Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to reinvent your holiday leftovers, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the perfect combination of tender, shredded turkey paired with tangy cranberry sauce, all melted together under a blanket of gooey cheese on a crispy crust. It’s a festive, savory-sweet treat that brings comfort and excitement to your table any time of year, turning simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful balance of ingredients that pack each bite with flavor and vibrant textures. Every element here plays a crucial role—from the juicy turkey to the fresh spinach and the zing of red onion, creating a colorful and satisfying pie.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A quick base that’s crispy and sturdy enough to hold all the toppings—you can also go homemade if you’d like to add a personal touch.
- Leftover cooked turkey: Tender and shredded, the turkey adds hearty protein and a savory depth to the pizza.
- Cranberry sauce: This provides a beautiful burst of sweetness and tartness that perfectly balances the savory notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness that every pizza needs.
- Crumbled goat cheese (optional): Adds a creamy tang that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- Baby spinach leaves: Brightens the pizza with fresh, leafy greens bringing a slight crunch and color pop.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and a gorgeous purple hue.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the crust to encourage a golden, crisp crust.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional): Sprinkle as a fragrant garnish that brings herbal warmth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, because seasoning makes all the difference!
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to achieve that perfect crispy crust with melty cheese. Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or, if you have one, a pizza stone for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Brush the entire surface of the pizza crust lightly with olive oil. This step might seem small, but it’s key for making the crust golden and crispy rather than soggy, giving your pizza a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Next, spread a nice, even layer of cranberry sauce across the crust. This layer acts like your pizza sauce but with a festive twist that brings flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Now the fun part: distribute the shredded turkey evenly over the cranberry sauce, followed by a handful of baby spinach leaves and thinly sliced red onion. This layering ensures every slice gets a great combo of savory and fresh bites.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top, letting every corner get covered in melty goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, dot the pizza with crumbled goat cheese for bursts of creamy flavor that beautifully contrast the other toppings.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Pop your pie into the hot oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese bubbling and the crust turning a delightful golden brown. This is when the magic happens and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle on some fresh chopped rosemary plus salt and pepper to your taste. Slice it up, and it’s ready to delight your friends or family with this cozy, festive creation.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a fragrant touch that complements the rich turkey and tart cranberry. You can also sprinkle on some red pepper flakes if you want a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette—think arugula with lemon and olive oil—to keep things refreshing. Roasted root vegetables or a bowl of creamy soup also make excellent companions for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe on a wooden board or a festive platter to showcase its vibrant colors. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider cutting it into small squares for easy finger food that guests can enjoy alongside cocktails or seasonal drinks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, you won’t let any deliciousness go to waste.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month and make a quick snack or easy meal anytime you crave that perfect Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade crust can add an extra layer of flavor and customization. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to cook evenly within the suggested bake time.
What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
If cranberry sauce isn’t your favorite, try a chutney or a fig jam. Both offer a similar balance of sweetness and tang that complements the turkey well.
Is goat cheese necessary?
Goat cheese is optional but recommended if you crave a creamy, tangy contrast. If you’d prefer, you can leave it out and still enjoy a fantastic pizza with mozzarella alone.
Can I add other vegetables to this pizza?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or even caramelized onions can add fantastic flavor and texture to the mix, just keep the toppings balanced so the pizza doesn’t get soggy.
How do I make this pizza vegan-friendly?
To make a vegan version, try substituting turkey with seasoned, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas, use vegan cheese alternatives, and replace the cranberry sauce with a vegan-friendly option ensuring no animal products are used.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe brings an exciting spin to classic holiday flavors with every bite, combining savory, sweet, and fresh ingredients that work together beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how simple and delightful leftover turkey can be. It’s the perfect way to create something new and memorable, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive feast shared with loved ones.
Print
Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining savory leftover turkey with sweet cranberry sauce, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses on a crispy crust. Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers or enjoying a unique flavor combination any time of year.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup leftover cooked turkey, shredded
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- ½ cup baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Crust: Brush the pizza crust evenly with olive oil. This step ensures the crust becomes crispy and flavorful as it bakes.
- Spread the Sauce: Using a spoon or spatula, spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the prepared crust, creating a sweet and tangy base layer.
- Layer the Toppings: Distribute the shredded cooked turkey evenly over the cranberry sauce, followed by baby spinach leaves and thinly sliced red onions for freshness and crunch.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over all the toppings. If you like, add crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the crust is crisp and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish it with chopped fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch, season with salt and pepper to taste, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use a homemade pizza crust if you prefer to make the base from scratch.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and add more spinach or other veggies.
- Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce based on your desired sweetness level.
- Goat cheese is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the cranberry sauce.
- Leftover turkey works best for this recipe, making it ideal for post-holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
