices:

  • 1/4 tsp Garlic salt
  • 1 lb Pizza dough

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Dairy:

  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Let’s turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into a culinary masterpiece with the Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a pizza that’s bursting with flavor:

Preparing the Ingredients:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on your pizza dough package.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface, creating the desired thickness for your crust.
  3. Prepare the Toppings:
    • Shred the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces.
    • Finely chop the garlic and parsley.
    • Clean and slice the mushrooms.

Assembling the Pizza:

  1. Pizza Stone or Pan: Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet, ensuring it fits comfortably.
  2. Olive Oil Brush: Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, providing a flavorful base.
  3. Garlic Infusion: Sprinkle chopped garlic evenly over the oiled dough for a burst of aromatic goodness.
  4. Mashed Potato Layer: Spread a generous layer of mashed potatoes over the dough, creating a unique and creamy base.
  5. Turkey Delight: Distribute the shredded turkey across the mashed potatoes, ensuring each bite is packed with Thanksgiving goodness.
  6. Mushroom Medley: Scatter the sliced mushrooms on top of the turkey, adding a savory and earthy element.
  7. Gravy Drizzle: Drizzle the turkey gravy over the entire pizza, infusing each ingredient with rich flavor.
  8. Cheese Crown: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza, creating a gooey and melty topping.
  9. Garlic Salt Finish: Sprinkle garlic salt over the entire pizza for an extra kick of garlic flavor.

Baking the Pizza:

  1. Into the Oven: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake according to the pizza dough instructions or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the pizza for a pop of color and freshness.
  3. Slice and Serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations

Elevate your Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza experience with these cook notes and variations:

  • Cranberry Drizzle: Add a festive touch by drizzling cranberry sauce over the pizza just before serving.
  • Stuffing Crust: Press leftover stuffing onto the edges of the pizza dough to create a flavorful crust.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Make it vegetarian by omitting the turkey and incorporating roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
  • Spicy Upgrade: Kick up the heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Unlock the secrets to perfecting Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza with these frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

A: Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and saves time. Follow the package instructions for best results.

Q: How do I store leftover pizza?

A: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or on a stovetop for optimal taste and texture.

Q: Can I freeze the pizza for later?

A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pizza for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

A: Certainly! Use a gluten-free pizza dough or explore cauliflower crust options for a gluten-free version.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those looking to adapt this pizza to keto or low-carb lifestyles, consider the following:

Keto Version:

Opt for a keto-friendly pizza crust made with almond flour or coconut flour. Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.

Low-Carb Version:

Choose a low-carb pizza crust and reduce the amount of potatoes used. Load up on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for added fiber.

As we wrap up our exploration of the Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza, we celebrate the art of repurposing holiday remnants into a culinary triumph. May this pizza recipe become a delightful tradition, turning post-Thanksgiving meals into a creative and delicious experience. So, preheat that oven, gather your leftovers, and embark on a journey of flavors that transforms Thanksgiving into a feast that keeps on giving. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza extravaganza!