12 Thanksgiving Pizza Ideas to Wow Your Guests This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving usually conjures images of a big table filled with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, but who says you have to stick to the script?

If you’re looking for a way to surprise and delight your guests this year, why not transform your traditional Thanksgiving feast into something new and unexpected—like pizza?

Whether hosting a crowd or just looking to breathe fresh life into your leftovers, these 12 Thanksgiving-inspired pizza ideas will elevate your celebration to the next level.

Let’s discover how to fuse two of the world’s most excellent comfort foods, Thanksgiving and pizza!

1. Classic Turkey and Cranberry Pizza

This one’s a crowd favorite because it’s everything you love about Thanksgiving wrapped into one delicious slice.

Leftover turkey is often the star of the Thanksgiving after-party, but instead of the usual sandwiches, why not layer it over a pizza crust and pair it with a tangy cranberry sauce?

The sweetness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. Add mozzarella for creaminess, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle caramelized onions on top for an added depth of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Leftover turkey (shredded or sliced)
• Cranberry sauce (homemade or jarred)
• Mozzarella cheese (grated)
• Caramelized onions (optional)
• Fresh thyme for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the dough.
4. Top with shredded turkey and caramelized onions (if using).
5. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

2. Sweet Potato and Sage Flatbread Pizza

Try the sweet potato and sage flatbread pizza for a more refined and earthy twist on your Thanksgiving dinner. Sweet potatoes are a staple at the Thanksgiving table.

But when mashed and spread on a flatbread, sweet potatoes take on an entirely new life. The soft, creamy texture of the mashed sweet potato contrasts beautifully with the crispy flatbread base.

Crispy fried sage adds a burst of herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness of the potato. Goat cheese brings a slight tang to the dish, making it feel balanced and elegant.

Ingredients:

• Flatbread or pizza dough
• Mashed sweet potatoes (seasoned with butter and salt)
• Goat cheese (crumbled)
• Fresh sage leaves (fried or fresh)
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the flatbread or pizza dough.
3. Sprinkle goat cheese over the top.
4. Add the crispy sage leaves.
5. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a grind of black pepper.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the goat cheese is melted.
7. Slice and serve warm.

3. Stuffing Pizza with Sausage and Herbs

Stuffing is arguably the most flavorful part of a Thanksgiving meal, and when you combine it with pizza, it becomes the ultimate comfort food. The crust is a base for a rich, savory combination of sausage, breadcrumbs, and fragrant herbs like rosemary and sage.

This pizza celebrates textures: crispy pizza dough, crumbly stuffing mix, and juicy sausage come together in every bite. Sprinkle it with parmesan to add a salty, umami punch.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Crumbled Italian sausage (cooked)
• Leftover stuffing or breadcrumb mix
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Mozzarella cheese

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough and spread a thin layer of olive oil over the surface.
3. Scatter cooked sausage evenly across the dough.
4. Sprinkle the leftover stuffing or breadcrumb mix over the top.
5. Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

4. Mashed Potato Pizza Recipe

What could be better than mashed potatoes on pizza? This indulgent option will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Use your mashed potatoes as a creamy base and layer it with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. This pizza is like a loaded baked potato on a crispy crust; every bite is pure comfort food heaven.

The salty bacon complements the richness of the mashed potatoes, while chives and sour cream bring a touch of brightness. This pizza is perfect for those who want a little more decadence in their Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Mashed potatoes (creamy and seasoned)
• Crispy bacon bits
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Chives (chopped)
• Sour cream (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough and spread a layer of mashed potatoes.
3. Scatter crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Garnish with fresh chives and, if desired, a drizzle of sour cream before serving.

5. Pumpkin Ricotta Pizza with Arugula

For a lighter, more elegant option, this pumpkin ricotta pizza offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The smooth, slightly sweet pumpkin puree is a unique base for the pizza. Top it off with a fresh arugula, which adds a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin.

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate this pizza, making it perfect for a starter or appetizer. This combination of flavors offers a refreshing take on traditional Thanksgiving dishes and will impress any foodie.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Pumpkin puree (homemade or canned)
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh arugula
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Sea salt and black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree over the rolled-out pizza dough.
3. Add dollops of ricotta cheese evenly across the pizza.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the ricotta is slightly melted.
6. Top with fresh arugula just before serving for a burst of freshness.

6. Cranberry Brie Pizza with Walnuts

Cranberries and brie are a match made in heaven, and this pizza is no exception. The tartness of the cranberry sauce complements the rich, creamy brie, creating a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience. Adding toasted walnuts provides a satisfying crunch, making this pizza delicious and texturally mesmerizing.

This pizza works beautifully as an appetizer or a lighter main course. The cranberries’ sweetness and the walnuts’ nuttiness play off each other, creating a festive and sophisticated dish to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Cranberry sauce (homemade or jarred)
• Brie cheese (sliced)
• Toasted walnuts
• Fresh rosemary (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough and spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over it.
3. Layer slices of brie cheese evenly over the cranberry sauce.
4. Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the brie is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary for a festive touch.

