If you love the idea of turning your holiday leftovers into something lively and delicious, this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a golden crust layered with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, creamy ricotta, savory turkey, and melty mozzarella—all balanced with the zing of red onion and the warmth of thyme. It’s like Thanksgiving in every bite, reinvented into a fun, shareable meal that comes together quickly and satisfies big cravings without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe calls for simple, well-chosen ingredients that work beautifully together, delivering a colorful and rich flavor profile. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of textures and tastes that make this pizza a standout.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, providing a crisp and chewy base that holds all the toppings.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a bright, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory turkey.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers creamy dollops that balance the tart sauce with its mild richness.
- Cooked turkey: The hearty star of the dish, bringing savory depth and a satisfying protein boost.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into golden, bubbly goodness that ties the pizza together.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, it introduces a slightly sharp crunch to contrast the soft cheeses.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that adds subtle earthiness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing the crust to create a lovely golden finish.
- Optional fresh arugula or parsley: Adds a fresh, peppery or herbaceous note as a topping.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get nice and hot. This step ensures your crust bakes up crispy and golden without getting soggy. Meanwhile, lightly flour your work surface to roll out the dough smoothly.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or oval shape. This sizing gives you enough room to pile on your toppings without the crust becoming too thick or thin. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto parchment paper for easy handling later.
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to keep the crust tender and golden. Next, spread the cranberry sauce evenly all over the surface—this provides that signature tang and fruitiness. Dot the pizza with small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, then scatter shredded turkey and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion and dried thyme evenly across the pizza. Finally, season lightly with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Use the parchment paper to carefully slide your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden, and the cheese bubbles enticingly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges crisp up and the whole pizza smells irresistibly inviting.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Once out of the oven, add optional fresh arugula or parsley on top for a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor. Slice your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe into wedges and serve it warm—perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking bites during a cozy night in.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like arugula or parsley not only elevates the presentation but also introduces a refreshing contrast to the rich toppings. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese can beautifully enhance the savory-sweet balance for an extra gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overpower its robust flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a warm butternut squash soup can complement the meal and round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional slice! Serve your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe as bite-sized appetizers by cutting into small squares or strips for parties. You can also layer it on flatbread for informal gatherings or pack it in a lunchbox to enjoy at work with a smile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This way, you’ll have a quick and tasty meal ready to be enjoyed again without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze baked slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can keep for up to 1 month and makes for a fantastic grab-and-go meal when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore its crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked turkey for this pizza?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into something exciting and new, making the most of your cooked turkey with minimal prep.
What type of cranberry sauce should I use?
You can use either whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce depending on your texture preference. Both add that delightful tart sweetness that pairs beautifully with turkey.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the turkey and consider adding roasted vegetables or extra cheese to keep the pizza hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it up to a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature and bake as directed for the best results.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly but still complement the other ingredients nicely.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe will feel like rediscovering your favorite holiday flavors in a whole new way. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with personality—the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around, share stories, and make new memories. Give it a go and watch it become a cherished classic in your kitchen repertoire.
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Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Turkey and Cranberry Pizza is a perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a delicious, savory treat. Combining the tartness of cranberry sauce with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, topped with tender cooked turkey and red onion, this pizza offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Finished with a sprinkle of dried thyme and an optional fresh arugula or parsley topping, it’s a festive yet easy-to-make main course that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough
- Olive oil for brushing
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh arugula or parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly; this ensures a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or oval shape. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper to make transferring easier.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to help prevent sogginess and add flavor.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the oiled dough, providing a sweet and tangy base layer.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Place small dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce to add creamy richness.
- Top with Turkey and Mozzarella: Distribute the shredded or chopped cooked turkey and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza.
- Add Red Onion and Seasoning: Scatter the thinly sliced red onion across the top, sprinkle the dried thyme, and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza along with the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Final Touch: Remove the pizza from the oven and optionally top with fresh arugula or parsley for added freshness and color.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into portions and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from holidays.
- For a gourmet touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle goat cheese on top before baking.
- Use whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce based on your preference for texture and sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute fresh herbs if dried thyme is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
