Golden Leftover Turkey Pizza

Created on November 4th, 2026 at 07:43 am

Introduction: Christmas Leftovers Pizza With Turkey

The Perfect Post-Holiday Meal

After the whirlwind of holiday feasting, you might find yourself with a fridge full of leftovers and a craving for something different. Enter our Golden Leftover Turkey Pizza, a delightful fusion of festive flavors and classic pizza goodness. This recipe transforms your leftover turkey into a delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s the perfect post-holiday meal that combines convenience with creativity, giving you a break from the usual turkey sandwiches.

Our holiday pizza is not just about utilizing leftovers; it’s about celebrating the essence of the season with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy pizza night at home, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pizza, incorporating all the beloved flavors of Thanksgiving in a new, exciting form. For more inspiration, check out Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy leftover turkey pizza is a game-changer for your holiday meals. With its crispy crust, savory turkey, and a medley of seasonal toppings, each slice is a burst of holiday cheer. The recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to incorporate various leftover side dishes as toppings. Plus, it’s a quick solution for busy post-holiday days, offering a delicious meal in under an hour.

Using widely available US ingredients, this turkey pizza recipe is crafted to bring Italian-American flair to your kitchen. You’ll love the balance of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the joy of turning leftovers into something extraordinary. It’s a dish that brings the family together, creating new holiday memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following essential ingredients: leftover turkey (shredded or chopped), pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and your favorite tomato sauce. These form the foundation of your turkey pizza recipe, offering a delicious base to build upon.

The beauty of this holiday pizza is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the quantities based on the leftovers you have, ensuring nothing goes to waste. If you’re making dough from scratch, remember that fresh dough will give you the best texture and flavor.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Consider adding cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy twist, roasted vegetables for added texture, or even some stuffing for a truly festive pizza experience. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Variations are endless, allowing you to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. You might also try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavors. Each variation offers a new taste adventure, making it a versatile addition to your holiday meal repertoire.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

If you’re using store-bought dough, allow it to reach room temperature before beginning. For homemade dough, prepare it according to your preferred recipe, allowing it to rise and become pliable. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, keeping in mind that a thinner crust will bake faster and offer a crisper texture.

Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a golden hue during baking.

Assembling the Pizza

Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the base, leaving a small border for the crust. Evenly distribute the shredded turkey over the sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese. Add any additional toppings you’ve chosen, ensuring they’re spread out for even cooking.

Don’t be afraid to pile on the toppings – this is where you get to showcase your creativity and make the pizza truly your own. Just remember to keep them balanced to ensure even cooking without overwhelming the crust.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t burn.

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making for cleaner slices and a better eating experience.

Pro Tips

Elevate your leftover turkey pizza with these professional tips:

• Maximize flavor by seasoning your turkey with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs before adding it to the pizza.
• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
• Enhance the cheesy goodness by mixing in some parmesan or feta with the mozzarella.
• If using vegetables as toppings, sauté them lightly beforehand to bring out their flavors and prevent sogginess.

One key tip is to let your dough rest after rolling it out. This relaxes the gluten and prevents shrinkage during baking, resulting in a perfectly shaped pizza every time.

For more holiday-inspired leftover ideas, check out our Christmas Leftover Turkey Cheese Pasta Bake recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings for Your Pizza

Pair your Golden Leftover Turkey Pizza with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza. A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon adds a refreshing touch to your meal.

For a complete holiday-inspired meal, consider serving alongside a Turkey Cranberry Pizza or a Cranberry Apple Dessert Pizza for a sweet finish.

Creative Leftover Ideas

If you have more leftovers to use up, consider creating a turkey and cranberry sandwich or a hearty turkey soup. These alternatives provide variety and ensure your holiday meals continue to delight well after the main event.

Leftover pizza slices also make for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day. Simply reheat in the oven or on a skillet to retain their delicious texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

Each slice of this festive pizza offers approximately 320 calories, perfect for satisfying hunger without overindulging. It provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to keep you energized throughout the day.

The nutritional profile can vary based on the toppings used, but rest assured, this pizza remains a wholesome choice for those looking to enjoy holiday flavors in a healthier format.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains dairy and gluten, which are common allergens. For those with dietary restrictions, consider using a gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate your needs.

Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary requirements, and don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions to make this dish suitable for everyone at your table.

Golden Leftover Turkey Pizza

Sofia Russo

Transform your holiday leftovers into a delicious pizza with this easy recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 pizza stone or baking sheet
• 1 Rolling Pin
• 1 Spatula

Ingredients

  

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough homemade or store-bought
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce optional
• 1/2 cup roasted vegetables optional

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Bring pizza dough to room temperature if using store-bought. Roll out dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
• Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.

Assemble the Pizza

• Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Distribute shredded turkey on top of the sauce.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza. Add optional toppings like cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables.

Baking

• Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Serving

• Remove pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into 8 pieces and serve warm.

Storage

• Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet for best results.

Notes

Pro Tips: Pre-bake the dough for extra crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
How to Serve: Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Best consumed within 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare dough in advance and freeze for later use.

Keyword holiday pizza, thanksgiving pizza, turkey pizza recipe

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