7. Cornbread and Turkey Pizza

Cornbread is a Thanksgiving staple, and this pizza creatively turns it into a topping! Start with a cornbread crumble, then layer it with shredded turkey and cheese.

The cornbread adds a unique texture and slight sweetness, while the turkey provides that hearty, savory bite. A drizzle of honey after baking ties everything together with an irresistible sweet-savory balance.

If you’re looking for a pizza that captures the essence of a Southern Thanksgiving, this one’s for you. It’s warm, comforting, and the perfect way to use those leftovers.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Leftover cornbread (crumbled)
• Shredded turkey
• Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Honey for drizzling (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough and spread a thin layer of butter or oil over it.
3. Sprinkle crumbled cornbread over the pizza.
4. Add shredded turkey and cheese on top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the cornbread is crispy.
6. Drizzle with honey before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

8. Apple and Cheddar Pizza

Apples and cheddar cheese may sound unusual, but it works. Thinly sliced apples bring a hint of sweetness and tartness, while the sharp cheddar adds a rich, savory depth. A drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar adds a touch of complexity, balancing the flavors perfectly.

This pizza is like a fall harvest on a crust; it’s warm, sweet, savory, and flavorful. Offering something lighter alongside your heavier Thanksgiving dishes is a great option.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith works well)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Honey or balsamic vinegar drizzle

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough and arrange the thinly sliced apples over the dough.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
4. Drizzle with honey or balsamic vinegar.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Slice and serve warm.

9. Pecan and Butternut Squash Pizza

Try this pecan and butternut squash combination for a pizza with fall flavors. Roasted butternut squash brings a natural sweetness, while toasted pecans add a crunchy, nutty element. Top it off with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy contrast, and drizzle some maple syrup to elevate the whole pizza with sweetness.

This hearty and refined pizza is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal. The squash and pecans provide the ultimate fall flavor profile, while the goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Roasted butternut squash (cubed)
• Toasted pecans
• Goat cheese (crumbled)
• Maple syrup for drizzling
• Fresh thyme for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough and spread a thin layer of olive oil over it.
3. Scatter roasted butternut squash evenly across the dough.
4. Sprinkle toasted pecans and crumbled goat cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and the goat cheese slightly melts.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

10. Thanksgiving Leftovers Flatbread Style Pizza

This flatbread pizza is an effortless way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers into a new and exciting meal. Using naan or flatbread as the base, you get a crispy crust that’s light yet sturdy enough to hold all your toppings.

Ingredients:

• Flatbread or naan: Store-bought or homemade, both work great for this recipe
• 1 cup leftover turkey: Shredded for easy topping
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Adds a pop of tart sweetness
• 1/2 cup roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the toppings
• Fresh thyme: For garnish, add a herby freshness
• Olive oil: For drizzling over the crust

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the flatbread: Place the flatbread or naan on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
3. Assemble the pizza:  Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce over the flatbread. Top with shredded turkey, roasted vegetables, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish with thyme: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme for a touch of earthiness.
6. Serve: Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy crust and the rich flavors of the leftovers.

11. Day-After-Thanksgiving Pizza

This pizza is a one-stop solution for all your leftovers, packed into a single slice. Layer gravy, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a pizza crust for a slice of Thanksgiving dinner with every bite. It’s the perfect way to breathe new life into your holiday spread.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough: A thicker crust works well for holding heavier toppings
• 1/2 cup gravy: Use as the sauce
• 1 cup leftover turkey: Shredded
• 1/2 cup stuffing: Crumbled to add texture
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: For a sweet contrast
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts and binds the toppings together
• Fresh parsley: For garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Assemble the pizza:  Roll out the dough and spread the gravy over the surface like pizza sauce. Top with shredded turkey, crumbled stuffing, and dollops of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
3. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
4. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley for color and flavor. Slice and serve.

12. Fellini’s Thanksgiving Pizza

Fellini’s Thanksgiving pizza is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Combining creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and tender turkey, this pizza turns a full Thanksgiving meal into a gourmet slice of pizza heaven.

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough: Thick or thin crust, depending on your preference
• 1/2 cup gravy: Acts as a rich, savory base
• 1 cup mashed potatoes: Spread over the dough
• 1 cup shredded turkey: Layered on top
• 1 cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melty goodness
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: For garnish

How to Make It:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the pizza base: Roll out the pizza dough and spread a layer of gravy over the surface.
3. Layer the toppings: Spread the mashed potatoes over the gravy, then top with shredded turkey. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the pizza.
4. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is golden.
5. Finish with herbs: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving for an aromatic touch.

FAQs

Conclusion: Thanksgiving Pizzas – A New Tradition?

Who says Thanksgiving has to be all about turkey and stuffing? These Thanksgiving pizza ideas bring a creative, modern twist to your traditional holiday feast.

Whether repurposing leftovers or trying something entirely new, these pizzas offer the perfect combination of classic holiday flavors with everyone’s favorite food: pizza!

By incorporating ingredients like turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce, these pizzas capture the essence of Thanksgiving while adding a playful and unexpected element to your meal.

So, this year, start a new tradition with Thanksgiving pizzas that your guests will rave about for years.

ellafoster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.