If you have some leftover turkey and a craving for something wonderfully festive yet simple, the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together the savory flavors of tender turkey, the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, and the melty goodness of mozzarella, all atop a perfectly crisp pizza crust. It’s a delightful twist that balances comfort and creativity, making your leftover meal feel brand new and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role in creating a harmonious flavor and texture combination. From the creamy cheeses to the bright baby spinach and the fragrant rosemary, every component contributes to a pizza that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A quick base that crisps up nicely and holds all your toppings perfectly.
- Leftover cooked turkey: Shredded turkey adds savory, tender bites that make this pizza satisfying.
- Cranberry sauce: Brings a sweet-tart contrast that complements the richness of the turkey and cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and creates that classic pizza gooeyness you love.
- Crumbled goat cheese (optional): Adds tangy creaminess and a bit of gourmet flair.
- Baby spinach leaves: Fresh greens that keep the pizza light and add lovely color.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp, crisp bite with just the right amount of bite.
- Olive oil: Brushed on the crust for a golden, crispy texture and extra richness.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional): Infuses the pizza with earthy, pine-like fragrance that’s perfect for fall and winter.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature is key to getting the crust crispy and the cheese bubbling to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Place your pizza crust on a baking sheet or a pizza stone. Next, brush the crust with olive oil. This little step ensures your base becomes beautifully golden and crisp rather than soggy once topped and baked.
Step 3: Spread the Cranberry Sauce
Take about half a cup of cranberry sauce and spread it evenly all over the pizza crust. This acts like your pizza sauce here, adding a unique sweet and tangy layer that you won’t find in traditional pies.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings
Next, sprinkle the shredded turkey evenly on top of the cranberry sauce. Add handfuls of baby spinach leaves and scatter the thinly sliced red onions for bright, fresh flavor and texture contrast.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings. If you’re using goat cheese, crumble it evenly across the pizza now to introduce that creamy tangy note we all love.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and a golden, crisp crust that makes every bite a delight.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, pull the pizza out and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy. This step elevates the aroma and flavor just perfectly.
How to Serve Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary is a classic garnish for this pizza, but feel free to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and tanginess. A few extra baby spinach leaves can also freshen up each slice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a simple bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy meal. The sides should balance the richness of the pizza without overpowering the unique cranberry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve it as finger food. You can also assemble mini versions on English muffins or flatbreads for a fun appetizer. Playing with presentation makes the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the crust crisp by placing a paper towel underneath the slices to soak up any moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza after baking by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic quick meal option for later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of pre-made crust?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will add an extra personal touch to your Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe. Just be sure to roll it out evenly and pre-bake slightly if needed to avoid a soggy bottom.
Is cranberry sauce necessary for this pizza?
While cranberry sauce is what makes this recipe unique, you could experiment with substitutes like a fig jam or apricot preserves for a different but similarly sweet and tangy twist.
Can this pizza be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and add hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even chickpeas to keep it flavorful and filling.
What cheese works best on this pizza?
Shredded mozzarella is the classic choice for meltiness, but mixing in goat cheese adds a lovely tang that complements the cranberry beautifully.
How do I make this pizza spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes either before baking or sprinkle some fresh chili slices on top to bring a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet cranberry sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making the Turkey and Cranberry Pizza Recipe is like giving your leftovers a deliciously festive makeover that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress anyone at the table. It’s easy, fast, and full of flavor—perfect for any day you want a cozy, comforting meal with a special twist. Give it a try and watch this become one of your new favorite ways to enjoy turkey!
