Name: Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 prepared pizza crust (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied); 1 cup cooked turkey (shredded or chopped); 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded); 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon olive oil; fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

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If you’ve been searching for a way to bring excitement back to your weeknight dinners—or breathe delicious new life into Thanksgiving leftovers—the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the ultimate sweet and savory combo: tender turkey, vibrant cranberry sauce, bubbly cheese, and aromatic herbs riding atop a crisp crust. One bite, and you’ll be hooked by how the flavors and textures dance together. Whether you’re throwing together a quick dinner, wowing friends with a creative appetizer, or turning refrigerator odds and ends into something spectacular, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza totally delivers on comfort and flair.

Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pizza comes together simply, with ingredients you probably already have—but each one plays a key role in making every bite unforgettable. From the tart pop of cranberry to melty cheese and perfectly seasoned turkey, each element adds depth and color to your masterpiece.

Prepared pizza crust: Go for a ready-made crust to save time, or use your favorite homemade dough for extra personality and crunch.
Cranberry sauce (1/2 cup): Tart, sweet, and incredibly vibrant; both whole berry and jellied styles work beautifully for spreading a flavor-packed base.
Cooked turkey (1 cup, shredded or chopped): Thanksgiving leftovers shine here, but deli turkey or rotisserie chicken are great alternatives in a pinch.
Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Provides that irresistible gooey melt and mild flavor to round out the sweet-tart and savory notes.
White cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Sharp, slightly nutty, and richly creamy, it balances the mozzarella and cranberry beautifully.
Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Pops of color and a gentle bite cut through the richness for a little zest in each bite.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A sprinkle adds just the right amount of warmth and subtle spice to tie everything together.
Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Drizzled for a beautiful finish and to encourage extra bubbling and browning on top.
Fresh thyme or rosemary (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of herbs at the end brings fresh, aromatic notes that elevate the entire pizza.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base

Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot; a properly preheated oven is key for that golden, crisp crust. Lay your prepared pizza crust on a baking sheet or, if you’re feeling fancy, a pizza stone for extra crunch. Either way, you’re building a perfect canvas for all those delicious toppings.

Step 2: Spread the Cranberry Sauce

Using the back of a spoon, spread your cranberry sauce evenly over the crust, making sure to leave a little border along the edges. This gorgeous ruby-red layer does double duty, adding both sweetness and a little tang to keep your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza vibrant and lively.

Step 3: Add Turkey and Layer the Cheese

Now, scatter your shredded cooked turkey evenly over the cranberry base—make sure every slice gets a generous helping! Next, sprinkle on the mozzarella and white cheddar cheeses, letting the two blend for a dynamic duo of creamy-melty and sharp-savory flavor.

Step 4: Top with Onion, Season, and Drizzle

Nestle thin slices of red onion here and there on top of the cheese, then give it all a light dusting of black pepper to wake up the other flavors. Finish this layer with a gentle drizzle of olive oil, which boosts caramelization and gives your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza an inviting sheen.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your creation in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese and a crust that’s crisp and toasty. The kitchen will smell incredible! Once done, carefully remove the pizza and let it cool for a minute or two—it’ll make slicing easier and spare you from cheese burns.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, scatter fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top for a burst of herbal aroma and color. Slice up your piping-hot Turkey and Cranberry Pizza, and serve it right away while the cheese is at its gooey best.

How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, try a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary; their fragrant oils add complexity and make the pizza instantly more festive. If you’re feeling bold, a few arugula leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze will add peppery zest and sweet tang that play beautifully with the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza’s foundational flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad dressed in a citrusy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a heartier feel. For something unexpected, add a bowl of lightly salted mixed nuts or a tangy pickled vegetable medley—each side brings out a different facet of this playful pizza’s personality.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza into small squares for a colorful appetizer platter, or serve as full slices for a main course. Consider topping each piece with a tiny sprig of fresh rosemary or a thin slice of orange for a holiday spin. If you’re entertaining, create a pizza board with a variety of sauces and fresh toppings so guests can customize each bite to perfection.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, staying just as flavorful for next-day lunches or late-night snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, cut the baked (and cooled) pizza into individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep tasty for about a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a speedy meal.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes; this keeps the crust crispy and the cheese luscious. You can also use a toaster oven—crispy edges every time! Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to soften the crust and muddle the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza with leftover chicken instead?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully here, offering a similar tender texture and mild flavor. Just swap it in for the turkey in equal amounts and enjoy a new twist on the classic combination.

Is there a vegetarian version of this pizza?

Skip the turkey and load on roasted veggies like butternut squash, mushrooms, or caramelized onions instead. The cranberry-cheese-onion combo is so flavorsome that you won’t miss the meat at all.

What type Main Course

Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauce work. Whole berry adds pleasant texture and bursts of fruit, while jellied spreads ultra-smooth and is great for even flavor across the pizza. Use your favorite, or whatever you have on hand!

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely! Try a handful of arugula, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking. Get creative and make this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza your own personalized masterpiece.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Spread cranberry sauce in a thin, even layer and avoid overloading with wet ingredients. A high baking temperature and using a pizza stone or sheet also help ensure a crisp, inviting crust.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable, give Turkey and Cranberry Pizza a spot on your meal plan. It’s fun, a little bit fancy, and full of fresh ideas for using up leftovers with pizzazz. One bite is all it takes—don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving another slice tomorrow!

Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is a delicious way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers into a unique and flavorful dish. Tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with tender turkey and gooey cheeses on a crispy crust, creating a savory-sweet flavor explosion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Ingredients:

1 prepared pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
1 cup cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the crust: Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Add toppings: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the crust. Top with shredded turkey, mozzarella, white cheddar, red onion, and black pepper.
Bake: Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, slice, and serve warm.