Irresistible Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe with Easy Mashed Potato Crust

Posted on October 17, 2025

The smell of roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes wafting through your kitchen is pure holiday magic, isn’t it? But what if I told you that you could bring all those comforting Thanksgiving flavors together in one dish—with a creative twist? Enter: the Thanksgiving pizza with mashed potato crust. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and inventive, and honestly, it’s so good you might want to make it year-round.

I first stumbled upon this idea after Thanksgiving when I had a mountain of leftovers and no desire to eat them the same way for the third day in a row. The result was an utterly indulgent pizza that combined all my favorite holiday flavors—mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and even cranberry sauce—into one glorious bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a fridge-cleaner, and a conversation starter all rolled into one. Trust me, this recipe will completely transform how you think about Thanksgiving leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creative Use of Leftovers: Tired of the same reheated Thanksgiving dinner? This pizza reinvents those leftovers into something that feels new and exciting.
Mashed Potato Crust: Forget traditional dough—this crust is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
Quick & Easy: With pre-cooked Thanksgiving ingredients, this pizza comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adapt it to fit your dietary needs.
Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s feeding guests the day after Thanksgiving or impressing friends with a creative dish during the season, this pizza always gets rave reviews.
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, cheesy mashed potatoes, and crispy stuffing topping is an explosion of flavors.

This isn’t just a fun idea—it’s a recipe that delivers on taste, texture, and ease. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a touch of holiday magic.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple Thanksgiving staples and a few pantry basics to create something truly special. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Mashed Potatoes: About 2 cups of creamy, seasoned mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made).
Shredded Turkey: 1-2 cups, cooked and shredded (light or dark meat works).
Cranberry Sauce: ¼ cup for drizzling (homemade or store-bought).
Stuffing: 1 cup, crumbled (this adds a lovely crunchy texture).
Shredded Cheese: 1-1½ cups of mozzarella or cheddar (or a mix of both for extra gooeyness).
Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten (helps bind the mashed potato crust).
All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup (use almond flour for a gluten-free option).
Butter: 1 tablespoon, melted (for brushing the crust edges).
Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Optional Garnishes: Chopped parsley, fried onions, or even a drizzle of gravy.

If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t worry—this recipe is super forgiving. You can easily swap or omit toppings based on what you have on hand.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Thanksgiving pizza, but having the right tools will make the process even easier.

Baking Sheet or Pizza Pan: A sturdy surface for baking your pizza.
Mixing Bowls: To combine the mashed potato crust ingredients.
Spatula: For spreading the mashed potato mixture evenly.
Cheese Grater: If you’re shredding fresh cheese.
Whisk: For beating the eggs smoothly.

If you don’t have a pizza pan, a regular baking sheet works just fine. And while a spatula is helpful, you can also use the back of a spoon to spread the mashed potatoes.

Preparation Method

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking sheet or pizza pan.
Prepare the Mashed Potato Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mashed potatoes, 2 beaten eggs, ¼ cup of flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
Shape the Crust: Spread the mashed potato mixture onto your greased baking sheet, forming a round or rectangular crust about ½ inch thick. Brush the edges with melted butter for a golden finish.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it starts to firm up slightly.
Add the Toppings: Spread shredded cheese evenly over the crust, followed by the shredded turkey. Sprinkle crumbled stuffing on top and drizzle with cranberry sauce.
Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with parsley or drizzle with gravy for extra flavor.
Serve Hot: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing, then serve warm and enjoy!

This pizza comes together quickly, but don’t be afraid to pause and adjust as needed. If your mashed potato crust feels too soft, sprinkle a little extra flour. And if you love crispy edges, bake the crust a minute or two longer.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Use Well-Seasoned Mashed Potatoes: Bland potatoes will result in a bland crust, so be sure your mash is flavorful before you start.
Don’t Skip Pre-Baking: This step ensures the mashed potato crust holds together and doesn’t turn soggy under the toppings.
Crispy Stuffing Magic: For the best crunch, use day-old stuffing crumbles and spread them evenly across the pizza.
Cheese Placement: Place cheese directly on the crust before adding other toppings to create a gooey barrier.
Watch the Oven: Since mashed potatoes brown easily, keep an eye on the edges during baking.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but little tweaks can make all the difference. Trust me, once you perfect the crust texture and topping combo, you’ll be hooked!

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey and stuffing, and load up on roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and caramelized onions.
Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for the crust and swap cranberry sauce for sugar-free jam.
Holiday Twist: Add a layer of gravy or drizzle it over the toppings before baking for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

I once made a version with barbecue turkey instead of traditional roasted turkey, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer! Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite holiday flavors.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Thanksgiving pizza is best served hot, straight from the oven. Here are a few serving and storage tips:

Serving Temperature: Serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and crispy stuffing.
Pairings: Serve with a light salad or a glass of sparkling apple cider for a festive touch.
Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is packed with holiday flavors but also offers some surprising nutritional perks:

High in Protein: Turkey and cheese provide a solid protein boost.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free stuffing for a fully gluten-free pizza.
Rich in Vitamins: Mashed potatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

While this pizza is definitely indulgent, it’s also surprisingly balanced. And hey, it’s Thanksgiving—enjoy it guilt-free!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to make your Thanksgiving leftovers exciting again, this Thanksgiving pizza with mashed potato crust is the answer. It’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a recipe that can be tweaked endlessly to fit your tastes.

I love this recipe because it feels like a celebration of the season, combining all the best holiday flavors into one bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and every slice brings back memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you made it your own! Drop a comment below and share your favorite toppings or variations. Happy Thanksgiving!

FAQs

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crust and toppings separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have stuffing?

No problem—just skip it or replace it with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for crunch.

Can I freeze the mashed potato crust?

Absolutely! Freeze the crust after pre-baking, then thaw and add toppings before finishing in the oven.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking?

Make sure to grease your pan well and consider using parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes make a fantastic alternative for a slightly sweeter and colorful crust.

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Thanksgiving pizza recipe