If you’re looking for a delightful and unexpected way to enjoy leftover turkey, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the festive flavors of juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melty mozzarella on a crisp crust, this pizza turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun holiday-inspired treat. Each bite bursts with balanced savory and sweet notes, making it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients ensures this dish is both approachable and full of flavor. Each item plays a distinct role, from the tart cranberry sauce adding brightness to the creamy cheeses delivering that irresistible gooey texture.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A convenient base that crisps perfectly in the oven, or swap for homemade if you love a personal touch.
- Leftover cooked turkey: Shredded to distribute tender, savory bits all over the pizza.
- Cranberry sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the rich turkey and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bind all the flavors together.
- Crumbled goat cheese (optional): Adds a subtle tang and creamy depth for extra indulgence.
- Baby spinach leaves: Bring fresh color and a slight earthiness to balance the richness.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild bite and crunch that complements the softer textures.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the crust for crispiness and a luscious finish.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Chopped for an aromatic garnish that elevates every slice.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors of your toppings.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, get your oven nice and hot at 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving a perfectly crispy crust and bubbling cheese. Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza stone if you have one ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Brush the entire pizza crust generously with olive oil. This not only helps the crust bake up golden and crisp but also adds a lovely richness that will complement the toppings beautifully.
Step 3: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Now the fun part: evenly spreading that vibrant cranberry sauce all over the crust. It acts as a flavorful “sauce” base with its sweet and tangy personality, making every bite exciting and bright.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded turkey evenly over the cranberry sauce, ensuring each slice will have plenty of tender meat. Next, scatter the fresh baby spinach leaves and thin slices of red onion on top, adding a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes this pizza as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Top everything with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella, which melts into those golden bubbles we all crave. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese for an extra layer of creamy tanginess – it’s a game changer you don’t want to miss.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pizza into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden, and the crust has that satisfying crunch you dream about.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary over the pizza for a fragrant herbal note. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Slice it up, serve immediately, and watch your friends and family enjoy every delicious bite.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or even a few arugula leaves on top can brighten this pizza even more. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking adds a gourmet touch and intensifies the sweetness of the cranberries.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or a warm soup for a cozy, balanced meal. Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries also complement the flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this pizza into finger food by making mini versions on small naan breads or pita rounds. It’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings where everyone can grab a personal-sized slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and preserves the fresh flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some pizza for later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen pizza can last for about one month without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pizza on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the crispiness of the crust better than a microwave does.
FAQs
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh turkey breast or thigh, then layer it on your pizza just the same. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
If cranberry sauce isn’t on hand, try a mix of raspberry jam or even a drizzle of fig jam to get that sweet-tart vibe that pairs so well with turkey.
Is goat cheese necessary?
Goat cheese adds a lovely creamy tang but is completely optional. Feel free to skip it or substitute with feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
Can this pizza be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust instead of a regular one. The toppings and preparation remain the same, giving you all the flavor without gluten.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the crust with olive oil before adding toppings is key. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with wet ingredients and bake at a high temperature for a crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is a wonderful way to bring together comforting holiday flavors with the fun of pizza night. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for anytime you want to spoil yourself or impress your guests with something unique and tasty. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite twist on pizza!
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Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and festive turkey and cranberry pizza combining leftover roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, fresh spinach, and melty cheeses on a crispy pre-made crust, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup leftover cooked turkey, shredded
- ½ cup baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to cook the pizza evenly and create a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Crust: Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and brush the surface with olive oil. This step helps create a crispy, flavorful base.
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the cranberry sauce over the oiled pizza crust, distributing it carefully to cover the surface without overpowering the toppings.
- Layer the Toppings: Add shredded leftover turkey, followed by baby spinach leaves and thinly sliced red onion evenly across the pizza for balanced flavor and texture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings, then add crumbled goat cheese if using, which adds a creamy tangy flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust is crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought pizza crust based on your preference or time availability.
- Leftover turkey works perfectly for this recipe, but you can substitute with rotisserie chicken if needed.
- The goat cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy tang that complements the cranberry sauce.
- Fresh rosemary enhances flavor but can be skipped or substituted with dried herbs.
- Make sure to slice the red onions very thin to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best crust texture and cheese melt.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
