If you love the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving but want to enjoy them in a new, exciting way, this Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe is the perfect treat. Imagine all your favorite holiday staples layered atop a flaky puff pastry crust, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that transform traditional dishes into a casual, shareable meal. It’s a fantastic way to savor turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more in a fun, unexpected format that will wow your family and friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and familiar, yet each one plays a key role in making this Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe come to life. From the buttery puff pastry base to the savory gravy and crisp French fried onions, every element adds a distinctive flavor or texture that makes this dish truly special.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The flaky, buttery foundation that holds all the delicious toppings together.
- Mashed potatoes (½ cup): Adds creamy comfort and a smooth base layer for the toppings.
- Gravy (5 tbsp, divided): Brings rich, savory moisture that ties all the ingredients into a cohesive bite.
- Corn (¼ cup): Provides a touch of sweetness and pop of color that brightens the pizza visually and in flavor.
- Green bean casserole (¼ cup): Offers earthy notes and classic holiday charm straight from the casserole dish.
- Chopped turkey (½ cup): The star protein that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Stuffing (½ cup): Adds herbaceous, textured layers that deepen the festive flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey, golden pockets that bring richness and a little tang.
- French fried onions (¼ cup): A crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the softness beneath.
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme): Sprinkle at the end to add freshness and an inviting aroma.
How to Make Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400ËšF. While the oven warms, press the thawed puff pastry into a greased tart or pie pan. Take your time trimming the edges neatly; this pastry crust is where the magic all begins, and it should fit snugly to hold your delicious toppings.
Step 2: Add the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Spread ½ cup of creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the puff pastry. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the gravy on top, which will add a savory moisture and help bind the layers together while baking.
Step 3: Layer the Vegetables
Next, layer the corn and green bean casserole evenly over the mashed potatoes. These veggies contribute not just flavor but also an appealing variety in texture and a pop of holiday nostalgia.
Step 4: Add Turkey, Stuffing, and More Gravy
Scatter the chopped turkey and stuffing over the vegetables, then pour the remaining gravy on top. This additional gravy ensures every bite stays moist and packed full of that signature Thanksgiving flavor.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire surface. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add Crispy French Fried Onions and Finish Baking
Remove the pizza briefly and top with the French fried onions. Pop it back in the oven for an extra 3-5 minutes so the onions become perfectly crispy without burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish your Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to add a lovely freshness and aroma that will have everyone eager to grab a slice.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs aren’t just for looks—they brighten every bite. A sprinkle of thyme or parsley adds a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese and gravy, while basil offers a sweet, aromatic lift. Don’t skimp on this finishing touch; it elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes
Since this pizza is already packed with flavors and textures, keep sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts will refresh the palate without overwhelming all the wonderful sections of your festive pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a slate platter with small bowls of extra gravy for dipping. You could even cut it into appetizer-size squares for a holiday party snack. Adding colorful napkins and a few sprigs of fresh herbs around the serving dish will make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Thanksgiving Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and still taste great when reheated. This makes it perfect for enjoying the next day or two without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When wrapped properly, it can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 350ËšF for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust has crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that flaky puff pastry texture everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for the Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is perfect for this pizza and makes the dish a clever way to reinvent holiday leftovers while keeping that classic flavor you adore.
What can I substitute if I don’t have green bean casserole?
If you don’t have green bean casserole on hand, feel free to use fresh steamed green beans mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce, or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a similar savory vibe.
Is puff pastry the only good crust option for this recipe?
While puff pastry provides a beautifully flaky and buttery crust, you can also try using pizza dough or biscuit dough if you prefer a chewier or more rustic base, depending on your taste and available ingredients.
Can I make the Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and use extra vegetables or a vegetarian stuffing. Adding hearty sautéed mushrooms, roasted squash, or even a savory lentil mixture can keep it flavorful and filling.
How do I avoid a soggy crust when making this pizza?
To prevent sogginess, make sure not to overload the pizza with wet ingredients. Spreading the mashed potatoes and gravy thinly and baking the crust first for a few minutes before adding toppings can help keep it crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe is a truly joyous way to celebrate your favorite holiday flavors in a fresh and fun form. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to enjoy that comforting taste of Thanksgiving without all the fuss. I can’t wait for you to make it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved new tradition!
Print
Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Thanksgiving Pizza creatively combines traditional holiday flavors into a savory puff pastry tart. Featuring a crispy puff pastry crust layered with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, turkey, stuffing, and cheddar cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection and topped with crispy French fried onions and fresh herbs for a festive and comforting treat perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 puff pastry sheet (thawed)
Fillings
- ½ cup mashed potatoes
- 5 tbsp gravy (divided)
- ¼ cup corn
- ¼ cup green bean casserole
- ½ cup chopped turkey
- ½ cup stuffing
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings
- ¼ cup French fried onions
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ËšF to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the puff pastry evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Prepare the Crust: Press the thawed puff pastry sheet into a greased tart or pie pan, trimming edges as necessary to fit neatly and create a base for the toppings.
- Layer Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Spread ½ cup of mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom of the pastry, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of gravy to add moisture and flavor.
- Add Vegetable Layers: Evenly layer ¼ cup corn and ¼ cup green bean casserole over the mashed potatoes to incorporate classic Thanksgiving vegetable sides.
- Add Turkey and Stuffing: Scatter ½ cup chopped turkey and ½ cup stuffing on top, then pour the remaining 3 tablespoons of gravy over everything to tie the flavors together.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the layered ingredients to melt and create a rich, savory topping.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add French Fried Onions: Remove the pizza from the oven, top with ¼ cup French fried onions, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions are crispy and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pizza with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme for a bright, fresh finish before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it to prevent cracking.
- Use warmed mashed potatoes and gravy for easier spreading and better integration of flavors.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable layers with your preferred Thanksgiving sides.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the puff pastry crisp and flaky.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried if fresh are unavailable, but add after baking to preserve flavor.
