Part of the allure of Thanksgiving dinner are the leftovers afterward: turkey sandwiches stacked high with cranberry sauce and stuffing, vegetable sides and remaining white meat simmered into a hearty soup, microwaved mini-feasts…I could keep going until I drool on my keyboard.
Each year, I can count on plenty of these meals, since my father makes it his personal quest to roast the largest bird he can buy (a mission I fully support). This year’s turkey weighs a whopping 41 pounds, which guarantees more than enough leftovers to create all of the aforementioned dishes PLUS something new, different and gloriously gluttonous.
The Thanksgiving Pizza was born while my boyfriend and his roommate admired some of the ridiculous treats on Thisiswhyyourefat.com and making their travel plans for that great American holiday. That alone should tell you that this isn’t the healthiest dish, but it IS mouthwateringly delicious. Just enjoy it in moderation, okay?
Kitchen gadgets needed: baking sheet, saucepan, ladle, oven, oven mitts
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
- One premade pizza crust (or make it from scratch using this recipe)
- 1 cup shredded turkey
- 1 cup gravy
- 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup stuffing
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
NOTE: These are just rough amounts — use as much or as little as you want, and take some freedoms to add or subtract ingredients as you see fit. This dish is yours; own it.
Time commitment: 13-15 minutes
Steps:
1. Pour the gravy into a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer on medium heat. If the gravy is a little too thick and gelatinous for you, stir in a few tablespoons of water as it reheats. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Roll out the premade dough so it’s about 1/4-inch thick and place it on the baking sheet. Next, smooth a light layer of gravy on top, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge of the pie.
3. From there, add a light layer of mashed potatoes, then pepper the pizza with small dollops of stuffing, cranberry sauce and shredded turkey. Feel free to experiment and add whatever you want. Peas? Go for it! Green bean casserole? Why not? Honey-glazed carrots? Sure. French silk pie? Don’t push it.
4. Drizzle on a little extra gravy to keep the pie from getting too dry, then place it in the oven. Twist the dial down to 425 degrees, and let it bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly golden.
Let the pizza cool before serving. You may have to fight your friends for a second slice.
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